Niles, OH, isn’t exactly a spring chicken. It was founded in 1806, and much of its rapid growth was because of the iron industry. Because of the abundance of iron around Mineral Ridge, it became one of the most important iron-producing communities in the Mahoning Valley.

We’re proud of our history and how it contributed to the growth of our country. But there’s one issue with older towns like Niles. We’re dealing with infrastructure that’s more than 100 years old, and pipes that have been in place for decades. In an area with extreme weather. And this can affect you if you rent. Renters insurance can be a huge lifeline when we have sudden floods combined with aging pipes.

What Your Landlord’s Policy Doesn’t Cover

Your landlord carries insurance that covers the actual building. But their policy meets a hard stop at the structure itself. Your stuff inside your rental home? Your furniture. Valuable electronics. Rugs and bedding. And your clothes. Protecting these things is all on you.

So if a pipe bursts inside a wall in the middle of the night, your landlord will fix the pipe. But if it damages your belongings, you’re going to have to pay out of pocket to replace your stuff if you don’t have renters insurance.

The state of Ohio doesn’t require you to have renters insurance. But some landlords include it as a condition of your lease.

Why You Need Renters Insurance

Renters insurance policies are designed to protect your personal belongings. But the good thing is that it’s not just helpful in our burst pipe scenario. It also protects your stuff in the event of other incidents. Fire and theft, for example.

And if the event is really bad, to the point where you can’t stay in the home while your landlord is repairing it, renters insurance can cover your living expenses.

Aging Pipes and Known Issues in Niles, OH

The city of Niles has been open about infrastructure problems. Water main breaks happen all the time. And inside older homes, the plumbing is just as unpredictable. Frozen pipes in our harsh winters put stress on all the systems in older homes. So do pressure shifts in the summer.

Ruddy Insurance Group works with lots of renters who live here, and we can answer your questions about exactly what type of coverage you need.

Talk to a Professional Before the Next Pipe Bursts

Don’t wait until there’s a problem before you get your renters insurance in place. Get in touch with Ruddy Insurance Group to go over all your options.