Finally! After over a year and a half, many British Columbians are heading back to school and work this fall. It’s going to be an interesting lifestyle change as we navigate our return to classrooms and offices in a way that’s as safe as possible for all.

Three things we’re sure to see less of as we make the transition...our apartments, TVs and couches! Which makes this the perfect time to get renters insurance. When you’re away at the library, office, out with friends or home for the holidays, renters insurance gives you the peace of mind that your empty apartment and what matters to you is protected from the unexpected.

Here are six great reasons to get renters insurance:

1. It’s affordable

The average BCAA Renters Insurance Policy costs less than $30/month. Plus, BCAA Members can save up to 20% on BCAA Renters Insurance* and if you buy online, you’ll save an additional 5%. Your actual cost depends on where you live, how much (and what type of) coverage you want, as well as your deductible amount.

2. It covers and replaces your valuable stuff

Renters insurance covers damage to your possessions from fire, smoke or water (even earthquakes). It also provides coverage if your belongings get stolen during a break-in.

• Computer/monitor
• Electronics
• Clothes
• Jewellery
• Luggage
• Kitchen utensils/flatware
• Sports equipment
• Furniture
• Bike

Your basic renters insurance policy has limits on valuables like expensive bicycles, jewellery, and fine art (you might want to leave your multi-million-dollar Picassos back at the family home). If you own valuables that would tip you over the limits in your policy, you can add extra coverage for those items.

3. Most landlords require it

It’s a safe bet your landlord or management company has homeowners insurance. Here’s the thing, though: their insurance will cover their building, home or condo against damages and theft but it will not cover your possessions. Landlords often require their tenants to buy their own renters insurance policies--and they may ask you to give them proof.

4. It protects you from accidental damages

Let’s say your upstairs neighbour leaves the tap running, a pipe bursts under your sink or your washing machine floods your apartment, causing huge damages. Where will you stay while it’s being repaired? Renters insurance covers additional living costs like hotel rooms, so you’ll have a roof over your head while your apartment gets repaired. If your home is deemed uninhabitable and you’re forced to move out, your insurance policy will help cover those extra costs.

5. You get liability coverage in case somebody gets hurt

Renters insurance covers more than just your TV and bicycle. Let’s say a friend gets injured in your home, or you accidentally damage someone else’s property, you could be responsible for paying expensive legal or medical bills, repair bills or lost wages. Most renters insurance policies provide you with at least $100,000 of liability coverage and BCAA’s standard renters insurance gives you $1,000,000 in liability coverage.

6. It covers your possessions when you travel

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings, whether they are in your home, vehicle (#vanlife) or when you’re travelling. When you're travelling or studying abroad, your possessions are covered in case of loss or theft, anywhere you travel in the world.

We save the day so you can focus on doing you

At BCAA, we care about protecting British Columbians and their homes, vehicles and belongings. You can trust our award-winning insurance to give you peace of mind so you can focus on excelling at school and work this fall. You can get a quick quote on our BCAA Renters Insurance here.

Bonus tip: If student loans have you pinching pennies, you can save up to 20% on BCAA Renters Insurance with a BCAA Basic Membership for less than $8 a month.

For all your insurance needs, call us at 1.888.268.2222, Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm and Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. Have a great year!