There are more renters today than at any other time over the past 50 years. According to United States Census data reported by Pew Research, the numbers show the increases in both rental units and homes for rent have increased greatly. Young people in their 20s and 30s are still generally the largest group that are renting, but numbers show that seniors are also beginning to see the benefits of renting. 

Why Rent? 

Renters are increasing in number for several reasons. The struggle to qualify for a bank loan for a mortgage has gotten more difficult, especially recently with the unemployment numbers skyrocketing. Renting may be one of the only options for young people who are saving money to make a down payment. Other renters point to amenities, the neighborhood, lease terms, and unit sizes as reasons they continue to rent. 

Rent and Insurance

Aside from enjoying amenities, better neighborhoods, and convenient lease terms, many renters enjoy that much of the responsibility of maintaining the dwelling falls to the landlord, including insurance for the structure itself.

The landlord’s insurance, however, does not extend to a renter’s personal belongings such as appliances they brought to the dwelling, clothing, electronic devices, furnishings, and personal keepsakes. A fire, flood, storm, smoke damage, or break in could damage an apartment or rental house. While the landlord would be responsible for the structural repairs and renovations, the individual renter would need to replace or repair their own property within the unit. This could be extremely costly especially after a catastrophe. 

Since the landlord or property management company is not responsible for the renter’s possessions, many people who rent choose to purchase renters’ insurance. 

What is Covered in Renter’s Insurance? 

Standard renter’s insurance covers not only the possessions in the renter’s unit, but also covers a renter’s liability in the event that a visitor is injured on the premises. That means that not only are your furnishings and expensive electronics covered, but if a friend trips and falls in your unit, your renter’s insurance can cover the medical bills. 

By adding renter’s insurance to your already existing car or personal insurance policy, you will then be protected at home whether something occurs that falls to the responsibility of the landlord or if it is something you will be financially responsible for. 

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If you are considering buying a condo unit for the ease of maintenance, the quick commute to the city, or the great amenities that come with the association, you are not alone. Many people of all ages choose condo living because they don’t want to devote their free time to upkeep, but they love the “extras” that come with the unit, like a pool, fitness room, or tennis courts. 

It is true that condo living is very unique and can make life a little more simple in the long run. There are some distinct differences, however, that make condo living a little more complex than single residence living. For example, insurance for condo living is broken into two main areas: the individual unit insurance and the master insurance for the entire complex. 

Let’s examine the differences between these two types and why you will need to have both should you decide to invest in a condo. 

Master Condo Insurance 

The master insurance is usually an insurance that is paid to the homeowners association which provides insurance to the complex as a whole. The items that are covered under this type of insurance generally include: damage, repairs, or improvements needed to the outside of the building such as the roof, siding, common areas, and amenities, as well as liability insurance for injuries that happen to a person while on the community property. 

Individual Unit Insurance

Aside from insurance that covers issues with the exterior of your building and community at large, you will need to investigate and purchase individual unit insurance. Unlike the insurance that goes to the homeowners association (HOA) to repair or improve exterior areas, this type protects the items within your unit. 

For example, should a calamity occur in your unit, like a theft, fire, water damage, or other event, your possessions will be covered. This would include your furnishings, clothing, electronics, technology, and, in some cases, your appliances. 

According to experts at NerdWallet, “If your HOA has what’s known as an ‘all-in’ HOA policy, it typically will cover all the original items built into your place, like cabinetry, lighting and other fixtures, plus things such as plumbing and wiring. However, if the HOA has what’s called a ‘bare walls’ HOA policy, it’s up to you to insure everything in your living space besides the walls, floor and ceiling.”

There are other advantages to having individual unit insurance in addition to HOA insurance. Individual insurance for your unit will cover liability should someone get injured within your condo. Another way it can help is if your unit has been damaged due to an accident, your insurance may cover your living expenses should you be unable to continue to live in the condo during repairs. Lastly, if repairs to a common area are exorbitant, your individual unit insurance may need to kick in where deficits exist. 

Do you need help understanding the differences and significance of master insurance vs. individual insurance? Drop us a line in the comments or contact us for more information.