Why do Michigan College students need renters insurance?
Michigan college students need renters insurance to protect their property against damage or loss. Renters coverage will also protect you if someone is hurt in your apartment.
The Apartment complexes insurance will not cover your property if there is damage from a fire, theft, or other unexpected loss.
College students living in off-campus housing are ideal candidates for renters insurance. Many students bring thousands of dollars worth of personal items to schools, such as electronics, computers, books, clothes, and furniture. Off-campus housing does not provide coverage under most parents’ homeowner’s policies, and college apartments require proof of renters’ coverage.
College students under 25 years old, enrolled in classes, and living in on-campus housing may be covered under their parent’s homeowner’s policy. Click Michigan Homeowners to visit our page to see the coverage provided by a Michigan homeowner’s policy.
Michigan renters policy coverage
College renters insurance will protect your personal property against fire, lightning, wind, explosion, vandalism, or theft. There are two types of coverage to insure your property.
- Actual cash value coverage is how much it is worth today.
- Replacement value is how much it would cost to replace the item. There is an additional charge to get replacement value coverage.
Renters’ insurance can pay for another place to live while your apartment is undergoing repairs.
Your renter’s policy can also provide medical payment to others for medical expenses from an injury in your apartment. Coverage does not apply to the insured or residents of the apartment and starts at $1000.
There is coverage to help to protect against lawsuits due to a liability claim caused by someone injured in your home or damage to someone’s property. This coverage would protect you from the lawsuit and pay for the cost to defend yourself even if you were not at fault. Liability limits start at $100,000, and your apartment complex could require you to have a policy.
What does Michigan college renters policy not cover?
Costly items like fine jewelry or a comic collection may need additional coverage, called a “rider” or “floater.” Your insurance agent can help you determine if additional coverage is necessary. You may need a rider to provide broader protection for your electronic items, such as a laptop or I-pad.
In Michigan, what types of renters coverage are available?
Another essential factor to look for when shopping for renters insurance is “actual cash value” vs. “replacement cost” coverage.
Actual cash-value coverage will reimburse the renter for the personal property cost at the time of the claim, minus the deductible. It’s essential to account for depreciation when considering this coverage option. For example, if someone steals your tv from your apartment, the insurance company would reimburse you for the TV’s current value, not what it previously cost. That is the purchase price minus depreciation.
Replacement costs will reimburse the new television’s total value, but you must purchase the TV first and submit receipts.
Other things college students need to know regarding their Michigan renters insurance policy.
When you make a claim, the insurance company will ask for proof of purchase for all items on the claim. College students need a list of possessions, including purchase prices, model numbers, and serial numbers. Take photos or use a smartphone to take a video of all personal belongings for documentation. Store the recording in a separate location.
When determining how much coverage colleges students should purchase, estimate the value of your property. Your property’s total cost is the amount of insurance that you will need to replace all your items.
Students living in off-campus housing or an apartment with a roommate may purchase a renter policy together. List all roommates’ names on the policy for coverage to apply to everyone. If not combined, each roommate will need their own renter’s insurance.
Premiums for renters insurance average between $5 and $25 a month, depending on the coverage needed. Start a renters insurance policy by calling 248-277-4505 or clicking the link to get a Michigan College renters insurance quote online.
