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Renters can
lessen their losses
The job of a firefighter is to protect life and preserve property.
Every day firefighters battle fire, sometimes referred to as “the
red devil.” In the blink of an eye, fire can destroy everything you have
worked for, as well as a lifetime of precious memories.
It is heartbreaking to watch people suf fer through the d eva s t at i o n of a house fire. It is em
o t i o n a l ly over wh el m ing not only to
have everything you own destroyed but also having to think about finding a
new place to live and replacing the essentials of everyday life.
Little can be done to replace the memories lost when pictures and
family heirlooms are destroyed, but there are ways to make the transition
back to a normal life easier.
Almost everyone who owns a home carries homeowners’ insurance.
Unfortunately many of the people who suffer these losses rent houses
and apartments and have no way to cover losses or help them get their lives
back in order because they are uninsured, even though renters’ insurance is
relatively cheap.
Fortunately some apartment complexes are starting to require
renters’ insurance, but I would advise that anyone who rents should have
insurance. One thing that many people do not realize is that the renter
could possibly be held financially liable if the fire is the result of
negligence.
I have some information provided by a local insuranc!
e company that will give you an idea of the cost
of renters’ insurance.
You can get $300,000 of liability coverage and $25,000 for personal
belongings for approximately $125 a year.
The coverage for personal belongings can be increased to $100,000
for approximately $196 a year.
There is also coverage for displacement costs that will help cover
costs until you find a new place to live. I’m sure prices will vary so
check with several agencies to find the best price.
Nothing can take away the fear and uncertainty one faces after
experiencing the destruction of a fire.
Insurance will make the transition easier by helping you buy the
things you and your family need, such as clothes, shoes, televisions and
even small items such as toothbrushes.
It also can help you pay for temporary housing until you find a
place to live and start the process of rebuilding your life.
24/7/365: You call; we re! s p o n d .
KENNETH LEE KNIGHT is a battalion chief in the High Point Fire
Department.
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