A basic guide to personal property insurance

by Ryan Mandigo 08/01/2023

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Homeowners insurance protects your home, but what about what’s inside? When peril strikes, knowing your belongings are covered financially can make a world of difference.

Here’s a basic guide to how personal property coverage can help secure your belongings.

What does personal property insurance cover?

Personal property coverage offers financial protection for your personal items if they’re damaged by certain perils.

Personal belongings covered under this policy type can include: 

  • Electronics.
  • Furniture.
  • Art.
  • Clothing.
  • Appliances.

There are two coverage types for this insurance: named perils and open perils.

Named perils policies only cover you specifically from perils listed. An open perils policy covers everything except the specific exclusions provided. 

How does personal property insurance work if you rent versus own?

Personal property coverage is included with renters insurance. It covers personal belongings the same way it would with homeowners insurance. 

However, the building you’re renting is not covered under the same policy. Instead, the property owner will have their own policy for the building itself.

What's not covered by personal property insurance?

Personal property insurance typically doesn’t cover: 

  • Flood damage.
  • Pets.
  • Auto-damages.

How much should I expect to pay for PPI?

Personal property insurance usually comes as part of homeowners or renters insurance. 

The average cost of a homeowners policy is about $1500 per year, while renters insurance costs about $160 per year. 

Personal property coverage can mean greater peace of mind. Discuss your coverage options with an insurance company to make the best decision for your property.

About the Author
Author

Ryan Mandigo

Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Realty ONE Group Dockside. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"

When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.

Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"