Coverage provided by renters insurance and do I need other coverage for my rental

If you live in a rental, it is just as important that you have insurance to protect your possessions as if you are a homeowner. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV, we are an independent insurance agency, and we offer our customers the most choices and the best rates available. You may think you have complete rental insurance coverage, but you would be wrong.

Rental insurance provides some basic coverage: content coverage, liability coverage, and loss of use coverage. All of these are very important and do provide good coverage, but perhaps not complete coverage.

Flood Insurance

Renters insurance, like home insurance, does not cover damage due to flooding. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you need to purchase additional flood coverage to be protected. You can buy flood insurance for content only.

Excess Amounts of Electronics or Jewelry

The basic renter’s policy has a minimal amount of content coverage for jewelry and electronics. If you have some valuable pieces of either, you need to add a rider to your policy to protect the jewelry and electronics. You should get an appraisal of your jewelry so there will be no questions if you need to make a claim on your policy. Also, having sales slips for electronics helps.

Umbrella Coverage

Umbrella coverage is excess liability that takes over when you reach the limit of your original policy. It will cover both your rental and auto policy; if you are sued, it will help pay the judgment and the legal fees as well. It is an extra layer of protection that most people can benefit from.

Contact our Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia office in Kingwood, WV to discuss your insurance needs.

Renters Insurance: For Those Who Don’t Own Their Homes

Today, more people are renting than ever, and there are also many reasons. From the convenience of being able to pick up and move easily to having the luxury of property management services (because nobody likes to mow their grass on 90-degree days), renting is becoming more popular daily. That also means that the need for protection, such as renters insurance, is also becoming more important, which is why people in and around Kingwood, WV turn to the trusted and proven agents at the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia for all their insurance needs.

Protection for Renters in Kingwood

West Virginia isn’t only a beautiful place to call home, it is also home to many beautiful rental properties. That is good news for renters, and so are the options that renters have today with renters insurance protection. Renting a home or apartment doesn’t make anyone less susceptible to risks like fires, theft, flooding, and more. The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter if you rent or own your home because your first line of defense against damage, loss, and the unexpected is insurance.

In many cases, the property owner will have (or should have) insurance to cover property damage, such as roof and structural damage, but what about your personal property? What about your computer, jewelry, clothing, or furniture? These are all concerns and questions your agent can help you figure out and, more importantly, protect with the right insurance plan.

Renters Insurance in Kingwood, WV

If you live in or around the beautiful Kingwood, WV, area and are looking for renters insurance, the friendly and professional team at the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia is here to help. Contact us to learn more about how renters insurance can help protect you and your valuables and get the coverage and protection you need and deserve today. 

Four Common Renters Insurance Mistakes in Kingwood, WV and How to Avoid Them

Renters insurance in Kingwood, WV protects your personal belongings and liability. However, there are many mistakes people make when it comes to renters insurance that we here at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia would like you to be aware of.

1. Not Obtaining Renters Insurance

We believe that if you rent in any capacity, you should consider renters insurance essential. You can consider renters insurance as a form of homeowners insurance for people who rent. The property owner likely has insurance, but never assume that insurance covers your personal belongings or liability. It typically doesn’t.

2. Waiting Too Long to Obtain Renters Insurance

You don’t need anyone’s permission to obtain renters insurance. The sooner you have coverage, the better. Accidents can occur at any time and for a variety of reasons. You’ll want that peace of mind that comes with coverage instead of the stress that can come from not knowing if you’ll be able to replace your belongings or pay for an accident that occurred on the property.

3. Not Counting All Your Property for Renters Insurance

Renters insurance often requires you to estimate the value of all your belongings. Don’t skip this step. Take a detailed inventory and keep it updated. You can avoid being underinsured if you need to use your insurance coverage.

4. Not Using Your Renters Insurance When You Can

Even if your loss is a few articles of clothing, you can contact your insurance company to make a claim. Protecting your belongings is what renters insurance is all about. Contact your insurer if someone expects you to pay for damage or even a minor injury.

Also, pay attention to what your renter’s insurance policy covers. Not all insurers offer the same exact policy. Your insurance may cover things beyond the bare minimum, and knowing precisely what your policy entails is a good idea.

If you want to learn more about renters insurance in Kingwood, WV, how it works, and what it can do for you, contact us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia.

My landlord already has insurance. Do I need renters insurance as well?

Renters’ insurance is always a good idea here in the Kingwood, WV area, even if your landlord already has insurance. While it’s true that the landlord’s policy covers the physical structure of your home, such as the building itself and any permanent fixtures, it usually won’t cover the personal property you bring into the home or provide liability protection. At Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, we can help you understand renters insurance and how it can help you.

Renters insurance (also called tenant insurance) helps protect your belongings from theft, fire, or other types of damage. It also provides coverage if someone gets injured on your property and sues you for damages. It’s usually pretty affordable, too, especially when compared to what you might pay out of pocket for repairs or medical bills in the event of an incident.  

Ultimately, deciding whether to get renters insurance is a personal choice. But considering how much it can help protect you and your assets, getting some extra coverage may be worth looking into! We understand the importance of adequate protection against potential harm at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia.

We can help you decide on the correct type of insurance for your needs and budget. We’ll also provide information about standard terms and conditions affecting your coverage. So don’t hesitate to contact us today if you want the right insurance policy to protect your home and belongings! We proudly serve the Kingwood, WV area and look forward to hearing from you.  

Protect Your Belongings in Kingwood With Renters Insurance

As a renter in Kingwood, WV, it’s essential to protect your belongings in case of an accident or theft. Renters insurance is an affordable way to do just that. Here’s what you need to know about renters insurance and how it can benefit you.

What is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance is a type of insurance that covers your personal belongings in the event of damage or theft. It also provides liability coverage in case an injury happens on your property. Most importantly, renters insurance lets you know that your belongings are protected. 

Benefits of Renters Insurance

There are many benefits to having renters insurance in Kingwood, WV, including: 

  • Protection for your belongings: In the event of damage or theft, your renter’s insurance will reimburse you for the cost of replacing your belongings. 
  • Liability coverage: If someone is injured on your property, your renter’s insurance will cover their medical expenses. 
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your belongings are protected can give you peace of mind and help you relax and enjoy your home. 

These are just a few of the many benefits of having renters insurance in Kingwood, WV.

How to Get Renters Insurance 

The best way to get renters insurance is to contact your Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia representative for a free quote. So don’t wait—contact us today to get started! We’ll help you find the right coverage for your needs and budget.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your belongings with renters insurance today! Contact Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia for a free quote and see how affordable it can be.

As a renter do I need an inventory?

About 36% of households are renters. Only about 40% of those households feel the need to have renters’ insurance. That is both optimistic and scary. Being sure that nothing bad will ever happen to you is unrealistic. Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV has a team of insurance experts who can provide you with the information you need about what renters’ insurance can do for you. 

If you ever need to file an insurance claim for the loss of your personal property, how will you prove that you did have a 60-inch smart TV? It will be easy if you have done a good inventory of your rental with backup photos and receipts. 

An inventory is a detailed listing of all the things that you own. It is usually done one room at a time with photos and as many sales receipts as possible. It is much simpler to do this before a catastrophe hits than after. This document is then stored away in a safe place, usually away from your rental, so that if you ever need it, you can easily access it. If you must store it at the rental, store it in a waterproof, fire-resistant box or bag. Placing a copy of it on the cloud or emailing it to yourself and placing it in a file where you can get to it when needed is important. 

Beyond just personal property coverage, renters insurance also provides you with liability coverage and loss of use insurance. If your rental is damaged and you can’t live in it, you will be able to afford another place to live. 

Contact Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV if you are ready to consider the benefits of renters’ insurance. 

Protect your belongings and your peace of mind with renter’s insurance!

Are you a renter in the greater Kingwood, WV area? The team here at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia is ready to help you with all of your insurance needs. Did you know that a comprehensive renter’s insurance policy can protect your belongings and offer peace of mind? Our team is here to review the options that are available to renters in our community and we would welcome the opportunity to work with you too.

Let’s talk about renter’s insurance

There are few things more important than our homes and our personal possessions. Whether your rental abode is an apartment, condo, or house, it’s important to carry an appropriate insurance policy. A comprehensive insurance policy can help you overcome many catastrophes with a lot less stress and a light financial impact.

Our team can help you review the available policies and help you determine the right type of policy and coverage level for your individual needs. Don’t delay when it comes to renter’s insurance! Your peace of mind is just the start of the many benefits that you will realize from your renter’s insurance policy. 

Like many other types of insurance, renter’s policies are something that we don’t really think about until we need it. Be ready for the different situations that life can throw at you by having the right policy in place before you need it. 

Ready to find out which policy is right for your needs?

Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia is here to help Kingwood, WV residents find the right insurance policies for their needs. Renter’s policies aren’t "one size fits all" and our experienced agents are here to help. Call or stop by today to find out more!

Who needs to get renters insurance in West Virginia?

The Kingwood, WV area continues to be a popular place for people to move to. As you are looking to move to this West Virginia community, you will need to find a place to live. If you are looking for more convenience and flexibility, renting a home is ideal. Before you move into a new rental home, you should get a renter’s insurance plan. There are several situations when someone will need to get this coverage. 

When Trying to Cover Assets

A situation when someone will need this coverage is when they want to cover their assets. While a renter is not an owner of the property they live in, they are bound to have a lot of personal assets and items stored under the roof. With a renter’s insurance plan, you will get coverage that can replace your items if there is a fire, theft, or other situations that result in a loss. 

When Required by Lease

If you are moving into a new home, complying with the lease terms is very important. One common requirement that you will likely have is to carry the proper insurance. The landlord will want you to have protection at all times and will likely require evidence of protection before you move into your new rental home. 

A renter in the Kingwood, WV area should always have insurance before moving into their new home. As you are in the market for a new renter’s insurance plan, it would be helpful to contact the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia. If you do call the Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia you will become more educated on the benefits of this insurance coverage, and they can provide the support you need to pick a new plan.

Why You Need Renters’ Insurance

If you live in a rental of any kind, it’s vital that you get renters’ insurance to help protect you and your belongings. If you’re in a new rental and need renters’ insurance, call us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV for an appointment with an agent.

Your Renters’ Coverage

There are several different parts to a renters’ insurance policy. The one that is perhaps most important is the coverage for all of your possessions. With a renters’ policy, your belongings are covered should they become damaged or destroyed by a calamity or other incident. It’s a good idea to document all of your belongings so that you can prove ownership of the items that need to be covered. 

Liability

Another factor in these insurance policies is your liability. A renters’ insurance policy comes with an amount of liability insurance to cover you against accidents and illnesses happening in your home. When a third party gets injured, or becomes sick, in your home, it’s possible for you to be at fault, and this spells expensive lawsuits. Your liability coverage can cover everything from a settlement to legal expenses. 

Cost of Living

Another important part of renters’ insurance is paying for your living expenses if your home becomes destroyed or uninhabitable. Living expenses being paid will allow you to continue your lifestyle after a catastrophe. 

Meeting With an Agent

If you are renting a new place and need renters’ insurance, or you think you may need more insurance than your current policy, contacts us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia in Kingwood, WV to make your appointment. An insurance agent can answer all of your questions and let you know how much you actually need to be insured. 

When is renters insurance a good idea for someone in West Virginia?

Anyone that is in the Morgantown or Kingwood, WV area needs to make sure that they are adequately covered by insurance. When you are looking to move into a new rental property, one form of insurance coverage to get is renters insurance. There are several reasons why getting renters insurance is so important. 

When Looking to Protect Personal Assets

One situation when you should get a renters insurance policy is when you want to protect your personal assets. When you get this insurance coverage, it will provide you with coverage to replace your clothing, furniture, electronics, and other personal belongings if they were to get damaged during a fire or other form of damage. This could prove to be very beneficial in a variety of situations where you incur a loss.

Required by Lease

Another situation when you should get this form of insurance coverage is when your lease requires it. In many situations, a landlord in West Virginia will want to make sure that you have renters insurance. If you are required to have this per the terms of your lease, it is vital to stay adequately covered. If you do not have coverage, it could put you into violation and even default the agreement. 

Many advantages come when you acquire renters’ insurance. Since some complexities come with obtaining this form of insurance, contacting Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia is a good idea for anyone in the Kingwood, WV area. When you contact Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia, you will learn a lot more about how it can protect you. Based on this assessment, the team can also help you to pick a policy that provides you with the right coverage.