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Renters Insurance: A Good Policy To Have?
It can be a devastating realization: Needing renters insurance to cover a disaster and not having it. Officials say too many renters don't protect their property. Reporter: Natasha TrelfaEmail Address: natasha.trelfa@kake.com |
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Whether it's storm damage or a fire, renters insurance can help you get back on your feet. One national survey estimates 2/3 of renters go without insurance. Now one local agency is working to educate people on its importance before it's too late.
"I don't see the need for having it. My landlord has it," said Deanna Roach, who rents an apartment.
"We've never really thought of it," said Coby Garci, who rents a townhouse.
"I didn't know anything about it, but we're looking into getting it now," said Elizabeth Fair, who rents an apartment.
"It was scary to find out how many tenants did not have coverage," said Kayla Jean Mitchell, an agency manager for Roger's Insurance Agency.
Renters insurance can mean the difference between starting over or being left with no way to rebuild.
"It's not until a catastrophic event happen that mass pandemonium ensues," said Mitchell.
For the past year Mitchell has helped spearhead meetings to educate renters about insurance. She said she sees two major myths that often lead to trouble. 1) That landlords will cover renters, and 2) If renters have insurance they don't have enough.
Agents estimate most people have at least $20,000 worth of property. That's everything from furniture to prescriptions. They claim buying replacement cost instead of actual value coverage could make replacing your belongings easier.
"It was almost like an urban myth whoever owns the buildings will take care of me because I pay my rent," said Mitchell.
While some complexes require renters have insurance, like Highlands Square Apartments that recently suffered a fire, often times it's up to the renters.
"I feel safest in the respect that I have the insurance," said Nancy Prior, who rents a townhouse.
"It's important that you could replace your items should something happen to them," said Kathy Michaels, who rents an apartment.
While policy prices depend on the client's needs, renters insurance is a decision many say is worth the money, especially when the worst happens.
"It's hard enough to maintain what you have but it's even harder to start over with no support," said Mitchell.
Mitchell hopes to hold five or six more meetings in the next month. If you would like more information on the meetings or about renters insurance, we've posted information below.
Farmers: Roger's Insurance Agency
Kayla Jean Mitchell
316-425-0048
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