College students are just settling in for the fall semester and renters insurance probably isn’t a hot topic. But it’s a safeguard worth considering given the smartphones, laptops and other pricey belongings students own these days.
Here’s a look at the ins and outs of renters insurance:
The Basics
Students living in a dorm, sorority or frat house are usually covered as part of their parents’ homeowners or renters insurance. But the coverage amount may be limited, in many cases to 10 percent of the value, so it’s a good idea to check with providers about the policy details.
Anyone opting for an off-campus apartment will need to get a separate policy.
Costs will vary depending on location, the type of policy and other factors. But on average consumers pay $176 a year for renters insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Policies typically provide about $30,000 in coverage, including items stolen from a car. Most policies also include personal liability coverage in case anyone slips and falls in the apartment.
The Details
Renters can opt for a cash value policy or a replacement value policy.
A cash value policy pays out the value of the property at the time it was damaged or stolen; a replacement value policy, which costs about 10 percent more, pays out an amount needed to replace the belongings.
To avoid any complications, it’s important to keep a record of the belongings that might need to be replaced. This could be a simple list of items with photographs or even a room-by-room video of the apartment with a voiceover describing the brand and model of significant belongings. The record should be kept in a safe location away from the apartment. Without such a record, agents may interview neighbors or friends to confirm claims for pricey or unusual items.
Note that most renters insurance policies don’t cover losses incurred by a flood or an earthquake; coverage for those events can be purchased separately.
For more information, go to:
Insurance Information Institute: www.iii.org
III’s Know Your Stuff: www.knowyourstuff.org
National Association of Insurance Commissioners: www.naic.org
