Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

Letters to the Editor: Are you ready for a fire?

I was very distraught upon receiving a call from a 66-year-old man who said he and his wife are without a home because their's burned down. When I asked if he had insurance, he seemed surprised and said it was a rental. Unfortunately, many people who rent don't think about the loss they will incur if their rental burns down.

To get another place to live they will usually need first and last months' rent plus a cleaning or security deposit--sometimes both. While the landlord who just suffered the loss of the rental is probably responsible to give them back the extra month's rent and their deposit, it may take weeks before the people actually get it, and they need the money now.

Some apartment complexes offer renter's insurance at the time you move in. If not, there are any number of insurance companies that provide renters insurance. The cost will probably run between $10 and $15 a month. If the insurance company that covers your car also provides renters insurance you may get a reduction in premium from the multiple coverage.

I urge all renters to make the investment for renters insurance. Unless you have some funds set aside in savings, you may be instantly homeless if your home burns down.

Fred Buckingham

Administrative Assistant

United Way of

Merced County