Renters insurance might not be an expense that’s high on your list of priorities, but it should be. By paying the same amount as a dinner out one night per month, you can afford a quality renters insurance policy for a year.

Renters insurance can give you peace of mind and protection against the things that life and Mother Nature throw at you, including floods, theft, and fires. In this article, we’ll look at the ins and outs of The Hartford’s renters insurance policies.

The Hartford Overview

Few companies have the longevity of The Hartford, which began doing business in 1810. Since that time, it has provided its customers with life insurance and other financial products. Obviously, there has been many advancements since then and the company has kept up with the changing times, offering auto insurance, worker’s compensation, renters insurance, group insurance, and mutual funds.

Cost

The Hartford renters insurance is comparable in price to many other insurance agencies. You should expect to pay somewhere around $15 per month for coverage which is just around the national average cost of renters insurance.

The cost depends upon external factors such as whether you live in an area that typically floods or generates a lot of other claims. All factors considered, you shouldn’t expect to pay any more than $30 per month no matter which company you sign up with, unless you want a bunch of policy add-ons.

Coverage

The Hartford offers New for Old protection, which means they will give you the replacement cost of your belongings if they are damaged or destroyed – not the depreciated value from their purchase date. That’s a nice perk since some insurance agencies don’t give full replacement cost.

The Hartford basic renters insurance policy doesn’t protect against earthquakes and floods – those would be add-ons that cost extra. It will cover your belongings, but not the structure of your dwelling. This policy will also help with the expenses of temporary lodging if your apartment has been damaged.

Many of the same renters insurance benefits are also included on The Hartford’s homeowner’s policy, however, there are extra benefits only homeowners can obtain, such as identify fraud expense coverage. Also, if you have policies with The Hartford for automobiles, you can receive a discount bundle which will save you some money.

Requirements to Get Insured

As with other insurance companies, The Hartford may need proof of your residency or lease before insuring you. You must be certain to mail or send your payments before the due date to guarantee there is no lull time in the coverage you have. A late payment could be disastrous if it voids the policy and you have a claim during that same time period.

Primary Drawbacks

The Hartford is one of the oldest insurance companies still in existence today. As such, it is a little more traditional than many of the newer companies who have opened their doors in more modern times. Those who are tech-friendly may be disappointed by The Hartford’s lackluster website. It isn’t as cutting edge and up-to-date as some of its competitor’s websites.

Availability

The Hartford’s renters insurance is available in all 50 states, but there may be issues adding in flood coverage or other add-ons in high risk areas. If you know you’re going to want a special add-on to your policy, you might need to solicit several companies before you find out if it is possible and cost effective for you.

For convenience, you can start a claim at any time, day or night. The company also has a smartphone app that can let you manage or tweak your policy, send payment for your bill, or seek roadside or repair services.

Customer Service

To view the many different departments and their phone numbers for The Hartford, you can visit this page.

The customer service line, which is 800-423-6789, is open from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. (EST) Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST) Saturday and Sunday. The claims line, however, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-243-5860.

Bottom Line

The Hartford has a reputation for reliability and longevity. It’s been in existence for more than 200 years and showing no signs of slowing down. Although it’s a good option as a renters insurance carrier, you’ll want to do some shopping around before deciding upon a policy that best fits your needs.