Montclair is one of Essex County's most sought-after communities — and a town with a surprisingly large renter population. From the apartments and condos near downtown Montclair and the Upper Montclair Village to rental homes throughout the township, thousands of residents here rent rather than own.

Many Montclair renters are young professionals, NYC commuters, or families in transition — people with quality furniture, electronics, clothing, and personal items worth far more than they realize. The average American renter owns more than $30,000 worth of personal property. A standard renters policy protects all of it.

A standard renters insurance policy typically covers:

• Personal property — furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, and more — if damaged or stolen.
• Liability protection — if someone is injured in your apartment and sues you.
• Additional living expenses — if you're temporarily displaced due to a covered loss like a fire.
• Guest medical protection— helps pay medical bills if a guest is injured in your home.
• Family liability protection— coverage if a family member in your household causes accidental damage or injury.
• Extended protection— computers, jewelry, furs, watercraft, and firearms can be added with extended coverage.

Renters insurance can cover virtually all of your personal possessions. Most policies provide coverage for electronic goods and equipment, small appliances, sports equipment, cameras and photography equipment, furniture, clothing, glassware and china, and books. Other items — such as computers, jewelry, furs, watercraft, and firearms — can also be covered with extended protection.

The good news? Renters insurance is one of the most affordable types of coverage available, often costing less than a few dollars a day.

We encourage every renter to spend just five minutes with a calculator and add up the cost of replacing everything they own. What if you came home tomorrow and your apartment had burned down? Where would you go? How would you pay to replace your clothing, furniture, and appliances? With the right renters policy, you can relax — and say yes to all of the above.

Montclair's rental market includes everything from affordable apartments to high-end single-family rentals. Whatever you're paying in rent, your belongings deserve protection. Most Montclair renters pay between $18 and $35 per month for a solid policy.

Our Fairfield office is just minutes from Montclair, and we compare quotes from more than 50 top-rated carriers including Chubb and The Hartford.