How Much Renters Coverage Do I Need?

When it comes to understanding renters insurance, knowing what your insuring is easy. Your stuff. The hard part comes when trying to figure out how much protection you need. At Fuhriman Insurance Agency in Boise, ID we want to make sure you have you have the right amount of renters insurance. 

So here’s the thing, you may think to yourself, why do I need an exact dollar amount or I’ll just pick a high amount get newer, better stuff. Sure that sounds good. But, insurance companies aren’t going to pay a claim without proof that you had the items you are claiming to be damaged or stolen. 

Whatever the case may be.   They also don’t really care about sentimental value, sure Grandma Rose may have knitted you that sweet afghan, but it’s only worth what you could buy a new blanket for. 

When it comes to contents insurance, you want to pick an amount that truly represents your belongings. If you choose too much insurance, you will be overpaying in your monthly premiums, but not enough coverage and you will be out when it comes to claiming time.

Okay, so now you may be asking, how do I value all of my personal belongings? How much is my stuff worth?

Now, this may take a bit of time but, is totally worth it.  Maybe invite a friend over to help, and make it fun. There are several ways you can figure out how much your the contents of your home is worth. You can make a list of the items in each room, then go back and value those items.  Basically shop for that item online, once you find the cost of replacement, put the value next to the item. Now, this is probably the most time-consuming method, and then you have to find a safe place to keep the inventory.  Or you can try a home inventory app. These apps keep the list of your belongings in one place, and you can even add photos. Making it super easy to communicate with the insurance company if you ever have a claim. 

Fuhriman insurance agency in Boise, ID makes it easier to protect the things that are important to you. 

How Does an Umbrella Policy Work?

Understanding how an umbrella insurance policy works in Boise ID helps demonstrate the importance of this type of policy.

An umbrella policy will kick in after either your homeowners or auto insurance policy coverage is maxed out. If you have boat liability insurance, your umbrella policy will also kick in after that. Umbrella insurance will also cover some other liability claims that other policies won’t cover, including slander, false imprisonment, and libel. Umbrella insurance is useful for rental properties, since it can provide coverage beyond your homeowners policy. An agent at Fuhriman Insurance Agency can help determine how much coverage to have for your situation.

To understand this policy, think of this example. You have a party at your home and a guest slips on the steps. The guest has very high medical expenses and then also sues you. The jury sides with the guest and gives her a settlement of $1 million. However, your homeowner’s personal liability only covers $300,000, which means that you owe $700,000.

You would have to come up with this money somewhere, which usually comes out of retirement savings. Without retirement savings, you may have to work for an additional time or reduce expenses to build up your savings. If you have an umbrella policy, then your policy will cover what your homeowners insurance doesn’t. This means that you don’t have to dip into any savings.

This policy also covers the attorney fees and the other expenses that are related to the lawsuit, which aren’t going to be covered under your homeowners policy. You won’t have to pay a separate deductible for the umbrella policy to kick in, so you are only out the money for the deductible on your homeowners insurance. If you were found liable in a claim where your homeowners or auto insurance didn’t have coverage, then you would have a deductible for umbrella insurance, but not in this case.

Contact Fuhriman Insurance Agency, serving Boise, ID, to get a quote on umbrella insurance.