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Get the Answer from MetLife Auto & Home

Follow the links below to find answers to the questions of interest to you -- or ask a question of your own!

• I was given an older car. Is it covered by my current insurance, or do I need to do something to have it added?
  
  
• If the sewer backs up in the basement, does my homeowners insurance cover the damage, or do I need something else?
  
  
• I'm renting my first place and don't own a lot. Do I really need renters insurance?
  

• Do you have a question?
  We'd like to hear from you!
  

[Q] My sister gave me her old car. Is it necessary to get insurance on this vehicle, or is it covered by the insurance on the car I normally drive?

[A] How nice to have such a generous sister! And, yes, you need to contact your insurance company right away to add this new car to your auto policy. Typically, you have a 30-day window -- starting on the day you acquire a new vehicle -- during which you'll have automatic coverage for that car under an existing policy. If you don't ever add the new car, it'll have no coverage.

[Q] If the sewer backs up in the basement, will my homeowners insurance be sufficient, or would I need flood insurance?

[A] The damage from even an inch of water in your home can be significant -- it can ruin appliances, wreck carpets and destroy mementos stored in cardboard boxes. Most standard homeowners policies don't cover damage resulting from a sewer backup. Neither does flood insurance, which is intended to cover such events as overflow from a lake or river. If you're concerned about sewer backup, consider "Sewer, Drain and Sump Pump Coverage," which can be added to your homeowners insurance for a premium and also covers damage resulting from a failed sump pump.

[Q] I just graduated from college and moved out on my own. Why should I get renters insurance? I don't own anything expensive.

[A] Do some quick math: If a fire destroyed your apartment, how much would it cost to replace your work clothes, iPod, TV, the sofa your mom gave you, the kitchen table from your grandfather, and on and on. The truth is that even when you don't own any one thing that's valuable, when you add up all the little things, you're easily in the thousands of dollars.

And here's a news flash: Premiums for renters insurance can run as low as $125 a year. It even covers living expenses if you have to move out while a damaged apartment is repaired and more. See policy for restrictions.

Got a Question?
Email it to us at editor@MetLifeYourLife.com. Or, write to us at: MetLife, Your Life, Dept. LN304, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309.

We regret that due to volume we are unable to respond individually to questions.

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