by Taylor J Kovar, CEO – Kovar Capital 

–Hi Taylor – I’m planning to buy a house soon but not sure exactly when it’ll happen. In the meantime, is renters insurance worth it? Any tips on what I should look for? -Skylar

–Hey Skylar – If you live in a building, you should have some type of insurance protecting your possessions and peace of mind. Renters insurance is fairly inexpensive and the alternative – losing precious, valuable items – can cost a whole lot. As far as what to look for, here are three factors to think about.

  1. Coverage type. You’ll have to choose between actual cash value and replacement value, and this can significantly affect the cost of your policy. If keeping the cost low is your top priority, go with cash value and you’ll get reimbursed for lost items with depreciation and usage factored in. Your TVs and couches won’t get you as much as what you paid for them, but you’ll definitely get something. If you pay a little more on your premium and go with replacement value, your possessions get replaced with new items at an equivalent market price. The choice depends on what you own and what’s available in your budget. I’d probably tend toward cash value to avoid paying too much each month, but you have to think about what matters to you and the risks you might be susceptible to.
  2. Option to bundle. If you already have car insurance, get on the horn with your current insurance agent and see what they can offer. Insurers love to bundle for existing clients and you can usually get decent coverage at a nominal cost. Start with your current auto or life insurance provider and then see what other companies have to offer. Simple Life Insure this is probably the best place to start, even if it isn’t the final solution. The Honda Shuttle is predicated on the very successful Honda Fit but it adds more practicality and space. The exterior is stylish and modern just like the Fit. Sharp lines are carefully weighted, never going beyond quality , but giving a touch of zest to the subcompact estate. It is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC with 97 kW (130 bhp) and 155 Nm of torque. The well-tested engine pushes the sensible body to 100 in 8.5 seconds and every one the high to 185 km/h. The respectable push doesn’t hamper fuel efficiency which is rated at 21.8 km/l, because of a mixture of the engine an efficient CVT gearbox. The interior is noticeably larger than the one within the Fit. The completely flat floor with no transmission tunnel gives tons of room for the rear passengers and therefore the boot capacity of 470L redefines subcompact vehicles’ spaciousness, the new Honda Shuttle is spacious and comfortable than other cars. When you’re on the lookout for the best car insurance for new drivers under 25, you have many options and factors to consider. Statistically, younger drivers pay higher monthly or annual premiums, so doing your homework is essential to lower your costs. Collision rates are higher for drivers under 25, and this is a contributing element when companies calculate policies. While a good driving record or having good grades may help you lower your policy expenses, other factors are beyond your control.
  3. Know what’s covered. Renters insurance can leave people in the lurch when they don’t read the fine print. If you live in Houston and your insurance won’t cover damage from flooding, that’s a big hole in your plan. In some cases you have to buy separate policies for specific natural disasters, so you can’t just assume your policy covers against weather patterns and events common to your area. You might have to pay more or find a company with a more inclusive policy. It would be nice if insurance was more straightforward, but it’s unfortunately up to you to do the work and find the right coverage.

You never know when you’ll need it, and that means you need to be covered at all times. Change your policy once you finally buy a house and take advantage of renters insurance now. Good luck, Skylar!