Need a reason to have renters insurance? His name is Fido.

Do you need renters insurance? You might think having your own coverage is unnecessary since the building's owner is insured. However, the owner's insurance does not cover your personal possessions; nor does it cover you if your pet injures someone.

The number of insurance claims filed to cover dog attacks rose 12 percent last year according to the Insurance Information Institute. This means that dog owners cannot shrug off the possibility that their pet could harm a neighbor or visitor. In past years, children, senior citizens, and mail carriers are the groups reported to be most often attacked by dogs. If this happens, then the pet owner could be sued for medical expenses and lost wages. 

Many renters overlook insurance for dog attacks when purchasing their own policies. They may believe renters insurance only serves to replace stolen or destroyed possessions. However, the insurance can pay liability expenses if your dog bites another person.

Dog owners should consider the risk of their pet harming someone, and get insurance to cover that possibility. When you get renters insurance for your apartment, make sure that you have liability coverage for dog attacks. If you have a policy already, check the paper work to make sure the protection is included.

Reference: Associated Press. (2012, May 28). Dog attacks up; Pennsylvania postal workers not surprised. Insurance Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2012, from http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2012/05/28/249045.htm.