Renters: Better to be Safe Than Sorry Protecting Property Should be a Priority for Renters too

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Sept 15, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- ALL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- If your apartment burns down or is burglarized, would you have money to replace your personal belongings? Most renters don't realize their landlord's insurance covers only the building structure and not tenants' possessions. Plus, how many college students living in off-campus apartments even think about renters insurance? Well, for about the price of a large pizza per month, you can protect all of your valuables. Renters insurance is available to protect personal belongings from fire, theft, vandalism, and damage from faulty plumbing.

"Most people need to be educated about the advantages of renters insurance," said Doug Borg, regional distribution leader for Allstate. "Renters are surprised to learn just how much they risk losing without proper insurance for both their personal belongings and personal liability."

Renters insurance also covers more than personal belongings. Options are available to cover the renter if a guest is injured while in the apartment or if the policyholder or family member causes damage to another property. There are also options to cover reasonable increases in certain living expenses necessary to maintain your normal standard of living, for up to the amount of time specified in the policy, if a covered loss makes your residence uninhabitable.

Allstate Insurance Company wants you to become familiar with the facts about protecting yourself and your property in a rental situation:

-- According to recent FBI statistics, two of every three burglaries occur in homes, condos, or apartments and have an average loss of $1,004 per residence.

-- Renters insurance may cover you against theft both at home and away from home. This coverage includes protection against robbery, pickpocket theft, and even credit card loss, forged checks, and counterfeit money.

-- Discounts are available to renters who are age 55 or older, and to those whose dwellings have a protective device, such as fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, burglar alarms, and dead bolt locks. This includes a discount to renters who live in buildings that provide 24-hour security personnel.

-- You can increase your coverage for certain losses based on your individual needs, such as for jewelry, silverware, and personal computers.

Coverage and discounts are subject to availability and qualifications. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate(R). Encompass(R) and Deerbrook(R) Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com.

SOURCE The Allstate Corporation

http://www.allstate.com

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