It’s not called “the unexpected” because it’s a welcomed surprise. You never think you’re going to come home to a flood or a break-in, and you certainly never anticipate someone getting hurt on your property during a party or a get-together. Luckily, you have the option of renter’s insurance for peace of mind for these unforeseen catastrophes. Here’s what you need to know about insurance before you invest in a policy:

You aren’t Necessarily Protected by Your Landlord’s Insurance

You’ll want to check your lease carefully, because there’s a good chance the insurance on the house or apartment only applies to your landlord’s own processions and property. This is a good time to ask about fire and theft damage and who picks up the check when these things happen. If it’s not included, look into your own renter’s insurance.

Renter’s Insurance is Cheaper than You Might Think

While there’s no hard and fast rule about how costly renter’s insurance is, it’s usually cheaper than the price of two movie tickets per month. However, getting the cheapest insurance isn’t necessarily best for you. Look into deductible rates. You might have to pay more upfront, but if you have a lot of expensive equipment, like tvs and computers, it might make sense to have more coverage.

Renter’s Insurance Also Covers People

If your dog bites someone in your house or if someone breaks a bone or gets hurt in your rented home or apartment, your renter’s insurance might cover basic liability costs. You’ll want to shield yourself from paying medical and legal expenses, if you can help it.

In California? In Hurricane Country?

Both earthquake and flooding protection are usually additional coverage costs. Make sure you have the proper insurance if you’re living on a fault line or in the line of the storm. Renter’s insurance can also help with temporary housing, if your apartment becomes inhabitable during a natural disaster.