Renter’s insurance: People’s personal property loss prevention program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Most Airmen don't like paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars to replace personal property, but if anything happens to their property and they do not have renter's insurance that will be the case.

The purpose of renter's insurance is to protect individual's personal property in the event of a fire, robbery or other incidents, depending on the type of coverage.

"Unforeseen events can happen to anyone, often when least expected," said 1st Lt. Gerianne Sanok, 48th Fighter Wing Legal Office Assistant Staff Judge Advocate. "Renter's insurance is the best way to protect your personal belongings in the event of an accident or robbery. So if you like your stuff and don't want to pay to replace everything if damaged or stolen, then give some serious consideration to obtaining renter's insurance."

There are several different types of renter's insurance policies available. Policies should be selected on a case by case basis to suit the customer's needs. Here are a few different insurance options: 

· Moving/Storage - Some policies cover belongings while moving or in storage. Although the government may reimburse you for some of your property if lost or damaged, often the cost of replacement will be more than what the military will cover. 

· Accidental Damage to the Landlord's Property - This covers any minor damage to the building such as spilt red wine on a white carpet. If in the policy, the rental deposit that is paid to the landlord will be protected. 

· Liability Insurance - Some policies allow you to add liability insurance which offers coverage if someone is injured and sues you. This protects you financially if you are liable for property damage or personal injury. 

· Temporary Housing - If your home becomes unlivable due to anything covered under the policy, the insurance may cover the cost of living somewhere else (within limits) until the house is fixed. 

· Vacation - Some policies cover the belongings that you take on vacation with you, such as luggage, cash, camera, etc.

"Renter's insurance is important. If something happens to the house that you're renting or if you are living in base housing, the owner's insurance only covers the house itself or their property that was left in the residence. It doesn't cover the renter's items," said Master Sgt. Dionne Turner, 48th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant. "During a burglary, renter's insurance will assist with reimbursement of items that is replaceable. During a fire, renters insurance can come in handy."

According to Lieutenant Sanok, many people don't think they need renters insurance because they don't have a lot of stuff, but if they sat down and took an inventory of their things, they would find that they actually own more than they thought.

"I am glad that I have renter's insurance, because when I left my previous base, I resided in base housing," said Sergeant Turner. "I was able to hire someone to clean the house and my insurance paid for it. I like renter's insurance and if asked, I would suggest that everyone get it. You know that old saying, better to have and never need it, then to not have it and need it."