Your helpful and convenient
Renter's Resource
An expert guide to your renters policy
+ smart apartment tips and know-hows
Main
insurance coverages
1 |
Personal Property Coverage
Pays for the personal items that may be damaged or destroyed by a covered loss—from furniture, to clothes, to televisions.
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2 |
Additional Living Expenses CoverageHelps pay for additional living expenses if you are displaced from your apartment due to a covered loss. This could include lodging, food, clothing and other necessities. Keep your receipts to assist in getting reimbursed. |
3 |
Personal Liability CoverageLiability covers you if you cause damage to another unit when you're a renter. Landlords require this because it helps cover you if you're responsible for unintentional damage to your or another unit in your building. Depending on your assets and insurance needs, you may want to consider purchasing an umbrella insurance policy. |
Additional Coverages
At the GEICO Insurance Agency, we'll be happy to help amend or change your coverages to fit your needs. Here are a few features of your policy, as well as some additional coverages we can offer you:
Replacement Cost Contents
When you're covered for replacement cost on your belongings, that means we've personalized your policy to replace your items, for a covered loss, at today's prices. There are, however, limits on your policy for jewelry and watches if they are stolen. To protect those items in full, go here for a jewelry policy quote.
Disasters Coverage
Depending on where you live, you may want to look into extra coverage for natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Identify Theft
Identity theft is a common danger in the 21st century. While your renters policy covers you for events like fires, hurricanes or theft, it doesn't cover your identity. Click here to get an identity theft policy quote.
Insurance Terms to Know
Deductible
This is the portion of the payment that you are responsible for in the event of damages or a loss before your insurance company will pay for a claim. The amount of the deductible is subtracted, or “deducted,” from your claim payment. The larger the deductible, the less you pay in premiums. That being said, it's important to choose a deductible that fits your budget.
Proof of Insurance
Also known as the Declarations Page, this includes the coverage limits, effective dates of the policy and policy endorsements. Landlords and other involved parties will want a copy of the Declarations Page.
Policy Period
This is more or less a given, but it is important for you to know when your policy is in effect. It is also crucial to make your payments on time so that you remain covered.
Named Perils
Your policy may contain a list stating exactly what you're insured against. This could include fire, smoke, vandalism, theft, windstorm and accidental discharge of water. Be sure to examine your policy to be knowledgeable about what is covered.
Renewing Your Lease
Is your lease renewal coming up? Here are some questions you may be considering and want answered.
Is this still the best apartment for me?
Might you be switching jobs? Getting married? Starting a family? It's never too early to start preparing for potential life changes. And GEICO's here to grow with you if and when those changes happen.
Am I paying too much?
Do some research and weigh the pros and cons of moving. Nearby apartments might be offering perks like a free garage space or a gym membership—though perhaps with a trade-off, like committing to a two-year lease.
How can I minimize rent increases?
A rent increase may be inevitable, but that doesn't mean you have to just accept the new amount. Ask management if they're willing to lower the price in exchange for signing a longer lease.
What terms can I negotiate?
Price isn't the only factor when negotiating with your landlord. If the building offers more desirable units, ask to move into one for the same price. Or perhaps you can nab an amenity, like a parking spot, for a discounted rate.
Have there been any changes to my lease?
Come renewal time, management may update the language of the lease. It's incredibly important to read the lease closely and compare it with your current one.
What upgrades are available?
Ask your community or apartment manager what upgrades are planned for your apartment community. New cabinets and appliances, or even just a fresh coat of paint, may be enough to help you decide to stay put.
Can I add a roommate?
Renewal time is a good time to add a roommate and typically results in a new lease with both of your names on it. Just be careful and confident they're responsible and trustworthy.
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How can I minimize rent increases?
A rent increase may be inevitable, but that doesn't mean you have to just accept the new amount. Ask management if they're willing to lower the price in exchange for signing a longer lease.
What terms can I negotiate?
Price isn't the only factor when negotiating with your landlord. If the building offers more desirable units, ask to move into one for the same price. Or perhaps you can nab an amenity, like a parking spot, for a discounted rate.
Have there been any changes to my lease?
Come renewal time, management may update the language of the lease. It's incredibly important to read the lease closely and compare it with your current one
What upgrades are available?
Ask your community or apartment manager what upgrades are planned for your apartment community. New cabinets and appliances, or even just a fresh coat of paint, may be enough to help you decide to stay put.
Can I add a roommate?
Renewal time is a good time to add a roommate and typically results in a new lease with both of your names on it. Just be careful and confident they're responsible and trustworthy.
Moving
Checklist
Maybe a move isn't currently in the mix, but this checklist is a great go-to when or if the time does come for a new home.
Before the move
Inform your Landlord.
Most landlords require a letter or a signed document 30-60 days before you leave. Be sure to read your lease to determine the proper protocol.
Call the GEICO Insurance Agency.
We can help you transfer this policy to a new address, or we'll help you get the right type of policy for wherever you are headed next.
Inventory the stuff
you're taking.
Create a short, accurate list—avoid overestimating and overpaying for too many boxes or too large a truck. Ask friends for referrals! Extra tip: don't pay for boxes. There are free cardboard boxes just about everywhere; all you have
to do is ask!
Book your move.
Nail down your move-out date, and determine if you'd like to do the moving on your own or if you are using a moving company or renting a truck. If getting professional help, give yourself plenty of time to research moving companies for the best rate. Lock in a rental truck early to avoid heavy last-minute rates or truck unavailability.
Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, if you do hire a moving company, we suggest purchasing insurance through that company to help protect you and your stuff during the big move.
Purge your junk.
Donate, sell, toss and recycle things you don't want or need. Purge expired medicines and makeup. Keep a give-away box or bags handy. This will make it easier to get rid of items while you purge.
Start packing.
Make a packing kit. Include permanent markers, scissors, different-colored rolls of duct tape and pens. A notebook, bottle of water and snacks, too!
As you pack, set aside items that you'll need for your trip and the first few days in your new home. Put them in a box labeled “first day,” so you know when to open it once you arrive. Extra tip: color-code your stuff. Pick one color of duct tape for each room in your house and slab a square of it on each side of your box. You'll appreciate this later!
Quit stocking the cabinets.
Eat as many perishables as possible and stop grocery shopping. Reducing food=reducing boxes.
Schedule utility changes.
Apartments vary, but in cases where utilities, cable and/or internet are your responsibility, be sure to arrange to have these services discontinued or moved to your new location at the appropriate time for your departure.
Change your address.
Fill out a change of address form with the post office or online at USPS.com. Be sure to update your address with your bank, insurance providers, credit card issuers, mailed subscriptions and other important contacts
Think outside the box.
Garbage bags are your friends! Think pillows, blankets, socks, undergarments, bathing suits and pajamas.
Get creative in combining items. Include socks, shirts, pillows, blankets, and other soft items with your fragile items.
Keep an inventory.
Use the notebook to create a checklist of your boxes. Write numbers on your boxes, and include what each number represents in your notebook.
Clean!
The better condition your apartment is in, the more likely you'll get your deposit back. Give it a nice final vacuuming, wiping, mopping and dusting.
Reserve a moving space if needed.
Whether you have a truck, car or both to unload, make sure you arrange a time and place that you can have the best access unloading. This could also include a specific loading elevator.
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Book your move.
Nail down your move-out date, and determine if you'd like to do the moving on your own or if you are using a moving company or renting a truck. If getting professional help, give yourself plenty of time to research moving companies for the best rate. Lock in a rental truck early to avoid heavy last-minute rates or truck unavailability.
Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, if you do hire a moving company, we suggest purchasing insurance through that company to help protect you and your stuff during the big move.
Purge your junk.
Donate, sell, toss and recycle things you don't want or need. Purge expired medicines and makeup. Keep a give-away box or bags handy. This will make it easier to get rid of items while you purge.
Start packing.
Make a packing kit. Include permanent markers, scissors, different-colored rolls of duct tape and pens. A notebook, bottle of water and snacks, too!
As you pack, set aside items that you'll need for your trip and the first few days in your new home. Put them in a box labeled “first day,” so you know when to open it once you arrive. Extra tip: color-code your stuff. Pick one color of duct tape for each room in your house and slab a square of it on each side of your box. You'll appreciate this later!
Quit stocking the cabinets.
Eat as many perishables as possible and stop grocery shopping. Reducing food=reducing boxes.
Schedule utility changes.
Apartments vary, but in cases where utilities, cable and/or Internet are your responsibility, be sure to arrange to have these services discontinued or moved to your new location at the appropriate time for your departure.
Change your address.
Fill out a change of address form with the post office or online at USPS.com. Be sure to update your address with your bank, insurance providers, credit card issuers, mailed subscriptions and other important contacts
Think outside the box.
Garbage bags are your friends! Think pillows, blankets, socks, undergarments, bathing suits and pajamas.
Get creative in combining items. Include socks, shirts, pillows, blankets, and other soft items with your fragile items.
Keep an inventory.
Use the notebook to create a checklist of your boxes. Write numbers on your boxes, and include what each number represents in your notebook.
Clean!
The better condition your apartment is in, the more likely you'll get your deposit back. Give it a nice final vacuuming, wiping, mopping and dusting.
Reserve a moving space if needed.
Whether you have a truck, car or both to unload, make sure you arrange a time and place that you can have the best access unloading. This could also include a specific loading elevator.
Moving Day
It's moving day into your new place! Yay!
If you bought this policy to move into your new place, chances are we made it easy for you by sending proof of coverage directly to your leasing office or landlord. But just in case, don't forget to have an extra copy of your renters policy—called a Declarations Page—with you. Log in to here to access it.
At Your Old Place
Perform a final walkthrough with the landlord and have them sign off on the condition of the apartment. This will aid you in ensuring a full or partial security deposit back and keep you off the hook for any damages you didn't cause.
Visually check whether everything is loaded onto the truck and/or into your car and all applicable paperwork is complete.
Take a final tour of your place to make sure that the lights and heat or air conditioning are turned off, windows and doors are closed and locked and nothing is left behind.
Return your key, fob, parking pass and any other necessary items to your landlord.
At Your New Place
Perform a thorough inspection of your new apartment with your landlord, checking all of the utilities and appliances. Just like moving out, this ensures you will not be held responsible later for any existing damages or faulty appliances in the apartment.
Check your belongings as they're unloaded.
Consider cleaning your new apartment before fully unpacking.
Store all of your moving paperwork—you'll need it for your federal income tax returns.
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At Your New Place
Perform a thorough inspection of your new apartment with your landlord, checking all of the utilities and appliances. Just like moving out, this ensures you will not be held responsible later for any existing damages or faulty appliances in the apartment.
Check your belongings as they're unloaded.
Consider cleaning your new apartment before fully unpacking.
Store all of your moving paperwork—you'll need it for your federal income tax returns.
After the Move
Start Settling In.
Visit your new post office to pick up any mail being held and ask for delivery to begin.
Contact your Car Insurance Company.
Depending on where you've moved, you may have new coverage options, prices and savings available to you. Take a look at the coverage requirements for
your state to ensure you have the right protection. If you insure your car with GEICO, we're always a click, tap or phone call away! If not, it's never a bad time to get a new, up-to-date auto insurance quote.
Register your Vehicle.
Check the state requirements for vehicle registration and driver's license, and make a trip to the DMV. Every state has a different window for when you need to make these transfers, so put this high up on your list. Also be sure to check the DMV website to see what steps can be completed online.
Search for New Healthcare Providers.
One of the top priorities when moving to a new place is finding a new doctor, dentist, vet and other important specialists for you and your family.
Register to Vote.
Conveniently register online, or fill out and mail a Voter Registration Form. This form can be found at post offices and the DMV.
Explore your New City and Neighborhood.
Enjoy discovering your new favorite hair salon, parks, running and bike paths as well as other hangouts. Figure out which restaurant will be your regular pizza delivery place.
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Search for New Healthcare Providers.
One of the top priorities when moving to a new place is finding a new doctor, dentist, vet and other important specialists for you and your family.
Register to Vote.
Conveniently register online, or fill out and mail a Voter Registration Form. This form can be found at post offices and the DMV. We suggest checking the DMV website to see what can be completed online.
Explore your New City and Neighborhood.
Enjoy discovering your new favorite hair salon, parks, running and bike paths as well as other hangouts. Figure out which restaurant will be your regular pizza delivery place.
Ways to
protect your apartment
When you are home
ClickTap on a circle!
When on vacation
6 simple
Storage Hacks
Make the most of your apartment space with these handy tips designed to maximize space, improve storage and aesthetically organize your belongings.
Buy tiered hangers.
Tiered hangers boast multiple wire bars, clips or hooks. This ingenious design allows you to attach several skirts, shirts or pairs of pants to one hanger.
Stick-on utility hooks are your friend.
Now made in an array of sizes and styles, the sky is the limit for what you can store and present with these damage-free adhesive hooks.
Install shelves.
Have high ceilings? Take advantage of unused vertical space by installing shelves along the walls. Also use shelf dividers—transform wide shelves into tight cubbies.
Add bed risers.
Create under-the-bed storage so you can have extra space for things you don't need access to year-round, such as bins of winter or summer clothing.
Utilize magnets.
With simple wall installation, they can store things from tweezers, brushes and other accessories in your bathroom to spice containers, timers and cooking utensils in your kitchen!
Tension rods are just as helpful as shelves.
Let things hang or place rods parallel for shoes and other items.
Smart ways
you could save big
The non-affiliated companies we work with have so many discounts available; you may be able to save even more on your renter's insurance policy.
If you've taken steps to protect your home, you might qualify for a discount. Give us a call today and let us know if you have these safety features in your apartment:
Fire Sprinklers
Security System
Deadbolt Locks
Smoke Detectors
Fire Extinguishers
|
Fire ExtinguishersTIP: In a back-and-forth sweeping motion, aim at the base of the fire—not toward the flame. They empty fast, so make sure you aim correctly. Make sure to check the pressure gauge (needs to be “full”) and expiration date. |
4 Special
renters tips
Special advice from editors of The Family Handyman
Hover overTap on a circle!
Don't have a tape measure handy?
Use a dollar bill.
A dollar is roughly 6 inches long.
Don't underestimate the lemon.
The citrus fruit can help clean a smelly garbage disposal, cutting boards, white laundry and more.
Mouse problem?
Cheese isn't the strongest bait.
A combination of bacon and peanut butter is actually the most successful!
Give your place some personality.
Transform your counters, walls, appliances and more with removable wallpaper.
1. Fire Extinguisher
2. First Aid Kit
3. Flashlight
4. Tool Kit
5. Duct Tape
6. Trash Bags
7. Lightbulbs
8. Batteries
9. Non-Perishable Foods
Another thing to consider
Kitty Litter
It's not just for your kitty! Because of its deodorizing and absorbent qualities, it can assist in cleaning and crafting! Keep areas fresh and get rid of unwanted smells. Sprinkle on yucky spills, like oil and paint. Dry and preserve flowers!
We see
more savingsin your future
The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Homeowners, Renters, Condo, Pet, Travel, Flood, Term Life, Jewelry, and business operations and property coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO Auto policyholders could be eligible for a premium discount on their GEICO Marine Insurance policy. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO Portfolio Identity Theft Protection is provided by Iris Powered by Generali and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten by Generali U.S. Branch. The GEICO Personal Umbrella Policy is provided by Government Employees Insurance Company and is available to qualified Government Employees Insurance Company and GEICO General Insurance Company policyholders and other eligible persons, except in Mass. Commercial auto coverage is underwritten by Government Employees Insurance Company. In some cases commercial auto coverage is provided through GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc., either under an arrangement with National Indemnity Company (NICO), a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, or with non-affiliated insurers. Business operations and property coverages are written through non-affiliated insurers and are secured through GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. The GEICO Mobile app and site received #1 rankings according to the Keynova Group Q1 and Q3 2021 Mobile Insurance Scorecards. If you do not wish to receive future marketing mailings from GEICO, please complete the form available at http://optout.geico.com/marketing, or send your full name and mailing address, including ZIP code, to Mail Preference, GEICO Marketing, One GEICO Plaza, Floor 4T, Washington, D.C. 20076. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2018. © 2018 GEICO