Renter's Insurance

[jdinasia]

Hi,

Anyone have the name of a good company (in Phuket or elsewhere) on renter's insurance companies? We don't have TONS of stuff to worry about but there are some computers electronics etc etc and my dive gear. I am looking for an insurance company that will cover replacemet cost in case of fire/theft etc.

[thaigene2]

I've looked into this before in BKK. Had a series of discussions with one of the bigger companies (Standard or Sun - forget which), and like so many other frustrating nonsensical things finally had to give up on the idea. Like you we had some stuff but not much..

The devil is in the detail of course. The clauses basically said that you WEREN'T covered if a maid, driver or someone you let into your house ripped you off. This is why Thais always watch someone (like a repairman or whatever) every second that they are in the house.

Also if you go away (forget for how long) and leave the house unattended you were also stuffed. This is nuts of course, because if you arrange for someone to housesit and you get ripped off your screwed, but if you leave the palce empty and it gets tipped off you're screwed..

There comes a point where you just have to add the pros and cons and see whether it's even worth the bother. We decided it wasn't..but let me know if you ffind a policy that is better.

[Sulaphat]

Thaigene2 is correct.

Most homeowners and renters insurance policies available from Thai insurers will only cover theft if there is sign of forcible entry to the premises. Items sprouting legs and escorting the maid or driver home would not be covered because of this. Also, coverage usually would not apply if a residence is left unoccupied for 30 days or more.

Further niggly details frequently include the need to list each item which is worth more than baht 20k or so as well as the need for an entirely separate policy for mobile phones, laptop computers, etc. It can also be difficult getting true replacement value for computers and peripherals because they become obsolete so quickly.

[jdinasia]

actually that is all no prob ... the laptops and electronics are the real items I need insured ... they are all encrypted but still.

The rest is easy ... we don't ever leave for more than a week or 2 ...

guess we'll just have to see anyone know any agents in Phuket?