Even though you don't own your own home you have personal property that can be lost to fires, burglaries and even lawsuits.

While most homeowners are insured for these risks, many renters are not. No one requires renters to buy insurance to protect their personal property, so many do not.

These are some of the types of losses for which your personal property is covered:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Smoke, if sudden and accidental
• Sudden and accidental discharge of water or steam from plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning system, or household appliance
• Fire or lightning
• Windstorm or hail
• Loss of use

If you rent a home or a mobile home, you need special protection. Our plans can cover you from almost any kind of hazard. You can be protected against damage to the home or adjacent structures and your contents as well.

Ask us about the following additional coverages:

Unit Assessment
This reimburses you for your share of an assessment charged to all unit owners as a result of a covered loss. For instance, if there is a fire in the lobby, all the unit owners are charged the cost of repairing the loss.

Water back-up
This insures your property for damage by the back-up of sewers or drains. Water back-up may not always be included in a policy. Check to see that it is included.

Umbrella Liability
This is an inexpensive way to get more liability protection and broader coverage than is included in a standard condo/co-op policy.

Flood or Earthquake
If you live in an area prone to these disasters, you will need to purchase separate flood and earthquake policies. Flood insurance is available through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program ( http://www.fema.gov/nfip/ ). Both flood and earthquake insurance can be purchased through your insurance agent.

Floater or Endorsement
If you own expensive jewelry, furs or collectibles, you might consider getting additional coverage since there is generally a $1,000 to $2,000 limit for theft of jewelry on a standard policy.

Also don't forget to ask about all available discounts. You can reduce your rates by raising your deductibles and by installing a smoke and fire alarm system that rings at an outside service. If you insure your unit with the same company that underwrites your building's insurance policy, you might also get an additional reduction in premiums.