Renter's Insurance???

Question

My property manager at my apartment building just notified me that I have 30 days to provide proof of renter's insurance (minimum $50,000 in liability coverage). I've never heard of a building requiring this before and it seems ridiculous to me! Is this a typical requirement of renters that I'm just unaware of???

By the way they recommend Assurant (http://www.directrenterins.com)

Answer 1

Its legal only if its on the lease.  But, its not uncommon to require you to buy insurance on the property..

Answer 2

Many landlords require tenants to have their own renters' insurance.  Too many people seem to think that their landlord's insurance will cover them if their place gets broken into, etc. Newsflash: it DOESN'T!

BTW - renters' insurance is at most $50 a month, depending on your coverage. Most are around $15 a month or so.  

Answer 3

Renter's Ins is a MUST HAVE. It only cost a few bucks a month and it is wonderful. It protects you in case of disaster, fire and theft. You can also get protection against identity theft. It's worth every cent. I've never heard of a apartment requiring it before but it's really in your best interest.

But if your apartment is flooded or on fire, you will never regret having renters ins. Call a few places and compare rates. I would start with the company you have your car ins at because they can give you a discount for bundling your ins policies.  

Answer 4

With everyone suing nearly everyone these days it's becoming more common for landlords to require renter's insurance. They are trying to protect themselves from lawsuits.

The best place to get renter's insurance is from your auto insurance agent. Many auto insurance companies also have renter's and you get a discount having both. In many cases the discount on your auto insurance will more than pay for the renter's insurance.

Answer 5

Take a very good look at your lease. Landlords can require renters insurance if you have a dish or a pet. Depending on your state, you may have recourse against the landlord. Talk with an atty if your landlord pushes. Most renters insurance only cover your property in the residence and an amount in liability. It would appear they want a secondary coverage liability wise.

Answer 6

Renters insurance is the best insurance bargain out there. For $10 to $15 a month you get protection for your own personal property, but more importantly you get liability coverage to cover you if you mess up and damage the place you are renting.

By the way $50,000 is way too little liability coverage. I would suggest at least $300K.

The main reason the landlord wants you to have coverage is to pay for damages you may cause. It's also the main reason you NEED the coverage. I see tons of claims where renters damage the apt or house they are renting - fires are the big one, candles, cigarettes and cooking fires. If you cause any damages like this you legally owe for them. If you don't have renters liability coverage then you get stuck re-paying the landlord's insurance company for the damages on a monthly basis to the tune of $150 to $400 per month. I always tell people it's like making a car payment but without getting the car.  

Like the agent above said go to your car insurance company and get the renters insurance you may qualify for a small discount.