Should You Add Roommates To Your Renters Insurance Policy?

Roommates present a unique situation regarding renters’ insurance in Elmira, NY. Many policies won’t cover your roommate’s belongings unless they’re listed on the policy. However, several things must be considered before adding them to your personal policy.

Premium Payments

Your monthly premiums may increase depending on your roommate and how expensive their belongings are to replace. It’s unlikely they will decrease when you add another person. If there are problems with your roommate paying their half, you can also lose coverage for yourself.

Insurance Claims

Insurance claims will impact anyone listed on the policy. For example, if your roommate files a claim, it will impact the policy’s total cost and monthly premiums. This means you may pay more for your insurance even if you didn’t file a claim. This is one of the reasons companies like Stewart Agency Inc. often recommend that roommates get separate policies.

Coverage Limits

Renters’ insurance policies have coverage limits and may not be enough to cover everything for you and your roommate. These limits can vary from annual limits, depending on the company. For example, if your coverage limit is $10,000, and your roommate files a claim for $6,000 worth of damage, you may only have $4,000 left to cover damages to your belongings. Always consider the coverage you need to replace belongings when considering adding someone else to your policy.

Roommates and insurance policies can be a complex situation. Here at Stewart Agency Inc., we’ll discuss your available options to help you make the best choice for your situation. Contact us today to learn more. We’re currently serving the Elmira, NY area.