As a tenant of a leased house or apartment, you may believe your belongings are covered by your landlord's insurance policy. This is almost certainly not true, as most policies taken out by property owners cover only the structure and the on-site equipment needed to maintain it. To protect yourself and your personal property, you need renters insurance. However, this coverage is more expansive than most people know. Here's a closer look at why it's worthwhile to purchase a policy.

Why You Need Renters Insurance

1. Cover Losses of Your Belongings

Renters insurance pays to repair or replace your personal belongings in case of events like fire, storms, falling objects, vandalism, and theft. It covers clothing, electronics, furniture, books, and more. For certain high-value items, like artwork, collectibles, or jewelry, you might have to insure individual pieces separately to make certain you can collect their full value if you must file a claim. 

This protection doesn't just apply inside your home, though. For example, if you lose your expensive laptop in a car break-in or theft that occurs in a hotel room, the renters policy will replace it.

2. Guard Against Liability

Personal liability coverage is another important component of renters insurance. It pays for medical costs if you or a member of your household—including a pet—accidentally injures someone else or damages their property. It also pays for legal expenses, such as lawyer fees, court costs, and judgment amounts arising out of the incident. 

3. Take Care of Additional Living Expenses

A renters policy also helps you pay for temporary housing if your current residence becomes uninhabitable due to a fire, storm, or another covered event. For instance, it could cover your hotel room, restaurant bills, and other costs beyond what you would normally pay for lodging. Some policies even cover personal care products and laundry expenses. 

If you need renters insurance, contact the experts at Barnes & Howell Insurance in Gainesville, GA. Since 1995, they've served clients in and around Hall and Gwinnett counties, specializing in homeowners, auto, motorcycle, and boat insurance, as well as SR-22 and title bonds. They represent more than 50 providers, so they'll search through their broad network to find you the best policy at the lowest price. Learn more about them on their website or call (770) 718-0202 to request a renters insurance quote.