By Patrick McCarran
Real Estate Broker
It is a common misconception that the landlords’ or owners policy will cover the tenant’s possessions but that is false. A basic renter’s insurance policy is usually just a few hundred dollars a YEAR.
Perhaps you are in bed sleeping soundly and a rusty pipe bursts, drenching everything in dirty water or you turn away from the stove for just a brief moment, only to come back to a grease fire? You take your family to the movies only to come back to find your home ransacked and empty. This is a tragedy that does not have to happen. In the event of calamities such as these and more the owner’s policy will only cover the owner’s property. If you are the tenant you may have lost everything including the roof over your head in an instant. The renter’s policy may be used to replace your belongings and often pay for temporary housing or loss of use. Coverage is also provided for personal liability protection and medical payments to others.
But wait there is more, remember when we talked about that fire, what if the bathtub or sink overflowed. Would you be responsible? If there is bodily injury or property damage to someone else, you may responsible through negligence if any of these incidents are deemed your fault.
Can someone sue for damage caused by your negligence if there’s nothing to take? Yes. We live in California, where anyone can and often will sue anyone for anything and everything. You might not have anything to take today, but the person holding that judgement will sit on it, renew it as necessary, and pounce when there’s finally something to collect. Is that the shadow you want to live under?
And don’t forget about other nearby homes and their insurance companies that are going to look at your assets, and your future earnings to recoup their loss.
How does the thought of giving half your paycheck to the other residents of the building for the next fifty years sound simply because you didn’t have California renters’ insurance liability coverage?
Some basic Tips.
- Shop around for homeowners insurance. Compare prices, service, and coverage.
- Provide complete and accurate information to your agent or broker when requesting a quote or completing an insurance application.
- Read before signing. Make certain the policy reflects the limits and deductibles, coverage purchased, keep a copy of all signed documents in a safe place with other vital records.
- Ask the broker or agent to explain any wording you find confusing.
- Keep an inventory of personal property, listing all of the items you own, the dates purchased, and the price. If possible, take pictures of important and valuable items. You may want to videotape your home and possessions as well. Keep these records in a safe place away from home, preferably in a safe-deposit box, the cloud, or a relative’s house. And remember to update periodically.
- A Home Inventory Guide is available on the internet or drop me an email.
- Remember that most policies cover replacement cost not current value so just because your furniture may have seen better days does not mean its worthless.
- If you have anything of unique values such as an antique furniture or collector items tell you agent you may need a rider for additional coverage
You won’t know until you get a quote so get peace of mind — and full protection —
call your insurance company today!
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker He can be contact by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www.CallPatrick.com. Each office independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.
