According to the Insurance Information Institute (iii.org), water damage is the second most common cause of property damage. Yet, 63% of renters do not have renter’s insurance. Many tenants presume their landlord's insurance policy will cover the damage to their belongings. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
A landlord's insurance covers repairs to the building itself, not the renter's personal possessions. With winter’s chill upon us, if a pipe were to freeze and break thus flooding the apartment’s interior, the landlord would be responsible for repairing the pipe and any damage to the structure. As a tenant, you would be responsible for replacing your personal property.
Or let’s flip that around. Let’s say you caused the water damage due to an overflowing tub or sink causing water damage not only to your apartment, but to other units in the building as well. A renter’s policy can protect you from property damage to others.
Renters insurance covers your personal property in the event of a disaster. And it’s not expensive. The average policy, depending on coverage is about $20 per month for $20,000 policy, according to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.
What to do if you have a water loss:
- Take photos and/or video of the damaged property. And don't throw anything away until your claims adjuster has completed an inspection.
And if you don't have renter’s insurance, definitely call us now at 508-347-9343!
