The world of renting property is very different from owning. Renters might be less concerned with big-ticket repairs, such as roof damage or a non-working boiler since their landlord is responsible for them. However, when it comes to insurance coverage, homeowners’ insurance is usually far more comprehensive than renters’ insurance.
One place this can really bring up some questions is regarding damages from natural disasters. In a hurricane, your landlord’s property will be protected, but will your belongings be covered if the damage reaches the indoors? We asked New Orleans’ top property casualty attorney Galen M. Hair, Owner of Insurance Claim HQ, for his thoughts.
No matter where you live, it’s smart to take out a renter’s insurance policy. They are usually affordable and offer you a measure of comfort and protection. However, if you live in a region of the US that is prone to hurricanes, you definitely need insurance on your rental.
High-speed winds can demolish walls, windows, and roofs, leaving your belongings in danger. And the damage that’s not immediately apparent can leave you in a rental with leaking roofs, seeping groundwater, or worse, that continue to leave your items vulnerable until your landlord makes the necessary repairs.
“Hurricanes can wreak immense damage to your home and belongings. While your renters’ insurance policy may cover some of the damage you experience in a storm of this magnitude, it may not cover everything,” explained Hair. “The coverage your policy provides depends upon how it is written, and not all renters’ policies are created equally. This is why it is essential to understand your policy.”
Hair and his team are based in Louisiana, an area known for hurricanes. Not only do they specialize in hurricane damage award cases, the entire team works exclusively in
property-casualty cases. This means that when someone’s claim is unrightfully denied, they go to bat against the insurance companies to get the money that policyholders are owed.
“The insurance companies are often reluctant to pay claimants all of the damages that they are due. Instead, they might resort to all kinds of tactics, from stalling to low-balling, to protect their bottom line and deny you the money you are due after years of paying premiums,” said Hair.
Below are some of Hair’s tips on renters’ insurance and coverage from hurricane damage.
Specialized Policies
The most surprising thing that Hair revealed was that no specific renters’ insurance policies would claim to cover all hurricane damage. So, while you can buy a specific policy aimed at renters in hurricane-prone regions, it may not be comprehensive. Instead, Hair recommends choosing renters’ insurance that reimburses for the various kinds of damage caused by natural disasters.
On your policy, make sure it covers: structural damage from wind or flooding, roof damage from high winds, damage from falling trees or debris, damage to items in a flooded basement, water damage of all kinds, and electrical wiring damage that might affect your items that are plugged into the system.
What is Covered
Traditionally, the types of coverage mentioned above will only apply to homeowners’ insurance policies, so putting together a package including all of these could be tough but worth your time.
While there is hurricane insurance specifically aimed at renters, you must make sure that several classes of property damage are included. Hair advises that you check for anything damaged in a lightning fire, by wind or hail, by a natural gas line explosion, by falling objects or flying debris, or by water damage related to the hurricane.
However, if you have these items covered on your policy and your insurance company denies your claim, property insurance lawyers like Hair and the team at Insurance Claim HQ can help.
Though it’s best never to need your renters’ insurance after a hurricane, these tips from Hair can ensure that you have the right coverage and know what to do if your property is damaged.