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California Renters Insurance: Luxury or Necessity?

    3 minute read

    California has earned a reputation as a place where extravagance is on display all the time – from Lamborghinis and Bentleys traveling on the roads to Gucci and Manolo Blahniks adorning the ladies. Many homes in California also boast pricey amenities such as heated pools, in-ground sprinkler systems, and smart home automation systems. But if you’re renting a place in the Golden State, chances are you’re a bit more budget-minded than the typical celebrity crib owner or mansion dweller. And every purchase you make must be weighed against its value and cost.

    This all begs the question: Is a renters insurance policy a necessity or a luxury? Well, many apartment homes now require that residents buy renters insurance as part of their lease terms. However, when it isn’t required, many people — especially young adults — forgo this type of protection.

    The Pros and Cons of California Renters Insurance

    Renters insurance in California can reimburse you for furniture, clothing, and other household items that are stolen, damaged by flooding, or destroyed in a fire. Even if you favor off-brand apparel and discount store furniture, you probably have a smartphone, tablet computer, desktop computer, television, or other property that would be costly to replace. Some policies also cover the expenses you would incur if you had to find temporary accommodations after your home suffered severe damage.

    In addition, renters insurance protects you against lawsuits from someone who might get injured in your home. While many causes of injury might be the fault of the landlord, other scenarios (like a guest being burned by your stove, lacerated by a power tool, or roughed up in a fight at a party) may place you in the cross-hairs of a lawsuit that can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars to litigate.

    Hopefully, you’ll never have to make a claim, even though you have to pay monthly premiums for the protection. Since most renters insurance policies have a deductible, you’ll still be responsible for paying the deductible amount before your coverage kicks in should you have to file a claim.

    Finding Renters Insurance Discounts

    The good news is there are ways of getting some discounts on the cost of renters insurance. If your home doesn’t already have deadbolt locks, smoke detectors, burglar alarms, or a monitored home security system, installing these can earn you a discount on your premiums. Also, you can often qualify for a multi-policy discount if you obtain your renter’s insurance from the company that already provides your auto, boat, or life insurance. Finally, many insurers will lower your rate if you pay for six or twelve months of coverage in advance, choose a higher deductible, or agree to automated premium withdrawals from your bank account.

    AIS Insurance Can Help You Find Affordable Coverage

    Like many other products or services, the most effective way to save money on renters insurance is to shop around. Different insurers offer different rates for similar coverage. AIS Insurance can help you with that task by providing you with renters insurance quotes from multiple companies so you can compare policies side by side to see which one is best for you.

    Go ahead and get a free quote from AIS Insurance today just to see how much a policy might cost per month. You might be surprised at how affordable renters insurance can be – especially when you consider the potential costs you might be stuck with if an unexpected calamity occurs.


    Can you really put a price on the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home is protected?


    The information in this article was obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements, nor is it intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.