If you have neighbors that annoy you, you might live in an apartment building. But annoying you and destroying your property are two very different things.
At Choice One Insurance Inc. in Portland, OR, we know apartment living can have its challenges. Here’s what you need to know when a tenant in your building damages something.
Oregon Renters Insurance Basics
Oregon’s renters’ insurance covers personal property and liability. Sometimes you might get additional expenses covered, such as a hotel room, if damages leave your apartment uninhabitable.
Property insurance will cover your furniture, clothing, and electronics. Each renters’ insurance policy will have its own limits and caps on how much it provides.
Liability works like any liability coverage. It covers you if you accidentally damage something on someone else’s property. It also covers you if they have medical bills after an accident on your property.
When a neighbor wrecks your stuff, you can file a claim for property damage.
To Do: Before the Damage
If that hasn’t happened yet, take an inventory of your belongings. Do a video of each room, and be sure to capture every major piece of furniture and technology.
Get renters insurance if you don’t have it already.
To Do: After the Damage
After the problem has already happened, notify your landlord immediately. Take photos of every possible inch and angle of the problem. Clean up the mess and remove any items that might sustain further damage if it’s a problem like a flood.
Call your insurance company to start the claim. They will ask you for a list of items that were damaged and what their value is. See if you can find receipts or banking statements to corroborate what you claim is their value.
In the end, you may have a deductible to pay ahead, but you may not. Your insurance company can help if you have that policy before the problem happens. You can use the funds to replace the damaged items.
Get a Free Quote
You can’t choose your neighbor, but you can choose your insurance company. Contact Choice One Insurance in Portland, OR today to get a free quote on renters’ insurance.