I have decided I probably need renter's insurance, any recommendations?

I would look for recommendations for an independent insurance agent from friends or colleagues and talk to them about your needs. Tenant’s insurance is not very expensive.

If you are eligeable get USAA, you would have to have had a parent in the military or some military service of your own. Aside from that I would just call 2 or 3 and pick one. All State, State Farm. Renters insurance is not very expensive. Renters insurance just covers your furniture, clothing, maybe food in your fridge if there is a big power outage if it is really comprehensive. You will want to find out if it covers you in case of a flood? Flood from a storm or from water pipes. Also, it probably will only cover up to $1000 worth of jewelry, you need seperate jewelry insurance if you have some rings and watches worth lots more. Also, there is a difference between being covered for what your stuff is worth and what it will cost to replace. Get replacement coverage.

I have only had renters insurance once, so I don’t remember well what it covered, but when you call a few companies have a list of questions ready and they will help you. They will also tell you stuff you might not have even thought of. And, hopefully more people with more knowledge will answer here.

Take pictures of all of your stuff.

If you have car insurance, I would check with the agency you are using for that first. Most insurance companies give discounts when you have multiple coverages. We have renter’s insurance through USAA and we love them, but not everyone is eligible for them. If you don’t have car insurance, I would call around to get quotes from several different agencies before picking one. Rates vary from location to location. Good luck.

@Seaofclouds I feel so lucky to have USAA. I have known people in the insurance business and even they say how lucky I am to have it.

The only thing I know about insurance in general is read the contract closely so you know exactly what you’re getting. Sounds obvious but you hear stories all the time about how someone had insurance and then something bad happened, they thought they were covered, and really they were not.

Unfortunately USAA (for certain insurances including renter’s) is only offered to those who are in the military OR if they have a parent who was honorably discharged BUT only if that person is or has been a member. My dad was honorably discharged but is happy with his insurance policy :( thanks for the advice @JLeslie and @Seaofclouds

@JLeslie Me too. I have had nothing but good experiences with them.

@Samantha_Rae Sorry you aren’t eligible for USAA. I hope you can find a good rate for your renter’s insurance.

Make sure what is of value is actually covered.

For example jewelry and guns are often capped. Draft up a couple example scenarios and get an answer in writing. You will instantly confuse your agent by having the audacity to not have understood the fine print of the contract, but then perhaps you need a better agent. In my case, I have a few shockingly expensive bicycles. I made sure to draft up a couple of horrid nightmare scenarios in an e-mail to confirm my coverage:
1.) multiple bikes are stolen from within my home – are there limits like on Jewelry/guns?
2.) bike is stolen from within my car
3.) bike is stolen while locked on a bike rack outside the car
4.) bike is stolen from a friends house while I’m visiting
5.) bike is stolen from the beach

Homeowners insurance must fit your actual needs, and can and should be custom tailored to optimized its value. That’s the whole game really. Some diligence up front could provide comfort (and value) for decades.

Without exception (but especially if an unfamiliar company, or extremely cheap) do research the company and customer satisfaction feedback from the various consumer report sites.

Good luck!

We went with Allstate, they seem trustworthy and affordable.

I was the maintenance super on a property that had a fire. We had 23 residents who had to move out. State farm seemed to treat thier customers very well.

My recommendation is that you have it. You can do your own checking for rates. If you have an apartment fire, you will be so glad that your insurance pays for your temporary quarters, besides having your personal property insured.