Are you protected if the contents in your apartment or storage unit are damaged by fire, water damage, or explosion? 

Unless you have renter's insurance, maybe not.

If a disaster happens to your rental unit, your landlord's insurance will only cover the dwelling.  It does not cover your personal property.

If you are renting a house, apartment or storage unit, it is a good idea to contact a property and casualty agent to ask about how to protect your contents in the event of theft, fire, water damage, and other perils.

Before purchasing a policy, take some time to:

• Document all of your belongings, and provide an estimate of their value to your insurer.  It also a good idea to keep a copy of this inventory at a location away from home, in case it is needed later for a claim.

• Ask if a separate rider or policy is needed to cover jewelry, computers, or other unique valuables.

• Ask about replacement coverage verses actual  cash value for items lost or damaged.

• Ask about coverage for relocation costs while your dwelling is being rebuilt or repaired. And

• Ask about deductible options.  The higher your deductible, the lower your premium is likely to be.
 
For more information about purchasing renter's insurance or selecting an agent, visit the website for the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.