Associates Realty Services
Jan 20, 2023
Renters Insurance
Do you have renter's insurance?
What happens when you loose personal property due to fire
or theft in your home? Many residents incorrectly assume
that their landlord's insurance policy will cover their
belongings in the event of a fire or robbery. A small
monthly investment in renter's insurance can protect tens
of thousands of dollars in property damage, as well as
personal belongings!
Do you have renter's insurance?I thought renter's insurance was not mandatory and isn't it simply too expensive anyway?
Although renter's insurance is purely optional for the
resident, obtaining it is smart and affordable. Renters
insurance costs roughly $12-$15 per month.
I don't have a lot of things and feel I don't need renter's insurance.
Okay, but what if your home is damaged from a fire to the
point that you have no place to live? Additional living
expenses from renter's insurance will pay for hotel bills,
temporary rentals, restaurant meals, and any other
expenses you incur while the home is being repaired. In
addition to replacing belongings in the event of a fire or
theft, renters insurance also has a liability component.
It's important to protect you and your family against any
lawsuits for bodily injury by you or even your pets. Also,
even if you don't entertain friends or family on a regular
basis, issues could arise if a repair or delivery person
sustained an injury in your home. The standard renter's
insurance policy covers about $100,000 in liability. Ask
your management company what they recommend!
Associates Realty Services
December 18, 2022
Moving Season! - Tips for avoiding scams and hiring right!
1. Do your research.
Get more than one written, in home estimates so you can
make an informed decision. Show the mover everything that
needs to be moved, from the attic to the basement and
including any sheds, garages and storage areas. Avoid any
unusually high or low estimates. If someone says they can
give you an estimate over the phone or by email, it's
possible they're trying to scam you.
2. Know your rights.
Reputable interstate movers must, by law, provide you with
the federal publications that explain the moving process,
as well as the cost of value insurance and your rights and
responsibilities during and after the process. If a mover
asks for a large down payment or full payment in advance,
that may be a warning sign. And if a company says it won't
return your items to you without more money than you
agreed to pay, contact the Better Business Bureau or local
law enforcement for help.
3. Get all agreements in writing.
Read everything carefully and make sure you have it all in
writing, along with copies of everything you sign
especially the most important document -- the bill of
lading, which is the receipt for your goods and the
contract for their transportation. Never sign any blank
forms!
4. Take your valuables with you.
Cash, coins, jewelry, photographs and important papers
should be taken with you or shipped separately. Use a
shipping service with tracking numbers, such as FedEx or
UPS.
5. Ask Questions.
Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything you don't
understand. If the moving company can't or won't answer
your questions, you might want to look for another mover.