Is renters insurance really necessary if I don't have many expensive belongings?

renters insurancebudgetingapartment living

Elena_90

Joined:
01.03.2021
Posts: 699

Topic Starter

25.01.2025 23:46

I'm moving into my first solo apartment next month and the landlord mentioned I need to get renters insurance. Honestly, I don't own much-just a basic laptop, some clothes, and a few pieces of IKEA furniture. It feels like an extra monthly expense I could avoid since the building is fairly secure. Does this actually cover things like water damage or accidental issues, or is it just for theft? I'm trying to decide if the cost is worth the peace of mind.

15 replies in this topic

camilo

Joined:
22.04.2024
Posts: 2411

04.02.2025 10:41

Get it. It is super cheap, usually like $15 a month. Even if your stuff isn't worth much, the liability coverage is the real reason to have it.

Lara_N

Joined:
05.01.2023
Posts: 1576

18.02.2025 23:33

In reply to a previous post

Liability is huge. What if you accidentally leave the stove on or a pipe bursts and ruins your neighbor's unit? You'd be on the hook for thousands.

Oli_L

Joined:
19.11.2020
Posts: 606

18.04.2025 08:47

In reply to a previous post

I thought the same thing until my upstairs neighbor had a kitchen fire. My place wasn't destroyed, but the water damage from the fire hoses ruined everything I owned. Insurance saved me.

Yana_P

Joined:
01.11.2022
Posts: 1084

24.04.2025 19:20

It's definitely worth it for the peace of mind. You never think you need it until you actually do.

JustAsking

Joined:
06.01.2021
Posts: 2494

28.04.2025 03:37

In reply to a previous post

Does it cover accidental damage though? Like if I spill coffee on my laptop?

Steve_W

Joined:
09.07.2024
Posts: 1476

10.05.2025 00:43

In reply to a previous post

Usually, accidental spills aren't covered unless you have a specific rider, but it definitely covers theft and fire.

GoldenHands

Joined:
20.11.2022
Posts: 469

10.07.2025 19:15

Most landlords require it in the lease agreement anyway, so you might not have a choice if you want the apartment.

IdkButIWrite

Joined:
28.06.2024
Posts: 2236

12.07.2025 02:16

Check your car insurance provider! They often give a massive discount if you bundle your renters insurance with your auto policy.

chris_1982

Joined:
11.11.2021
Posts: 365

12.07.2025 20:05

I pay $12 a month for mine. Honestly, that's less than a single takeout meal. Totally worth it.

sunday_guest

Joined:
26.05.2021
Posts: 918

14.07.2025 10:16

In reply to a previous post

Agreed with the bundle suggestion. I pay like $8 a month because of the multi-policy discount.

Kevin_M

Joined:
03.06.2020
Posts: 24

14.09.2025 16:34

If you don't have many belongings, just make sure you document everything you do have with photos. It makes filing a claim much easier.

curious_k

Joined:
14.11.2023
Posts: 2151

06.12.2025 08:08

In reply to a previous post

Don't listen to the people saying it's a waste. It's not just about your IKEA furniture, it's about the legal protection if someone gets hurt in your apartment.

Sophia_G

Joined:
13.12.2022
Posts: 462

12.12.2025 15:54

Just get a basic policy. You can always increase the coverage later when you buy more expensive stuff.

curious_k

Joined:
11.12.2023
Posts: 786

31.12.2025 12:29

In reply to a previous post

Does it cover theft if my laptop gets stolen out of my car? I've heard conflicting things.

forum_expert

Joined:
06.04.2025
Posts: 2215

01.02.2026 14:49

In reply to a previous post

Usually, it covers items stolen from your car, but you have to pay the deductible, which might be more than the laptop is worth.

Is renters insurance really necessary if I don't have many expensive belongings?

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