Your Stuff is Worth More than You Think! Get Renters Insurance!

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It doesn’t matter where you live, your personal belongings are important and losing them could be devastating. The responsibility for protecting all your belongings is yours — along with the cost of replacing them if disaster strikes.

If you don’t have renters insurance, you are betting against an unforeseen circumstance happening to you: a fire, theft, vandalism, water damage, a natural disaster, or worse. Is that a wager you can afford to lose?

Too many people forgo renters insurance because they think their stuff isn’t worth much. This is not the wisest choice because

a) renters insurance is usually very affordable
b) you stuff is worth a lot more than you might think

According to USAA.com, “the average renter has more than $20,000 in personal belongings. Just think about how much it would cost to replace your clothing, books, furniture, laptop computer, flat-screen TV, bicycle, smartphone and everything else you’ve accumulated over the years.”

Renters insurance differs from company to company, so make sure you compare benefits before buying.  If you already have insurance for your vehicle, start with that company and request information.

Some key features to look for (source: USAA.com):

Replacement cost coverage. This provides enough money to buy a new item to replace the one you’ve lost. That’s better than a policy that only covers an item’s actual cash value. For example, if your 10-year-old TV is destroyed, a replacement cost policy would cover the price of a brand-new set. An actual cash value plan would only give you what the TV was worth at the time it was destroyed.

Protection against severe weather and other events. Make sure your policy not only covers property damaged or destroyed by fire but also by flooding, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Coverage of items in your car. The policy should pay for personal items if they are stolen from your vehicle.

Living expenses if forced to move. If damage to your apartment or rental property requires you to temporarily live elsewhere, renters insurance will reimburse your living expenses.

Medical expense coverage. This helps reimburse guests for medical expenses related to injuries that happen at your place.

Liability insurance. If an injured guest sues you, liability coverage can help with legal bills and will pay damages if you’re found liable for them.

Visit the U of O’s Off-Campus Student Resources and Programs page for more resources.

photo credit: Sakurako Kitsa via photopin cc

Von Klein Property Management to Begin Leasing for 2014-2015 School Year in February!

The Prefontaine – 1801 University St.  Photo @ Peter Drustard
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud

Are you a student looking for a new home (or simply want to keep the one that you currently have)? Beginning February 5, 2014 Von Klein Property Management will begin leasing for 2014-2015 school year! We have an abundance of properties suited to a range of styles and budget. These rental units go fast, so act quickly! To schedule an appointment for any of our properties, contact us at (541) 485-7776 Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also email us at vkpm@vonkleinrentals.com. For all other inquiries, please use our contact form by clicking here.

On February 5, 2014 we will accept applications and make viewing appointments for the following buildings.

The Commons

1875 Alder Street, Eugene, Oregon
This complex features huge 4 and 5 bedroom units with high end amenities right next to campus!!! Click here to learn more about this building’s features.

Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.
Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.
Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.
Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.

Steelhead Townhouses

540 East 14th Ave, Eugene, Oregon
These sophisticated townhouses were designed with energy efficiency and comfort in mind. Each unit boasts four spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms and plenty of space and amenities. Click here to learn more about this popular complex.

Steelhead Townhouses – 540 East 14th Ave
Steelhead Townhouses – 540 East 14th Ave

Kokanee Place

1570 High Street, Eugene, Oregon
Each unit in Kokanee Place is comprised of a three-story townhouse, beatiful architectural styling, 20-foot high vaulted ceilings, and an undeniable”wow” factor. Offering a host of additional features, the Kokanee is just something you must see for yourself to believe. Click here to learn more about the comfortable features in this building.

Kokanee-Place-03
Kokanee Place Photo @ Peter Dustrud

 

Kokanee Place
Kokanee Place Photo @ Peter Dustrud

Indigo Place

89 East 19th Ave, Eugene, Oregon
Free Internet, Low energy bills, Washer/dryer in each unit, Oversized windows, high ceilings, remarkable views, abundant natural light….need we go on? Learn more about this architecturally stunning property near the heart of the charming South University neighborhood.

Indigo Place – 889 East 19th Ave
Indigo Place – 889 East 19th Ave Photo @ Peter Dustrud
Indigo Place Eugene
Indigo Place Photo @ Peter Dustrud

Prefontaine

This 20 unit residential living complex is located at the epicenter of the University of Oregon campus, on the corner of 18th Avenue and University Street. This property features rises five stories, providing majestic views of the beloved McArthur Court and Hayward Field. Click here to learn more about the Prefontaine’s features.

The Prefontaine – 1801 University St.  Photo @ Peter Drustard
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud

 

1856 Onyx Alley House

This charming 2 bedroom/1 bathroom house is conveniently located close the heart of the University of Oregon campus and is available in August 2014-August 2015! Click here to learn more or call (541) 485-7776 to schedule a tour.

1856 Onyx Alley House
1856 Onyx Alley House

Keep Your Rental Home or Apartment Secure for the Holidays

The BurglarNow that the holidays are here, we want to take a few minutes to remind all of our tenants to enjoy the season, but to be safe.  Renters are often more vulnerable to break-ins during the holidays since so many leave town to visit family and friends for extended period of time.

While we do everything on our end to ensure the safety of our tenants by installing secure door and window locks, well lit parking lots, and in some properties providing gated underground parking and keycard access, we encourage you to take a few minutes to do a security “audit” to diminish the chances of experiencing an unfortunate break-in or robbery during the holiday season.

Whether you are traveling for several days or just going out for an errand, take a few minutes to ensure that your home is secure against any intruders. 

Here are some things to remember:

  • The majority of apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or at school. Burglaries also occur at night when there are obvious signs that no one is home.
  • Most apartment burglars are looking for things that are small, expensive, and can easily be converted to cash. Items like cash, jewelry, guns, watches, laptop computers, and other small electronic devices are high on the list.
  • More than 30% of all apartment burglars gained access through an open door or window. Ordinary household tools like screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars, and small hammers are most often used by burglars.
  • The burglar’s selection process is simple. Choose an unoccupied apartment with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.

Source: www.crimedoctor.com

Be vigilant and follow these tips to deter criminals:

  • Never hesitate to report any suspicious activity you may see in and around our properties (or on campus).  Program these numbers into your phone and keep them somewhere visible so you can quickly call for help if needed (you can also call 911). University Police Station – 541-682-8350  After you report any suspicious activity to the police, report it to us by calling the von Klein Emergency # – 541-686-0743
  • Don’t leave a key underneath your door mat or a rock. Most intruders know all the hiding spots so instead, leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor.
  • NEVER leave your apartment door unlocked, even if you are leaving for a few moments to obtain something from you car, get the mail or take out the trash. Someone lurking nearby could gain access quickly.
  • Use a timer (an inexpensive purchase from a hardware store) for radios, televisions and lights so that the home looks occupied. If you will be away for a while, notify a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home.
  • A well-lit area is one way to deter crime so keep a light on at night if possible. If you notice that a light is out on our property or parking lots, please notify our office.
  • Do not leave valuable items visible in your home or car.  Close your blinds at night and keep your car doors locked and park in well lighted areas if possible.
  • Get to know your neighbors. Introduce yourself to them, get to know who they are and try look out for each other. If your neighbors know who you are, they are more likely to report possible criminal activity and get some help.
  • Test and examine each latch, lock, window and door. Look to see if there are solid core doors, peep holes on entry doors, and securely fastened window locks.
  • If there are sliding glass doors, invest in a secondary locking device– it can be as simple as a broom stick that prevents the door from opening or as complex as “Charley Bars” pin-locking mechanisms or anti-lift measures to prevent the door from being lifted from the tracks.

Sources:
10 Tips for Safe and Secure Apartment Living 
5 Apartment Safety Tips to Help You Sleep Easy 
Apartment Safety and Security 

photo credit: Eastlaketimes via photopin cc