On Your Side
Victims of house fire could have saved thousands with renter's insurance
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Jennifer Auh reports on the costly mistake renters make by not getting renter's insurance. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com
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A family in Meridian lost their home recently and almost everything inside to a fire. They are not only out of a home, but they're also struggling to get back on their feet.
The incident serves as a sober reminder of one decision that could have helped them – getting renter's insurance.
John Minegar said his family did not have renter's insurance, and that’s something he says he truly regrets. "We were sifting through some stuff today, but it’s a total loss," he said.
The Minegar’s did find a few priceless possessions, such as a few pictures and Christmas ornaments they bought in Europe. However, their furniture, clothes and other belongings are gone.
The most expensive items they lost were their boat and a hot-wheel collection worth almost $60,000.
Experts said many renters don't think about insurance, because they figure the landlord's insurance will cover them or they think they don't have that much stuff.
If the cost of all items in your house or apartment adds up to more than $5,000, experts suggest getting renter's insurance.
John said he just found out, it would have cost just $300 a year to have renter's insurance for his house.
If you would like to help out, there is a burn out fund set up for the Minegar family at Bank of the Cascades, under ‘Thousand Springs Burn Out Fund for the Minegar Family.’
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