When renting an apartment, townhouse, condo or home, you might not realize how vital it is to have renters insurance. Sure, your landlord should have insurance, but in most all cases, that policy only covers the structure of the building. This means that if anything happens to your belongings inside your rented space, you’ll have to pay to replace everything on your own.

Renters insurance is affordable and will protect your belongings from perils such as fire, wind or theft. It’s important to discuss different options with us at Benton White Insurance so we will know the best direction to take for your coverages as we shop our portfolio of companies for you. We always look for the deepest of discounts that can truly help you save premium dollars. One of the key focuses we review with those who need insurance are safety features of the place you rent. When you’ve taken steps to reduce the risk of a disaster occurring in your new space, you’re a safer bet for insurance companies.

Here are two main types of safety features that can help you earn premium discounts.

• Fire protection prevention is important!There were 1.24 million fires in 2013, resulting in $11.5 billion in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. A home structure fire occurred every 85 seconds. To better protect your rental from fires and receive discounts, consider implementing the following additions to your home:
• Smoke detectors. If your landlord hasn’t already installed smoke detectors, talk to them about doing so. Smoke detectors will not only alert you to a fire quicker, allowing you to put it out and minimize property damage, but they also alert everyone in the space to get to a safe exterior location, which reduces injuries, deaths and liability claims as a result.
• Fire extinguishers.If you have a fire extinguisher that’s working like a well-oiled machine, you’ll be able to nip a fire in the bud and keep it from spreading to your other possessions.
• Sprinkler system.A sprinkler system can be activated and put out a fire even when you’re not home.

These safety features are small additions that can save you significantly, both in terms of protecting your valuables and lowering the price of your policies.

If your rented space is already equipped with them, let us know that when we are going over your risk information. If you don’t have them, talk to your landlord about making the investment of installing such safety measures in your abode. Having those safety features could save her on her property insurance as well.

• Deter thievesThe most recent statistics from the FBI reported nearly 2,159,878 burglaries, resulting in roughly $4.6 billion in property loss. A burglary doesn’t necessarily mean forced entry, but it’s best to take steps to protect yourself and your family from potential break-ins. The best ways to accomplish this are:
• Deadbolts.Deadbolts add an extra line of defense in the event that a burglar can pick the locks on your doors. Safe neighborhoods still have occurrences of crime, and if you live in an apartment complex or stand-alone home, the high volume of foot traffic increases the chances of a break-in. Adding deadbolts to front, back, or side doors will make it easier for you and your insurance carrier to have peace of mind.
• Security systems.A security system can include a burglar alarm, video cameras and other forms of surveillance. Having around-the-clock security can alert tenants and authorities to harm, and prevent the loss of property. If this option interests you, just make sure to set it each time you leave your home – a security system can’t help you if it’s not turned on.

Choose a safe neighborhood. When looking for a place to live, call your local police station to find out which parts of town have the lowest crime rates. It’s simple – living in a safer part of town decreases the chances of your home being burglarized.

Because all of these options make your home safer, insurance companies can provide discounts to acknowledge the efforts you’ve made and as mentioned, we’re looking for all options to save you insurance premium dollars!

These are some of the things we discuss with new insureds as we help them custom design an insurance policy for them. If we can help you, we’re ready to earn your business. Simply call any of our staff at 615.377.1212 or email us at info@BentonWhite.com. It’s our job to find you the best coverages for the least amount of premium. We hope we can help you!