Destiny Remezas
Daily Egyptian
Rob Johnson, a senior studying radio and television, does not mind
paying $10 a month to make to make sure his personal items could be
replaced.
Johnson has had renter's insurance since he lived in the dorms and keeps it updated, but is thankful he has never had to use it.
The Carbondale Police Department reported 331 residential burglaries in
2004, said officer Randy Mathis. In addition to the burglaries, 87
residential fires were reported in Carbondale.
Some burglaries happen because of lack preventative security measures,
Police Chief Steve Odum said. This is terrible way for people to learn
about home security, he said.
"We see a lot of people who lose a lot if high priced items," Odum said.
It's also important for people to remember fires that happen in one
apartment can damage other apartments too, Carbondale Assistant Fire
Chief David Keim said.
"There's nothing worse than having a fire like that and finding out they're not covered," Keim said.
Bonnie Owen, owner of Bonnie Owen Property Management, said she encourages her renters to get coverage.
"My insurance doesn't cover their property," Owen said. "I encourage
them to ask their parents if their homeowner's insurance will cover
them."
In fact, Loreen Mason, a State Farm Insurance agent, said students
could be covered under their parent's homeowner's policy. She said
students should call their parents' insurance company to find out if
they are covered.
Johnson gets his insurance through his parents and said for $10 a
month, it's worth knowing he will be able to replace his personal
belongings if something happens.
While there are some eligibility issues, like condition of the
dwelling, Mason said applying for insurance is easy and the policy
works similar to a homeowner's policy.
In addition, she said people sometimes do not realize how much property
they own, especially if they have been living on their own for a while.
"It's relatively inexpensive," Mason said. "It's probably under $200 per year to insure."
Reporter Destiny Remezas can be reached at
destiny_remezas@dailyegyptian.com
