No one injured in Hunters Ridge fire
Some say disasters remind renters to get proper insurance

By Jillanne Johnson
Staff Reporter

A fire at Hunter’s Ridge Apartment at 4850 River Ranch Road Thursday, appeared to only affect one apartment, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of renters insurance.

No one was available for comment from apartment management about apartment damages.

Anita Foster of the American Red Cross said the Fort Worth Fire Department reported no one required aid due to the fire. The Red Cross responds to every fire in Tarrant County to provide food, shelter and other aid as needed.

Special to the Skiff Fort Worth firefighters work to put out the fire Thursday night at the Hunters Ridge Apartment complex. Officials from the American Red Cross said no residents were displaced because of the fire.

Renters insurance is important when belongings must be replaced, especially when a fire, like the one at Hunter’s Ridge Apartments, occurs said Nathan Taylor, an agent with Farmer’s Insurance Group.

“Most people assume that the apartment complex covers their contents, but it doesn’t,” Taylor said.

Taylor said it is wise to videotape or log all of the items in an apartment, including knickknacks and clothing in order to have everything replaced.

“The apartment complex only covers the walls and the carpet,” Taylor said. “When you add up all your clothing, stereo system and TV you could easily be talking about over $25,000.”

Renters insurance also includes money to provide shelter and meals until new housing is available.

Damage to personal belongings due to a variety of disasters including fire, windstorm, hail and theft are covered by renters insurance, according to a brochure about Farmer’s Renters Package Policy.

Basic coverage costs $144 a year or $15 a month. Renters can receive discounts for being non-smokers and for insuring their cars with the same insurance company.

The policies cover as many as two roommates. Taylor recommends at least two policies be bought for students with multiple roommates.

Taylor said renters insurance protects in the case of unexpected accidents. It also covers liability for accidents for which you are responsible.

“Say you have a party and someone is smoking and starts a fire in the complex,” Taylor said. “Everybody in that apartment complex is going to come to you and say anti up money wise. The liability coverage protects you from any lawsuits.”

Prevention is the best way to avoid having to replace personal belongings, but disasters can happen to anyone and it is important to be prepared, he said.

Jillanne Johnson
j.johnson@student.tcu.edu