As we get closer into the warmer weather, Rhode Island homeowners can begin to prepare their homes for summer rentals and the flock of incoming beach-goers who want a place to stay for a few days during the summer. Getting your home prepared physically for your tenants can be quite time consuming, but take a moment to make sure that your home is properly insured and equipped with the right policy for renting out your home. Not having renter’s insurance in RI is the equivalent being the taxi driver of a car with no seat belts! You’ll be financially protecting both yourself and those you are renting to.
Feel free to give us a call at any time for advice on what the proper renter’s insurance is to get for your home. Regardless of the policy you get, there are some basic reasons why getting renter’s insurance is very important for you and your home. The main reason is protection for your guests, which in turn, is protection for yourself as well. If you have a guest on the property that is renting out the home and an accident occurs, you are technically liable as it is your property, but having the right policy can prevent that liability from being yours. Also, if you have a pet on the property and your tenant is bitten, that is also a liability risk that can be covered by the right renter’s insurance policy.
As your regular home insurance does not fully apply when you are renting out your home to someone else, you should also have your home prepared with a theft policy that is under a renter’s coverage. Renter’s insurance does not just protect your home, but also the belongings you leave in it. If a tenant were to steal or damage an item of yours while they are staying in your home, your renter’s insurance policy will leave them fully liable for any and all damages caused while on the premises of your rental home.
Another great benefit to renter’s insurance is that if there is a disaster at your home, not only will your regular insurance step in, but your renter’s insurance will also play a part in helping cover the cost of temporarily relocation services (a place to stay) while your home is fixed. Getting the right policy can also make sure you are financially covered during this time; if you are supposed to be making money during the time your home is getting fixed, you may be compensated for the financial loss.
Renter’s insurance in RI is an affordable and smart investment to make into your rental property. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average renter’s insurance only costs about $190 per year. With the amount of coverage you get (and need) from getting a renter’s policy will save you way more than what you will be spending in the long run.
Talk to a public adjuster at Performance Adjusting today about what policy will be best for your Rhode Island rental property.
