After apartment fire, value of renters insurance more apparent

Five days after a devastating fire at the Aberdeen South apartments, Kim Springer is thankful for her renters insurance.

“I don’t know how the people who didn’t have insurance will be able to start over,” said Springer, who got the insurance two years ago when she first signed her lease at Aberdeen South, 4700 W. 27th St.

Renters insurance offers more than just coverage for your stuff.

“There are really a couple reasons that a person would want rental insurance,” said Chris Chapin, president of Stephens Insurance of Lawrence. “One is the obvious: to cover their personal belongings when they’re residing in an apartment or house and they’re concerned about losing them. The second part is the liability coverage.”

The liability portion would address any damage to the premises while you live there or medical expenses if someone is injured at your place.

“I encourage people to look at the renters policy even if they don’t have anything in the house,” Chapin said, “just for the liability part of it.”

Chapin added that renters shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking their landlord will cover them if there is damage or a fire.

“A landlord’s only responsible for covering their building and improvements to their property,” Chapin said.

Renters insurance — which ranges in price from $100 to $150 per year — is comparatively inexpensive, considering what it would cost to replace computer equipment, a cell phone, clothing, appliances and other items in most apartments.

Springer was fortunate in that she purchased insurance before losing everything.

“It is so affordable,” she said. “I know people think they can’t afford it, but they really can.”