Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, insurance provides critical protection.
Homeowner’s insurance protects your home’s physical structure and your personal property. In contrast, renter’s insurance only protects your personal property. Everyone-homeowners and renters-needs liability coverage to provide financial protection in case others are injured on your property or by your actions.
You have the option to insure your home and belongings for either their replacement cost or their actual cash value. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair your home or replace damaged possessions after factoring in depreciation. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to repair your home with materials of similar kind and quality, or to purchase new possessions without deducting for depreciation.
It’s a good idea to make an inventory of all of your personal belongings and save receipts for major items, along with a photograph or video of each room. Store copies of the documentation in a safe-deposit box or another off-site secure location in case your home is destroyed.
Following are some helpful considerations...