Renters Insurance any opinions on providers? (apartments, homeowners insurance, transfer)

[GoingBackEast]

This is new to me as I've always owned. I need renter's insurance. I've been using Allstate. But since I NEVER had a claim, I don't even know if they perform. The complex has mentioned epremiuminsurance.com Anyone have experience with them? Also why does the Complex need to be listed as "additional Insured" or "interested party" on my policy as the Complex requires?
Thanks Y'all

[ragdolls4me]

I suspect the complex wants to be listed as an additional insured mainly for liability purposes; if one of your guests is hurt they want your insurance to defend the complex or handle the claim. Whether or not you must do this depends on whether it is required by your lease/contract. The certainly have no financial interest in your personal belongings. I'm sure others will chime in on the choice of an insurance carrier.

[GoingBackEast]

Hey, thank you. Very helpful feedback! What a hoot, I have 2 ragdolls that I'm placing May 1. Hopefully. Another forum

[goodbyesnow]

We've never had renters insurance before either-had homeowners but our old company doesnt operate out here, so we went with State Farm when we moved here. My husband called around and found State Farm to be favorable-BUT, we've only had them since last summer and haven't needed them for anything. Ironically, the agent is the same one that the property owners have for homeowners insurance-found that out when we were signing up.

[Bpobill]

Do you have a car? Most auto insurance companies will offer renters insurance on top of automobile policy for pretty cheap. I have a million dollar umbrella policy with State Farm that covers everything.

[twingles]

Since you're with Allstate, why not just stick with them? They were good enough for your HO, right? Renters is fairly straightforward. As mentioned if you have auto with them you'll get the multi line discount, and Allstate can probably transfer those policies if you are moving from out of state.

[Ed_RDNC]

I've had St Farm for several apartments, a house, and then several more apartments. The same agents handle both (and auto policies too).

The policy is very similar, except the apartment owners covers just your belongings and not the actual dwelling.
I've had several claims with them, and they always very very professional and responsive.
It helped that I had full documentation. IE: lightning strike damaged electronics in one event, and another I had stuff stolen out of a storage unit. But both times I had previously taken a BUNCH of digital photographs of pretty much everything I own, making sure the photos of stuff like electronics had both a shot showing it inside my room (proving I own it and it's not a factory picture), and a close up showing the manufacturer, make, model and serial number.
Each time I had a loss, I forwarded the appropriate pictures (and proof of value found by searching eBay and such), and each time the adjuster thanked me for making his job so easy --- and sent a check right away.

[keithtoo]

Assuming you have a car, have you tried your auto insurance agency yet? A lot of times, they will bundle insurance policies so that you get a better rate overall.

[Taynxtlvl]

2nd for State farm. In my expirience they have been good.

[ponychick]

I was required to carry renters as part of my lease. My insurance company works with several different carriers, so my auto insurance carrier turned out not to be who I went with for renters. There was a specific amount I have to carry, I can't remember exactly, but it's really cheap. Maybe $10 a month?