By MARI ALVAREZ – Texas Cable News

During the past week, the Austin area has seen five apartment complex fires. Combined, they’ve displaced at least 60 people and driven home the importance of renter’s insurance.

Fire tore through the Retreat at Barton Springs in South Austin on July 27, damaging 18 units. The Retreat was the location for what was one of five apartment fires last week.

Fellow tenants have collected donations to help those displaced by the fire, but for those without renter’s insurance, this is now all they have to rely on.

Linda Goss, an agent with State Farm insurance, says renter’s insurance can cost as little as $10 a month and cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in property lost in a fire. Premium discounts are also available.

“Sprinklers offer a discount — your deadbolt locks, your fire extinguishers, your sprinklers. The construction of the apartment itself makes a difference in what someone pays for insurance,” said Goss.

Most plans will also cover a range of emergencies.

“Wind driven rain, it can cover liability — if you’re liable for a fire…. Also medical costs — say a dog were to bite a neighbor,” said Goss.

Goss says apartments within Austin must meet fire safety codes as mandated by county ordinance, which includes things like fire extinguishers.

However, insurance does not require those items for coverage.

“You know, you see people on TV, and they talk about the baby crib, the wedding pictures — that would all be covered, if you had renter’s insurance,” said Goss.

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