Renters do need renters insurance as homeowners insurance does not cover the renter’s property or possessions. Renters insurance covers your possessions against losses from fire, lightening, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm, water damage from plumbing etc. It also pays for the reasonable additional costs of temporarily living away from your home if you can’t live in it due to insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals, and other expenses while your home is being rebuilt.

To file renter’s insurance claim, you need to follow the proper guidelines as given in the policy instructions. After any insured disaster, read your policy documents to know whether your losses are covered under the policy conditions. Once confirmed, note down the date, time of day, and detailed list and description of damages etc. It is required to contact your insurance agent or company and notify them about your loss as soon as possible. Collect and secure the canceled checks, bills, receipts, and other documents that you might need when an adjuster set a value on damaged property. Also, try to take photographs of the damaged property.