Since I fight insurance companies for a living, this might surprise you but I am a strong believer in insurance. This might REALLY surprise you; I believe you probably don’t have enough.
So stop right now and call your insurance agent. Really, stop right now. It will take you seconds and cost pennies to protect yourself from real financial tragedy.
I have had people come to me after a major fire or theft and want to know what they can do. After the fact is not the time … get some homeowner’s or renter’s insurance before.
Let’s focus on renter’s insurance. Here in Alabama, it costs almost nothing. I mean like 50 cents a day. For that, you get your belongings paid for if your neighbor starts a fire while smoking or your wife calls to say, “We’ve been robbed!”
I have had clients think that they didn’t need renter’s insurance because the property owner was insured. Though the landlord does probably have insurance, your landlord doesn’t own your stuff. He or she will build the building back but not furnish your apartment.
Plus have you thought about this – who is going to pay to put you up in a hotel until you can find a new place to live, new clothes, new couch and even a new toothbrush.
Many policies also cover if someone is injured in your apartment. You want to test a real friendship, let someone trip on your rug and end up with thousands of dollars in medical bills. I have seen some long-term friendships end over just a few hundred.
One final thought. Look around at your neighbors. If you wouldn’t loan them your car, don’t trust them with your other belongings.
If you are injured or suffer property damage, you can talk to us at Eiland and Ritchie for free. There is no charge unless we collect for you. We want to help you get back on your feet.
Alabama personal injury lawyer