Renters Insurance in Richmond, VA
Renters insurance can provide you with needed financial protection against adverse circumstances, whether it’s covering your personal belongings in case of damage or ensuring you’re protected if someone is injured in your residence. If you need renters insurance, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your renters insurance options or to get a quote.
What Is Renters Insurance?
Renters insurance provides protection against property loss and liability if you cause injury or property damage. To learn more about what that means, we’ve covered some basics about each.
- Property protection—Renters insurance covers your possessions against damage for things such as fire, smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft and water damage—but not flooding—to name a few. It also extends beyond on-premise theft and hazards, covering property that is stolen from your car or lost or damaged anywhere you happen to be. Talk to your agent today to learn more additional property protection options, such as flood and earthquake insurance and scheduled items riders.
- Liability protection— The liability portion of a renters insurance policy helps protect against claims of third-party bodily injury or property damage caused by you or another person listed as insured on your policy. It may also help pay for medical bills if someone has an injury in your rental. Liability also provides coverage for legal defense costs and judgments in a lawsuit, whether the incident occurred within your rented residence, or elsewhere.
Some renters insurance policies pay a tenant’s temporary living costs if they need to live elsewhere because of a fire, severe storm or other covered disaster. This coverage may include hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals and other living expenses. Talk with your insurer about whether your renters insurance has this inclusion.
When to Get Renters Insurance
You should get renters insurance before moving into a new rental, ideally as soon as you sign the lease. Having coverage in place from day one helps ensure your belongings and liability are covered. Maintaining continuous coverage throughout your tenancy is also wise to avoid gaps that could leave you financially exposed.
How Does Renters Insurance Work?
Renters insurance covers your personal property, liability, and additional living expenses if a covered event makes your home uninhabitable. When damage or loss occurs, you file a claim and pay your deductible before the insurer reimburses you up to your policy limits. The coverage does not include the building, which is the landlord’s responsibility.
Do Landlords Require Renters Insurance?
Landlords are legally allowed to require renters insurance as part of a lease agreement, even though it’s not mandated by state or federal law.
How to Get Renters Insurance
Whether you call a rented house, condo or apartment your home, you can benefit from renters insurance. Call us today to learn more about renters insurance or to get a no-obligation quote.
