4 common renters insurance claims

Claim: "Someone broke into my apartment."

How renters coverage can help

One of the key benefits of renters insurance is reimbursement for possessions taken from your home. There are 2 types of reimbursement: actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost coverage (RCC). When your renters claim is settled, ACV pays for whatever your possession was worth when it was stolen (factoring in depreciation). RCC pays you what it will cost to replace it.

A surprising truth about break-ins

If you don't live in the big, bad city, you might think you're not at risk. But surprisingly, the burglary rate in smaller cities outside of major metropolitan areas is actually a bit higher (822 burglaries per 100,000 people) than in the biggest cities (727 per 100,000 people).

How you might be (unintentionally) increasing your risk of a home break-in

Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare can give potential burglars real-time updates on your current or future whereabouts. So when you post a photo of your new LED television and brag about your upcoming vacation, it could spell trouble. Turn up those privacy settings and don't post details about your travels until you're home.

Claim: "Someone stole my phone/tablet/gym bag."

How renters coverage can help

Renters insurance covers your things no matter where they are. So if someone broke into your gym locker or your car's trunk to steal your new smartphone (or, worse, your wedding ring), your renters policy can help pay to replace it. Consider adding a "rider" to your renters policy to ensure that your expensive valuables are adequately covered.

A surprising truth about property theft

It seems thieves are more comfortable working in the open than inside your home. In 2010, the number of reported thefts in public was roughly 4 times the number of home burglaries.

How you might be (unintentionally) increasing your risk of property theft outside your home

The "please clean" sign on your hotel doorknob conveniently tells everyone, including thieves, that you're out. As an alternative, keep the "do not disturb" sign on the knob at all times and tell the front desk when you'd like to have your room cleaned.

Claim: "My stuff/place was destroyed in a fire."

How renters coverage can help

One malfunctioning wire can wipe out all of your possessions (or your entire rental space). Renters insurance can help replace your stuff and even cover your temporary relocation if necessary. By taking the time to create a home inventory of all possessions now, you can ensure that your renters insurance claim process is a bit easier.

A surprising truth about fire damage in the U.S.

You'd be forgiven for assuming that the West, with its often-dry climate, experiences the highest rates of property damage due to fire. But the Midwest is the clear leader in this category.

Here's how the U.S. regions ranked in 2010:

1. Midwest: $46 lost on average per capita
2. South: $38.7 lost on average per capita
3. West: $32.5 lost on average per capita
4. East: $31.2 lost on average per capita

How you might be (unintentionally) increasing your risk of a fire in your home

Potted plants add some color and life to your apartment, but these innocent companions are sometimes sitting in soil made of combustible agents. If you let them dry out, an errant spark from a cigarette, candle, or grill could quickly spark danger. (Yet another reason to remember to water the plants.)

Claim: "Someone was accidentally hurt in my apartment."

How renters coverage can help

Accidents happen. And when someone is hurt in your home, your renters policy's personal liability coverage can help. It can also pay for medical-related expenses if you injure someone away from home. And if the injured party decides to sue you for damages, personal liability coverage can help cover the costs.

A surprising truth about injuries at home

Injuries inside homes result in more than 21 million medical visits per year, according to the Home Safety Council. While your renters insurance liability coverage can't help pay for your own family's injuries, it can help pay for unexpected injuries to your guests (a slip and fall, a dog bite, a falling vase, etc.).

How your home might unintentionally endanger your guests

Falls alone led to nearly 9 million ER visits in 2011 alone, according to the National Safety Council. To help your guests avoid falling, there are a few dangers that are easily prevented:

• Loose cords
• Skidding rugs
• Toys (for those of you with little ones)
• Loose railings along stairs

Keeping these in mind could help your friendly neighbor or relative avoid a dangerous fall.