A fire is a fire, and a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher, right? Well, not quite. There are actually different types of fires and different types of extinguishers that respond best to each. So, which is right for you?
We’ll get to that, but first let’s look at the five different fire types, as outlined by the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association:

• Class A: Fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, etc.
• Class B: Fires in flammable liquids, like gasoline, or flammable gasses, such as propane.
• Class C: Fires in energized electrical equipment, such as appliances or motors.
• Class D: Fires in combustible metals.
• Class K: Fires in cooking oils and greases, such as animal and vegetable fats.

Selecting a Fire Extinguisher
For each fire class, there’s a fire extinguisher to match, and it’s important to use the right one. For example, an extinguisher rated for Class B fires only might not be appropriate to use on another fire. In fact, it might even be dangerous.
So, how do you pick a fire extinguisher? Do you need several? A good bet is a multipurpose extinguisher, which typically is rated for Class A, B and C fires and available at home improvement stores. This type of extinguisher is typically good for general living areas and will work on small grease fires, as well. Specialized kitchen extinguishers are available, too. (Note: Class K extinguishers are typically for large commercial kitchens.)
No matter which type you choose, you want:

• An extinguisher that’s large enough to put out a small fire but not too heavy to handle safely.
• One that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• One for each level of your home, as well as in the garage.

Using a Fire Extinguisher
Before you use a fire extinguisher — or try to fight a fire with any method — make sure you consider the following questions:

• Is the fire small and contained?
• Are you safe from toxic smoke?
• Do you have a way to escape?
• Do your instincts tell you it’s OK?

If you’ve answered “yes” to those questions, the National Fire Protection Association recommends remembering “P.A.S.S.” when it’s time to use your extinguisher:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever.
• Sweep the hose from side to side. Once the fire is out, remain aware, because it can re-ignite.

Maintaining a Fire Extinguisher
It’s easy to just put an extinguisher in your kitchen cabinet and forget about it. But, by doing that, you run the risk of it not working when you need it most.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, some need to be shaken monthly, and others need to be pressure tested periodically. Follow the instructions on your specific extinguisher. Also, check regularly to make sure it’s not damaged, rusted or dirty.
Remember, a fire extinguisher won’t do you any good if it doesn’t work, and it won’t help if you can’t get to it, either. So, ensure it’s in an accessible place, not buried in the back of a closet.
Finally, don’t ever forget that sometimes your best bet is not using an extinguisher at all. It’s using your family escape plan to get you and your loved ones out of danger. If there’s any doubt, get out!
​

Imagine you took the roof off your house, turned the whole thing upside down and started shaking. Everything that hit the dirt is what your insurance company calls “personal property” – hence Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C) on your homeowners, condo or renters policy.
Some people call it “my stuff coverage” because, in the event of a covered loss, such as a fire, theft or weather-related damage, it helps you recover, at least partially, the investment you’ve made in some of your key possessions. This includes furniture, artwork, jewelry and more.
However, in my experience, hardly anyone understands the restrictions and limitations of this coverage, and that can lead to potentially devastating consequences. So, let’s explore six reasons why your personal property may not be as fully covered as you think it is.

1. You don’t have an updated home inventory.
   On a standard policy, your personal property is covered at a percentage of your dwelling coverage. So, you may have $500,000 of coverage for the dwelling and $250,000 of coverage for personal property. But, is that enough? To know for sure, you need to know the value of your stuff. Having a home inventory – a list of all your stuff, the value of each piece and other details, such as model numbers – tells you how much coverage you need. If your home inventory shows you’re lacking coverage, be sure to purchase more.
   
   
2. You have Actual Cash Value coverage instead of Replacement Cost coverage.
   Say you purchased a brand new, top-of-the-line TV five years ago. Today, that TV is only worth a fraction of what you paid for it. Now say the TV has been stolen, and your insurance policy covers the loss. How much will you get?
   
   With Actual Cash Value Coverage, your policy will typically pay the depreciated value, and, no, it won’t be enough to purchase another top-of-the-line model at current prices. For that, you need Replacement Cost Coverage, which typically pays the purchase price of a similar model that’s available in stores right now.
   
   Think of it like this: Replacement Cost gets you the new; Actual Cash Value is back in with the old. Your policy will tell you which of the two coverage types applies to your personal property.
   
   
3. Your policy has sublimits for certain item types.
   Other types of property, such as jewelry, silver, furs, firearms and collectibles, won’t settle at either Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost if their value is above a certain threshold. You may have a $20,000 Rolex and $50,000 in Personal Property Coverage at Replacement Cost. If the watch is destroyed in a fire, your claim should be a slam dunk, right? Wrong. Your policy may only cover each piece of jewelry for $500 to $1,000 total. This is known as a “policy sublimit,” which can vary widely from item type to item type, policy to policy or state to state.
   
   
4. You haven’t scheduled high-value items.
   When you do have an item, such as the Rolex, valued above your policy sublimits, you can “schedule” it. This designates separate coverage for the full appraised value of individual items. You can schedule as many items as you like to help offset your policy sublimits. It’s simple to do so. Just provide your local insurance agent with a recent appraisal and purchase that amount of coverage. Your agent will advise you on any special requirements.
   
   
5. You tend to lose or drop things but don’t have Special Personal Property Coverage.
   It’s important to know which losses are covered and which aren’t, as outlined by your policy. Personal property destroyed in a fire? Likely covered. Personal property that mysteriously disappeared? Likely not covered, unless you had Special Personal Property Coverage on your policy. This extends your coverage to many other different types of losses so you’re protected for a wider array of scenarios, such as dropping your new TV.
   
   
6. Your belongings are destroyed in an earthquake.
   Here, we’ve hit a brick wall. Your policy does not cover earthquake damage. However, you are able to purchase earthquake coverage for an additional fee, such as through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). You can choose higher personal property limits to cover as much as you can, but you will likely still face coverage caps for certain items, such as jewelry. For example, your earthquake policy may cap jewelry coverage at $3,000 total, with no more than $1,000 per item. You also won’t be able to schedule items. Still, some earthquake coverage is better than none, so it’s certainly worth entertaining a discussion with your agent.
   
   

Armed with the above information, I trust you’re now motivated to check up on your personal property coverage through your homeowners, condo or renters policy. If you’re not sure what to make of it or you find you may not have enough, be sure to talk to your independent agent immediately so you have the coverage you want before a loss occurs.

It’s just rain — how much impact can it really have on your driving?
The answer: a lot. You’re likely to experience lower visibility, reduced traction and increased difficulty in handling your car both during and after a rainstorm. Add flooding to the mix and suddenly things get much more challenging – and dangerous.
In fact, more than half of flood-related drownings are due to people driving into floodwaters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, never, ever do it. As little as 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a small car, and 24 inches can carry away most any vehicle, according to the National Weather Service, which emphasizes “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when it comes to both walking and driving into floodwaters.
So, what about when the roads are wet but passable? From the rainy northwest, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) offers these tips for a safer approach to wet weather driving:

1. Turn on your lights. Rain (and the spray from other vehicles) can significantly lower visibility. Make it easier for other drivers to see you.
   
   
2. Slow down. It’s easy to lose control and hydroplane on wet roads, especially at speeds of about 35 mph or higher. Hydroplaning occurs when your front tires ride on a film of water instead of actually being in contact with the road. If it happens, ODOT recommends taking the following measures: “Ease off the gas, gently apply the brakes and steer straight ahead.” You’re also at risk of splashing water into the engine and stalling it when you drive at high speeds.
   
   
3. Give people more room, and don’t use cruise control. You won’t be able to stop as quickly when the roads are wet — cars need two to three times more stopping distance.
   
   
4. Expect things to be slick, especially if it hasn’t rained for a while. When a fresh rain mixes with engine oil and grease on the road, the combination can produce exceptionally slippery surfaces.
   
   
5. Make sure tires have proper inflation and adequate tread. Both over- and under-inflated tires are dangerous even in normal conditions. As for checking the tread, use the penny test: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you see his entire head, it’s time for new tires.
   
   
6. Keep up with general car maintenance. Make sure your wipers are functioning and that you replace the blades regularly. Also check your defroster, especially if you don’t use it often.

Remember, driving safely in inclement weather requires caution and patience. Give yourself more time to get where you’re going. If conditions are truly unsafe, pull over to a safe place (or stay home if you can). And, finally, don’t be caught with inadequate insurance coverage, either. Wet conditions make accidents more likely, so before you head out into the storm, make sure you have the coverage you want.


Get 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Come rain or shine, you never know when a minor – or major – fender bender or some other roadway mishap will darken your day. So, add roadside assistance to your auto policy and get assistance when you need it most. Call your independent insurance agent to update your policy today.

Freezing temperatures, gusts of wind, patches of ice – winter can be a horrible time to be on the road. And, an even worse time to get into a car accident.
But, with reduced visibility, slick roads and maybe even a reckless driver or two, accidents are bound to happen. So, what should you do if you experience one? Follow these five guidelines to help you stay safe while you wait for help to arrive after a car accident in winter:

1. Respond calmly. Your first instinct following any car accident may be to jump out of the car and give the other driver(s) a piece of your mind. But, given traffic and road conditions, it may not be safe for you to get out of your vehicle at all (and, it’s never safe to act aggressively toward others). So, stay in your car, take a deep breath, turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and others for injuries. Keep in mind that, if you’re in shock, you may not notice your own injuries at first. If needed, call 911 to request medical and traffic assistance.
   
   
2. Get off the road. If a minor accident leaves your car operable and no one involved requires emergency first aid, make clearing the roadway your next priority. Have all vehicles pull well off the road to reduce the chances of causing another accident. Just proceed with caution, especially if visibility is low. Other drivers on the road need extra time to react to slow-moving vehicles.
   
   
3. If you can’t get off the road, stay in your car. Walking around the roadway is extremely dangerous if other cars are around, particularly with stormy weather and slick roads making it difficult for drivers to respond to unexpected hazards. So, stay in your car and fasten your seatbelt, in case another collision occurs. Wait there for assistance and instructions from emergency personnel. Or, if your car isn’t safe to be in, seek other protection.
   
   
4. Stay visible, stay warm, stay put. Put up warning triangles and road flares, if you have them. Otherwise, tie a bright piece of cloth on your antenna or door handle so your vehicle is visible to others. If you’re running the engine to stay warm (make sure your tailpipe isn’t clogged with mud or snow or you risk being exposed to carbon monoxide), also turn on your running lights. Your vehicle emergency kit, stocked with blankets, extra clothing and more, will come in handy until emergency responders arrive. Because staying put is typically safer than heading out to seek help – you risk getting lost. And, leaving the scene of a serious accident can result in monetary fines.
   
   
5. Collect pertinent details and report the accident. After any accident, it’s important to exchange insurance information with the other driver(s), jot down notes about what happened and even snap a few photos – just be sure not to put yourself in harm’s way in order to do so. Then contact your insurance carrier to file a claim and your roadside assistance service to request help.

And, what if you come across an accident involving others? So long as they aren’t in immediate danger, your best bet is likely calling 911 and letting the appropriate local authorities respond. Pulling over to help could cause additional problems, such as distracting other drivers and causing an accident yourself.
Remember, winter driving can be as unpredictable as the weather. So, keep your phone charged and your gas tank full, and slow down so you have extra time to respond – you need it when the roads are slick!

The holidays are over, and Santa’s sleigh is back at the North Pole. That doesn’t mean the skies are empty, however.

Hundreds of thousands, if not a million, drones were likely given as holiday gifts in 2015, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates. That’s a lot of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (the official term) flying around. And, with very real concerns about privacy, liability and legality, there’s the potential for a lot of problems, too.

Whether you or a loved one got a drone over the holidays, or your neighbor got one and you’re curious about regulations, here are five things to keep in mind for responsible flying:

1. Practice, practice, practice. Don’t start off with a complicated “mission” right out of the gate. Learn how to maneuver your drone in an open field or empty parking lot. And, never use it in crowded areas, such as near stadiums, no matter how skilled a flyer you become.
    
2. Obey the FAA. The agency, which regulates aircraft, says drones must be under 55 pounds and remain under 400 feet of altitude. Furthermore, operators must be U.S. citizens of at least 13 years of age. You shouldn’t fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you have permission from the airport and control tower. You’ll also need to register your drone, whether it’s brand new or you’ve been flying it for a while.
    
3. Keep it personal. You typically don’t need approval to operate your drone as long as you’re using it recreationally — and following the FAA’s general guidelines. But, if you’re flying your drone for a commercial purpose, such as creating a professional video or taking business photos, you needauthorization from the FAA.
    
4. Limit your risk. Damage caused by your drone could lead to liability costs and fines, so check your homeowners insurance policy or ask your independent insurance agent to see if you’re covered (not all policies cover hobby and model aircraft). And, if you use your drone commercially, remember that your homeowners policy won’t cover that at all.
    
5. Be smart. All it takes to operate a drone safely and responsibly is a little skill and a lot of common sense. So, follow regulations and guidelines, and don’t endanger people or invade their privacy. The same goes for wildlife. Finally, if someone else’s drone is impacting you, try talking to them (or the authorities) before taking drastic measures.

Flying your drone responsibly takes a little more effort, and thought, than simply turning it on and taking off. But, you can still have a lot of fun — and get some cool pictures, most likely — while keeping yourself and those around you safe.

So, have fun up there, but always keep in mind what – and who – is down here.

For many people, one of the best things about the holiday season is its predictability. Considering the pace of change in modern life, it can be reassuring to pull out the same decorations, cook up the same treats and visit the same people as you did last year. That is, to immerse yourself in holiday tradition.

But, what exactly constitutes a tradition? Turkey for Thanksgiving, menorahs for Hanukkah, trees for Christmas—what else? Holiday celebrations vary widely across the country. What seems ordinary in one place may seem unusual, or even a little odd, in another. For example:

1. Christmas boat parades: It's sort of a variation on caroling, but instead of walking door to door, you sail dock to dock. Typically a lavishly decorated boat carrying carolers leads the parade, with private citizens in their own decorated vessels following. The parades are especially popular on the West Coast – think San Diego, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach and Seattle, among other cities and ports. But, they also happen in St. Petersburg, Palm Beach and Pompano Beach, Florida; in Virginia; and even in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    
2. Lighted Farm Implement Parade: Too far inland for a boat parade? Improvise! In Sunnyside, Washington, in the state's Yakima Valley, you’ll find what’s touted as, "the oldest lighted farm implement parade in the nation,” featuring more than 50 lighted farm implements and vehicles. Held annually since 1989, it's scheduled for Dec. 5 this year.
    
3. Polar bear plunges: Meanwhile, back in the water, thousands of people around the world jump into freezing cold lakes, bays and rivers, usually for New Year's. Some say it's for their health, others do it for charity and still others for the sheer fun (and chill) of it all. Maryland State Police sponsor the biggest event in the U.S., marking its 20th anniversary in 2016, at Sandy Point Beach.
    
4. Red underwear for love: From Latin America comes the tradition that the color of your undergarments on New Year's Eve will influence the year ahead. Red is for love and romance, yellow for prosperity and success, white for peace and harmony and green for health and well-being.
    
5. Black-eyed peas for luck: Hoppin’ John, a southern dish and New Year’s Day staple, includes these legumes, which symbolize luck and prosperity, along with rice and smoked bacon.
    
6. Turkey on the beach: If you've been to a Hawaiian luau, you may have had kalua pork—a pig slow roasted in an imu, an underground earth oven. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, turkeys were traditionally cooked the same way, wrapped in ti or banana leaves. For a modern variation, the turkeys are rubbed with coarse salt, wrapped and roasted for hours in the oven. Then they're shredded and served with rice and pineapple.
    
7. The Christmas pickle: No one seems to know exactly where this curious tradition originated. On Christmas Eve, parents hide a green pickle ornament somewhere on the Christmas tree. The first child to find it gets a prize. Some have argued that the tradition came from Germany; others say it has something to do with a Civil War incident. Then there are those who say it was all a 19th-century marketing gimmick by Woolworth's to sell more ornaments.

Whatever the tradition, the key is creating happy memories—happy enough to make you want to do it again next year. Have a wonderful holiday season!

“Thank you for your service” – these five words can be one of the best and simplest ways to recognize the veterans in your life on November 11, Veterans Day. But, what if you want to do more?

You could go to a parade (the biggest is in New York City) or a ceremony (the official one is at Arlington National Cemetery). You can fly the flag or try one of these ideas. What else?

How about saying, “Tell me about your service” and capturing a veteran’s story so his/her sacrifice isn’t forgotten?

Over the past 15 years, the Veterans History Project, part of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, has collected and preserved more than 96,000 personal accounts of war veterans. This includes audio and video recordings, photographs and written memoirs, some of which are available online, from veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are invited to share their stories, too.

Numerous organizations have conducted interviews for the project—thousands of World War II veterans were interviewed in conjunction with the Ken Burns PBS documentary, "The War," and Boy Scouts can conduct interviews as part of their Eagle service project. But, individuals are encouraged to participate as well.

And, that means you, if you want it to. You can contribute:

• Audio or video recordings at least 30 minutes long;
   
• 10 or more original photographs, letters or military documents;
   
• Or, 20 or more pages of unpublished memoirs, diaries or journals.

To participate, check out the project’s field guide or the Ken Burns field guide to get started. Or, if it all sounds too ambitious, perhaps just visit the project website this Veterans Day and view, read or listen to some of the remarkable stories available there. It would be a fine way to mark a special yet solemn day.

Did you know: A 1968 law established Monday observances for several U.S. holidays, including Veterans Day, because who doesn’t love a three-day weekend? However, Nov. 11 has special meaning for veterans. It marked the beginning in 1918 of the World War I armistice, the "11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” In 1978, Veterans Day was returned to Nov. 11, where it remains today.

Honor a Veteran Any Day of the YearOf course, you don’t have to wait until Veterans Day to honor the vets in your life. Let them know you appreciate their service, and lend them a hand if they need it. And, remember, Memorial Day in May is an occasion to honor the service men and women we have lost.

When it comes to car insurance, there’s no one price-fits-all scenario. In fact, car insurance costs can vary greatly from driver to driver, carrier to carrier and even state to state.

It’s not only about which coverages you select. Many other factors can also impact your car insurance premium – here are seven of them.

1. Driving history: If you’ve been involved in a lot of accidents and received more than your fair share of traffic tickets, the result is almost certain to be higher car insurance costs. The good news, however, is that the inverse is typically true as well. So, watching the speed limits and not driving distracted are two ways to not only stay safe but to potentially lower your car insurance rates, too.
    
2. Deductible and discounts: Don’t forget these two factors if you’re trying to keep your car insurance costs low. Oftentimes, a higher deductible results in a lower premium, so select the highest deductible you can manage. Remember, you’ll need to pay the amount of your deductible out of your own pocket in the event of a covered loss. You also may save on car insurance by taking advantage of special discounts. These can vary depending on your carrier but are typically available if you insure both your home and car with the same carrier, if you take an accident prevention course or if you drive your car infrequently.
    
3. Your vehicle and how you use it: The more time you spend on the road, the higher the chance of something happening. So, if you have a long daily commute, you should expect to pay more for your car insurance. Your vehicle makes a difference in your car insurance rates, too. If you drive a vehicle with solid safety ratings or one that has a high likelihood of theft, your rates may go down or up, respectively.
    
4. Your home: What does your home have to do with car insurance rates? Where you live can oftentimes either increase or decrease your chance of an accident or other incident. For example, metropolitan areas have more traffic, so there’s likely a higher chance of being involved in an accident than a rural area with less traffic. So, those who live in a high-density area may pay more for auto insurance. Drivers in any area, however, may pay less if they own their homes. Many carriers offer a car insurance discount if you own a home, townhouse or condo.
    
5. Age, marital status and gender: Believe it or not, married drivers typically have fewer auto accidents than non-married drivers, so the former may pay less for their car insurance. Young, inexperienced drivers typically pay more, so keep this in mind if your kids are nearing driving age. And, finally, female drivers often experience fewer accidents, so they may receive lower rates than males.
    
6. Credit history: Data has shown that those with higher credit-based insurance scores typically have fewer claims over time. So, keep your credit in check if you want to keep your car insurance costs in check, too. Though, in some states, carriers are not allowed to use your credit history in determining your car insurance rate.
    
7. Previous coverage: If you’ve ever had any gaps in your coverage or you’ve carried lower-than-recommended limits in the past, you may find yourself paying more for car insurance today.

So, your driving has gotten a little rusty, and it’s time for some training. Or, perhaps you’ve been ordered to take a course. Either way, we don’t judge, but we do want you to choose a course that’s right for you.

Your reason for taking the course may play a significant role in the one you choose.

If you’re looking to potentially save on your car insurance, your insurer may only recognize certain courses. Likewise, not every defensive driving course is valid or accepted in every state. That means, if you are taking one to dismiss a ticket or remove points from your driving record, you will need to learn from the court or appropriate state department (such as vehicle licensing) which courses are approved.

Here are three more tips to help you find the right course for your needs and your budget:

1. Consider your learning style
You’ll get more out of your defensive driving course if you choose one with a learning environment that works for you. You can complete an online course from the comfort of your own home, for example, but classroom options may also be available, depending on your area and the course material.

Online courses offer convenience, save time and may also cost less than in-person classes. However, classroom options might offer additional interaction or fit your learning style better. Either option can range from 4-12 hours over one day or several days.

2. Look at reviews
State-approved courses will likely have the most useful course material, but searching online review sites such as Yelp and others may help you find other quality options for defensive driving or accident prevention training. Keep in mind that people might be more inclined to post negative reviews, particularly if they felt forced to take a course to avoid a ticket.

3. Determine whether the cost is worth it
Courses range widely in cost, again depending on your area and the course material, as well as whether it’s online or in person. So, if you’re taking a course primarily to save on your auto insurance, be sure to check with your carrier or agent first about how much of a car insurance discount you may receive.

For example, if you stand to save $50 on your car insurance premium each year for three years, you probably wouldn’t want to spend more than $150 on the training. And, while having to take a state-approved course may limit your choices, potentially resulting in a higher cost, it may be worth it if it keeps a ticket off your driving record.

There’s a key benefit to defensive driving courses beyond ticket avoidance and insurance discounts, though: Your driving may improve! You’ll possibly learn about new laws, be reminded of some things you’ve forgotten and get an overall refresher on good, safe driving. And, that’s worthwhile, no matter what.

Insurance isn't something many renters give a lot of thought to. In fact, a study by the Insurance Information Institute a few years ago found that only about 31 percent of renters buy renters insurance.

If you're renting, it's worth your while to consider joining their ranks. When you rent an apartment or house, your landlord is not responsible for your personal belongings if they’re stolen or damaged. You are, and renters insurance can help.

Renters insurance can also help protect you if you’re held legally responsible for injuries to another person while they’re visiting your home. And, because the policies don't cover the building itself, premiums can be relatively inexpensive.

If you decide to look for renters insurance, here are a few questions to ask to ensure you get the coverage you want.

1. What’s covered, and for how much? Most policies cover such personal belongings as furniture, clothing, jewelry, electronics and appliances, but only up to your policy limits. So, be sure to take the value of all your belongings into account before selecting your coverage levels. It should be easy if you have a home inventory, a detailed list of all of your personal possessions along with their estimated value. An up-to-date inventory will also help to speed up and simplify the claim-filing process.
    
2. Do I need additional coverage for some of my things? Standard policies may limit coverage for such valuable items as jewelry, furs, firearms, coin collections and silverware to a set dollar amount. Computer equipment may also not be included if you use it primarily for business purposes. Supplemental coverage is typically available in both cases.
    
3. When am I covered? Typically insurance covers losses due to theft, fire, smoke, explosions and water damage due to leaky pipes and overflows. Storm and flood coverage can vary. Oftentimes, if your renters policy covers an incident inside your home, it covers it outside your home, too. So, you may have the same coverage if something valuable is stolen from your car as you would have if it were stolen from your home. Keep in mind that, for any loss, you’ll need to pay your renters insurance deductible first before your insurance coverage kicks in.
    
4. Actual cash value or replacement cost? Here’s where you want to stop and think about how you’d want to go about replacing lost, stolen or damaged items. Say you have a previous-generation TV, and it’s stolen. If you’d be okay replacing it with another previous-generation TV, then an actual cash value policy may be just fine for you. However, if you’d want to replace it with a brand new TV, you may want to think about replacement cost coverage. It typically costs about 10 percent more than actual cash value coverage, but it may be worth it to you. Essentially, actual cash value takes depreciation into account so that you are reimbursed based on what the item is worth today rather than when you bought it. Replacement cost coverage is designed to reimburse you based on what it would cost to purchase a new replacement at today’s prices.
    
5. How much liability coverage do I need? Renters insurance typically provides liability protection that pays for both the cost of defending you in court and court awards—up to the limit of your policy. A standard policy may provide at least $100,000 of liability coverage, but additional amounts are often available at a relatively low cost.
    
6. What about roommates—human and otherwise? Renters insurance automatically covers spouses and immediate family members in the same household, but a roommate must be specifically named in the policy. Be sure to keep the policy up to date; damage checks may be issued to both parties, even if one has moved out. As for dogs, check with your independent insurance agent about what kind of coverage you may have.
    
7. What if I need to move out during repairs? If you can’t live in your rented home while it’s being repaired or rebuilt after a covered loss, most renters insurance policies will help with the costs. This falls under your additional living expenses coverage. It may help with hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals and other expenses. Be sure to check on financial and duration limits.
    
8. How can I save on renters insurance? If you’d like to pay less for your renters insurance, consider insuring your car or personal watercraft with the same carrier as your dwelling. This often gets you a multi-policy discount. You may also elect to have a higher deductible or to pay the entire cost of your policy at once rather than spreading it out through the year. Both can help you save on renters insurance in many cases.

Sure, oftentimes when you rent you have fewer worries, such as not mowing the lawn or painting the house. But, just think how hard it would be to replace all your personal belongings at once. That’s a genuine worry – one that renters insurance can help to minimize.