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How to Protect Your Personal Property


Property Insurance

Potret Kuli - You can take every precaution to protect your property using alarms, locks, etc., but some losses are simply unavoidable.  Fires and natural disasters strike without warning, and even the best locks and alarms won’t always protect you from a professional thief.  There are also situations in which you may be personally liable to another person for injury caused by you or your property.

The three most common types of insurance used to protect against personal property and liability risks are homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, automobile insurance, and personal umbrella insurance

Renters Insurance
Renters are just as prone as homeowners when it comes to facing a disaster. Therefore, it is in the renters' best interest to protect their assets.

Before you feel you don't have much to insure, think of all the electronics you own, such as laptops, tablets, audio players, DVD players, televisions, stereo equipment, surround sound, etc. This one category of belongings can total thousands of dollars very easily. Now figure in jewelry, collectibles, decorative items, fine china, DVDs, CDs, clothing, linens, small appliances... the list goes on! Furniture often seems to not be worth much after you've owned it for a few years, but the money it would take to replace it will certainly place a huge amount on your credit card if you don't have the funds to pay cash for it. Therefore, anything you can't afford to purchase with cash is worth protecting.

Homeowner’s insurance will cover most types of damage to your home and most types of personal property (excluding cars), as well as liabilities for occurrences such as someone tripping on your steps and incurring medical bills.  Numerous exclusions apply; damage due to flooding, for example, typically must be covered by a separate policy, and high-value items such as jewelry and paintings will require an appraisal and a “rider” (an addendum to the policy).  Homeowner’s insurance is required if you have a mortgage.  Renter’s insurance will similarly cover your personal property and liabilities.

Before buying property insurance, make sure you read and understand your policy.  Having a renters insurance policy and an inventory won't prevent a loss, but they will help you protect your assets. Having the proper insurance, being fully covered, and then being able to prove it will make your claims process smoother and with much less stress.