Vestiges of yellow police tape and a metal fence to ward off trespassers still surround the charred remnants of the November 29th Shabbos morning blaze. The heavy fire broke out at 4:30 a.m. on the third floor of 2701 Jenner Drive, in Baltimore’s Pickwick Apartment complex, and spread from the roof to the adjacent 2703 Jenner Drive.
Four of the six apartments in building 2701 that were damaged by fire, smoke, and/or water were occupied by young Orthodox families, including five children under the age of three; the other two were inhabited by elderly people. Baruch Hashem, all the residents evacuated in time, thanks to the gallant heroism of one of the young residents, who was awoken by the fire, and knocked on everyone’s doors. Kudos also go to another young man who, when rushing out of his apartment with his wife and child, noticed that an elderly neighbor was frozen on the landing, in shock, and saved her by carrying her down the stairs to outdoor safety. The fire was under control by 6 a.m. and the three elderly residents were treated for minor injuries.
In the days following the fire, as the displaced families tried to get their bearings, Mrs. T, a resourceful relative of one of the young families, who wishes to remain anonymous, took it upon herself to speak to the evacuees and to research and advocate for insurance benefits on their behalf. In doing so, she discovered some facts that we can all learn from, whether we are apartment or private home dwellers.
The I-Word
“Unfortunately, these families were underinsured,” said Mrs. T. “These young couples did not realize how much they had accumulated after five or six years of marriage. They had taken out renters’ insurance when they moved into Pickwick, and a couple of months later, lowered the amount of coverage. Coverage of $5,000 is a joke! The chassan Shas and jewelry alone can come to that amount. I always thought that ‘replacement value’ mentioned in a policy meant just that, but it doesn’t really cover the cost of replacing your valuables.” Mrs. T, who makes it a practice to talk with her own children before they get married about the importance of insurance, advises families to investigate what their policy covers and what it doesn’t. “Just as we check our mezuzas and tefilin from time to time, everyone should assess his possessions to see if an insurance upgrade is necessary.”
The damage from the fires was extensive. One apartment on the top floor of 2703 Jenner was fortunately unoccupied that Shabbos but sustained major damage. The contents of the basement apartments were completely ruined, not only from the smoke damage but also from water, as these apartments were submerged under five feet of water for most of Shabbos. In addition, when the families finally allowed back into their homes, they found that their computers and other electronic equipment had been stolen from the six apartments.
In the aftermath of the fire, Mrs. T encouraged the evacuees to hire their own private insurance adjusters, who would put their interests foremost, rather than simply use the insurance company’s adjuster. When one family tried to do that, however, the private adjuster told them he did not want to take the case, because there was less than $100,000 in damage. The family later found out that this is illegal.
Help on the Way
To the surprise of the displaced people, the American Red Cross gave each family a $750 debit card. “They were wonderful,” relates Mrs. T. “They knew all about Shabbos and met with the families on Sunday morning. They told them to buy enough clothing for everyone for the next three days. They also said that they should not hesitate to call if they needed anything else.”
Despite the generosity of the Red Cross, the families faced tremendous losses from the fire, smoke, water damage, and post-fire looting, so Mrs. T called the wonderful chesed organizations in town to advocate for further help. None of the families even thought of calling the Jewish Community Services, for example. “Although JCS couldn’t speak to me directly about the cases, because of HIPPA laws, they did tell me to encourage the families to call. They just had to mention the Pickwick apartment fire, and any red tape would be set aside so they could get immediate help.
“One couple felt bad taking a ‘handout’ when they were gainfully employed, while others in this city needed help just to feed their families. About three weeks after the fire, that couple called me back to say that they really did need the extra help.”
Collateral Damage
As is common in catastrophic events, there was not only a cash loss but a major sentimental loss, as the stolen computers contained photographs of their babies from birth on. “The reality, for most couples, is that the baby pictures remain on the hard drive,’ lamented Mrs. T. “Only a tiny percentage of pictures are printed out for elderly relatives who don’t have computers. Had they not been stolen, the hard drives could have been recovered. These priceless pictures are now gone, never to be recovered. Some of the baby pictures were taken with relatives who have since passed away; there is no recovery for that.”
Baltimore City police were called in an effort to report the stolen electronics, but the police responded that they would not file a report because there were no signs of breaking and entry. “Obviously!” says Mrs. T, noting that it was only when pressure was put upon the police department that they agreed to report the theft.
As of this writing, weeks after the fire, the Baltimore City Fire Marshall’s office has still not issued a report documenting the cause of the damage. If it is found that Pickwick is at fault, none of the insurance companies will have to pay. Instead, the tenants will have to file a lawsuit against Pickwick, which, while it would be a very time-consuming process, would probably net them greater recovery amounts. “Needless to say, Pickwick would not like this finding,” concludes Mrs. T, “but the Fire Marshall’s office should not be delaying looking into the cause of the fire. The longer they take, the more suspicious it is.”
ã Margie Pensak-2015
sidebar 1
FAQs about Renters Insurance
by Binyomin Rabinowitz
Recent events in our community have unfortunately highlighted the need for renters insurance for our many young adults living on their own, often for the first time. Many landlords will require such coverage, but this is mainly to protect their own interests in case of tenant negligence. It is important to understand how these policies protect you and your family in order to make sure you have the right protection in the event it is needed.
What does renters insurance cover?
Your belongings: Loss or damage to the personal possessions you bring to the home when you move in as well as the all the stuff you accumulate over the years. This includes furniture, books, clothes, small appliances, and toys, as well as electronics, jewelry, Judaica and artwork – although often limits will apply to certain types of items.
Your liability: Should someone be injured on your property, this would protect you for damages arising from medical bills or legal costs. This is especially important for those who may entertain guests or have young children over for playdates and the like. The emotions involving harm to children can often lead to lawsuits quite unexpectedly.
Your expenses: If you can no longer remain in your apartment due to the damage, you would also be covered for additional living expenses that arise from having to move elsewhere. This would include hotel, food, and costs of living outside your home or perhaps even having to rent another place to stay at a higher cost.
What kinds of losses does renters insurance cover?
Sudden and accidental losses due to fire, explosion, smoke and water damage are covered, as are losses due to natural events such as lightening, wind and hail and freezing of pipes. Damage caused by others, theft and vandalism are covered as well. Certain losses are often excluded such as earthquake, flood and water/sewer backup as are intentional acts of damage or losses that arise from regular wear and tear. It is important to make sure you understand the “what is not covered” section listed on each policy.
How much insurance do I need?
National averages point to about $30,000 worth of possessions for a two-bedroom apartment, which should be covered for “replacement cost,” not “actual value.” Even if you feel you don’t have that much stuff or anything that is of such value, it might take that amount to replace your possessions in the event of a total loss. Another important consideration is that replacing the items in a Jewish home will cost more than average, from multiple sets of kitchenware to silver, Judaica, and sefarim.
Please note that policies impose limits on coverage of certain items. It can be a nasty shock to find out that coverage for jewelry, watches, and silver are limited to $1,000 in most cases. If you own valuable items, it is a good idea to increase the amount of these coverages to suit your needs. Special items, like an engagement ring, a chassan watch, or expensive tefilin need to be specifically itemized as “scheduled personal property” in order to make sure they are covered properly.
Doing a full inventory of your home is very important and in the digital era, it is easy to take pictures of all your stuff and upload them to a place where they could be retrieved if needed. As your family grows and you buy new items, it is also worthwhile to save digital copies of your receipts. Many insurance companies have handy apps that allow for quick inventory of your possessions.
How do I get renters insurance, and how much should it cost?
Many management companies will offer insurance when you sign your lease. This is often not the best solution. It is usually far more affordable to get renters insurance with the same company you have your auto insurance. There are good deals available for bundling various coverages together, and it makes sense to have all your insurance coverage in one place. By putting everything together this way, it should only cost about $15 a month for good renters coverage
It is also a good idea to work with an agent or broker to make sure you have the best coverage at the best price. An individual who specializes in insurance will often ask the questions you never thought of, and will be able to guide you to the right options for your needs. This should also include an annual “check-up,” just to make sure that, as your insurance needs change over time, so does the coverage afforded by your policy.
Binyomin Rabinowitz is the owner of the local Pikesville Allstate Agency, a “Premier Agency” in the Allstate system, and has 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He holds a BA in International Economics from Emory University.
Lessons from the Pickwick Apartments Fire
by Margie Pensak
Vestiges of yellow police tape and a metal fence to ward off trespassers still surround the charred remnants of the November 29th Shabbos morning blaze. The heavy fire broke out at 4:30 a.m. on the third floor of 2701 Jenner Drive, in Baltimore’s Pickwick Apartment complex, and spread from the roof to the adjacent 2703 Jenner Drive.
Four of the six apartments in building 2701 that were damaged by fire, smoke, and/or water were occupied by young Orthodox families, including five children under the age of three; the other two were inhabited by elderly people. Baruch Hashem, all the residents evacuated in time, thanks to the gallant heroism of one of the young residents, who was awoken by the fire, and knocked on everyone’s doors. Kudos also go to another young man who, when rushing out of his apartment with his wife and child, noticed that an elderly neighbor was frozen on the landing, in shock, and saved her by carrying her down the stairs to outdoor safety. The fire was under control by 6 a.m. and the three elderly residents were treated for minor injuries.
In the days following the fire, as the displaced families tried to get their bearings, Mrs. T, a resourceful relative of one of the young families, who wishes to remain anonymous, took it upon herself to speak to the evacuees and to research and advocate for insurance benefits on their behalf. In doing so, she discovered some facts that we can all learn from, whether we are apartment or private home dwellers.
The I-Word
“Unfortunately, these families were underinsured,” said Mrs. T. “These young couples did not realize how much they had accumulated after five or six years of marriage. They had taken out renters’ insurance when they moved into Pickwick, and a couple of months later, lowered the amount of coverage. Coverage of $5,000 is a joke! The chassan Shas and jewelry alone can come to that amount. I always thought that ‘replacement value’ mentioned in a policy meant just that, but it doesn’t really cover the cost of replacing your valuables.” Mrs. T, who makes it a practice to talk with her own children before they get married about the importance of insurance, advises families to investigate what their policy covers and what it doesn’t. “Just as we check our mezuzas and tefilin from time to time, everyone should assess his possessions to see if an insurance upgrade is necessary.”
The damage from the fires was extensive. One apartment on the top floor of 2703 Jenner was fortunately unoccupied that Shabbos but sustained major damage. The contents of the basement apartments were completely ruined, not only from the smoke damage but also from water, as these apartments were submerged under five feet of water for most of Shabbos. In addition, when the families finally allowed back into their homes, they found that their computers and other electronic equipment had been stolen from the six apartments.
In the aftermath of the fire, Mrs. T encouraged the evacuees to hire their own private insurance adjusters, who would put their interests foremost, rather than simply use the insurance company’s adjuster. When one family tried to do that, however, the private adjuster told them he did not want to take the case, because there was less than $100,000 in damage. The family later found out that this is illegal.
Help on the Way
To the surprise of the displaced people, the American Red Cross gave each family a $750 debit card. “They were wonderful,” relates Mrs. T. “They knew all about Shabbos and met with the families on Sunday morning. They told them to buy enough clothing for everyone for the next three days. They also said that they should not hesitate to call if they needed anything else.”
Despite the generosity of the Red Cross, the families faced tremendous losses from the fire, smoke, water damage, and post-fire looting, so Mrs. T called the wonderful chesed organizations in town to advocate for further help. None of the families even thought of calling the Jewish Community Services, for example. “Although JCS couldn’t speak to me directly about the cases, because of HIPPA laws, they did tell me to encourage the families to call. They just had to mention the Pickwick apartment fire, and any red tape would be set aside so they could get immediate help.
“One couple felt bad taking a ‘handout’ when they were gainfully employed, while others in this city needed help just to feed their families. About three weeks after the fire, that couple called me back to say that they really did need the extra help.”
Collateral Damage
As is common in catastrophic events, there was not only a cash loss but a major sentimental loss, as the stolen computers contained photographs of their babies from birth on. “The reality, for most couples, is that the baby pictures remain on the hard drive,’ lamented Mrs. T. “Only a tiny percentage of pictures are printed out for elderly relatives who don’t have computers. Had they not been stolen, the hard drives could have been recovered. These priceless pictures are now gone, never to be recovered. Some of the baby pictures were taken with relatives who have since passed away; there is no recovery for that.”
Baltimore City police were called in an effort to report the stolen electronics, but the police responded that they would not file a report because there were no signs of breaking and entry. “Obviously!” says Mrs. T, noting that it was only when pressure was put upon the police department that they agreed to report the theft.
As of this writing, weeks after the fire, the Baltimore City Fire Marshall’s office has still not issued a report documenting the cause of the damage. If it is found that Pickwick is at fault, none of the insurance companies will have to pay. Instead, the tenants will have to file a lawsuit against Pickwick, which, while it would be a very time-consuming process, would probably net them greater recovery amounts. “Needless to say, Pickwick would not like this finding,” concludes Mrs. T, “but the Fire Marshall’s office should not be delaying looking into the cause of the fire. The longer they take, the more suspicious it is.”
ã Margie Pensak-2015
sidebar 1
FAQs about Renters Insurance
by Binyomin Rabinowitz
Recent events in our community have unfortunately highlighted the need for renters insurance for our many young adults living on their own, often for the first time. Many landlords will require such coverage, but this is mainly to protect their own interests in case of tenant negligence. It is important to understand how these policies protect you and your family in order to make sure you have the right protection in the event it is needed.
What does renters insurance cover?
Your belongings: Loss or damage to the personal possessions you bring to the home when you move in as well as the all the stuff you accumulate over the years. This includes furniture, books, clothes, small appliances, and toys, as well as electronics, jewelry, Judaica and artwork – although often limits will apply to certain types of items.
Your liability: Should someone be injured on your property, this would protect you for damages arising from medical bills or legal costs. This is especially important for those who may entertain guests or have young children over for playdates and the like. The emotions involving harm to children can often lead to lawsuits quite unexpectedly.
Your expenses: If you can no longer remain in your apartment due to the damage, you would also be covered for additional living expenses that arise from having to move elsewhere. This would include hotel, food, and costs of living outside your home or perhaps even having to rent another place to stay at a higher cost.
What kinds of losses does renters insurance cover?
Sudden and accidental losses due to fire, explosion, smoke and water damage are covered, as are losses due to natural events such as lightening, wind and hail and freezing of pipes. Damage caused by others, theft and vandalism are covered as well. Certain losses are often excluded such as earthquake, flood and water/sewer backup as are intentional acts of damage or losses that arise from regular wear and tear. It is important to make sure you understand the “what is not covered” section listed on each policy.
How much insurance do I need?
National averages point to about $30,000 worth of possessions for a two-bedroom apartment, which should be covered for “replacement cost,” not “actual value.” Even if you feel you don’t have that much stuff or anything that is of such value, it might take that amount to replace your possessions in the event of a total loss. Another important consideration is that replacing the items in a Jewish home will cost more than average, from multiple sets of kitchenware to silver, Judaica, and sefarim.
Please note that policies impose limits on coverage of certain items. It can be a nasty shock to find out that coverage for jewelry, watches, and silver are limited to $1,000 in most cases. If you own valuable items, it is a good idea to increase the amount of these coverages to suit your needs. Special items, like an engagement ring, a chassan watch, or expensive tefilin need to be specifically itemized as “scheduled personal property” in order to make sure they are covered properly.
Doing a full inventory of your home is very important and in the digital era, it is easy to take pictures of all your stuff and upload them to a place where they could be retrieved if needed. As your family grows and you buy new items, it is also worthwhile to save digital copies of your receipts. Many insurance companies have handy apps that allow for quick inventory of your possessions.
How do I get renters insurance, and how much should it cost?
Many management companies will offer insurance when you sign your lease. This is often not the best solution. It is usually far more affordable to get renters insurance with the same company you have your auto insurance. There are good deals available for bundling various coverages together, and it makes sense to have all your insurance coverage in one place. By putting everything together this way, it should only cost about $15 a month for good renters coverage
It is also a good idea to work with an agent or broker to make sure you have the best coverage at the best price. An individual who specializes in insurance will often ask the questions you never thought of, and will be able to guide you to the right options for your needs. This should also include an annual “check-up,” just to make sure that, as your insurance needs change over time, so does the coverage afforded by your policy.
Binyomin Rabinowitz is the owner of the local Pikesville Allstate Agency, a “Premier Agency” in the Allstate system, and has 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He holds a BA in International Economics from Emory University.
Lessons from the Pickwick Apartments Fire
by Margie Pensak
Vestiges of yellow police tape and a metal fence to ward off trespassers still surround the charred remnants of the November 29th Shabbos morning blaze. The heavy fire broke out at 4:30 a.m. on the third floor of 2701 Jenner Drive, in Baltimore’s Pickwick Apartment complex, and spread from the roof to the adjacent 2703 Jenner Drive.
Four of the six apartments in building 2701 that were damaged by fire, smoke, and/or water were occupied by young Orthodox families, including five children under the age of three; the other two were inhabited by elderly people. Baruch Hashem, all the residents evacuated in time, thanks to the gallant heroism of one of the young residents, who was awoken by the fire, and knocked on everyone’s doors. Kudos also go to another young man who, when rushing out of his apartment with his wife and child, noticed that an elderly neighbor was frozen on the landing, in shock, and saved her by carrying her down the stairs to outdoor safety. The fire was under control by 6 a.m. and the three elderly residents were treated for minor injuries.
In the days following the fire, as the displaced families tried to get their bearings, Mrs. T, a resourceful relative of one of the young families, who wishes to remain anonymous, took it upon herself to speak to the evacuees and to research and advocate for insurance benefits on their behalf. In doing so, she discovered some facts that we can all learn from, whether we are apartment or private home dwellers.
The I-Word
“Unfortunately, these families were underinsured,” said Mrs. T. “These young couples did not realize how much they had accumulated after five or six years of marriage. They had taken out renters’ insurance when they moved into Pickwick, and a couple of months later, lowered the amount of coverage. Coverage of $5,000 is a joke! The chassan Shas and jewelry alone can come to that amount. I always thought that ‘replacement value’ mentioned in a policy meant just that, but it doesn’t really cover the cost of replacing your valuables.” Mrs. T, who makes it a practice to talk with her own children before they get married about the importance of insurance, advises families to investigate what their policy covers and what it doesn’t. “Just as we check our mezuzas and tefilin from time to time, everyone should assess his possessions to see if an insurance upgrade is necessary.”
The damage from the fires was extensive. One apartment on the top floor of 2703 Jenner was fortunately unoccupied that Shabbos but sustained major damage. The contents of the basement apartments were completely ruined, not only from the smoke damage but also from water, as these apartments were submerged under five feet of water for most of Shabbos. In addition, when the families finally allowed back into their homes, they found that their computers and other electronic equipment had been stolen from the six apartments.
In the aftermath of the fire, Mrs. T encouraged the evacuees to hire their own private insurance adjusters, who would put their interests foremost, rather than simply use the insurance company’s adjuster. When one family tried to do that, however, the private adjuster told them he did not want to take the case, because there was less than $100,000 in damage. The family later found out that this is illegal.
Help on the Way
To the surprise of the displaced people, the American Red Cross gave each family a $750 debit card. “They were wonderful,” relates Mrs. T. “They knew all about Shabbos and met with the families on Sunday morning. They told them to buy enough clothing for everyone for the next three days. They also said that they should not hesitate to call if they needed anything else.”
Despite the generosity of the Red Cross, the families faced tremendous losses from the fire, smoke, water damage, and post-fire looting, so Mrs. T called the wonderful chesed organizations in town to advocate for further help. None of the families even thought of calling the Jewish Community Services, for example. “Although JCS couldn’t speak to me directly about the cases, because of HIPPA laws, they did tell me to encourage the families to call. They just had to mention the Pickwick apartment fire, and any red tape would be set aside so they could get immediate help.
“One couple felt bad taking a ‘handout’ when they were gainfully employed, while others in this city needed help just to feed their families. About three weeks after the fire, that couple called me back to say that they really did need the extra help.”
Collateral Damage
As is common in catastrophic events, there was not only a cash loss but a major sentimental loss, as the stolen computers contained photographs of their babies from birth on. “The reality, for most couples, is that the baby pictures remain on the hard drive,’ lamented Mrs. T. “Only a tiny percentage of pictures are printed out for elderly relatives who don’t have computers. Had they not been stolen, the hard drives could have been recovered. These priceless pictures are now gone, never to be recovered. Some of the baby pictures were taken with relatives who have since passed away; there is no recovery for that.”
Baltimore City police were called in an effort to report the stolen electronics, but the police responded that they would not file a report because there were no signs of breaking and entry. “Obviously!” says Mrs. T, noting that it was only when pressure was put upon the police department that they agreed to report the theft.
As of this writing, weeks after the fire, the Baltimore City Fire Marshall’s office has still not issued a report documenting the cause of the damage. If it is found that Pickwick is at fault, none of the insurance companies will have to pay. Instead, the tenants will have to file a lawsuit against Pickwick, which, while it would be a very time-consuming process, would probably net them greater recovery amounts. “Needless to say, Pickwick would not like this finding,” concludes Mrs. T, “but the Fire Marshall’s office should not be delaying looking into the cause of the fire. The longer they take, the more suspicious it is.”
ã Margie Pensak-2015
sidebar 1
FAQs about Renters Insurance
by Binyomin Rabinowitz
Recent events in our community have unfortunately highlighted the need for renters insurance for our many young adults living on their own, often for the first time. Many landlords will require such coverage, but this is mainly to protect their own interests in case of tenant negligence. It is important to understand how these policies protect you and your family in order to make sure you have the right protection in the event it is needed.
What does renters insurance cover?
Your belongings: Loss or damage to the personal possessions you bring to the home when you move in as well as the all the stuff you accumulate over the years. This includes furniture, books, clothes, small appliances, and toys, as well as electronics, jewelry, Judaica and artwork – although often limits will apply to certain types of items.
Your liability: Should someone be injured on your property, this would protect you for damages arising from medical bills or legal costs. This is especially important for those who may entertain guests or have young children over for playdates and the like. The emotions involving harm to children can often lead to lawsuits quite unexpectedly.
Your expenses: If you can no longer remain in your apartment due to the damage, you would also be covered for additional living expenses that arise from having to move elsewhere. This would include hotel, food, and costs of living outside your home or perhaps even having to rent another place to stay at a higher cost.
What kinds of losses does renters insurance cover?
Sudden and accidental losses due to fire, explosion, smoke and water damage are covered, as are losses due to natural events such as lightening, wind and hail and freezing of pipes. Damage caused by others, theft and vandalism are covered as well. Certain losses are often excluded such as earthquake, flood and water/sewer backup as are intentional acts of damage or losses that arise from regular wear and tear. It is important to make sure you understand the “what is not covered” section listed on each policy.
How much insurance do I need?
National averages point to about $30,000 worth of possessions for a two-bedroom apartment, which should be covered for “replacement cost,” not “actual value.” Even if you feel you don’t have that much stuff or anything that is of such value, it might take that amount to replace your possessions in the event of a total loss. Another important consideration is that replacing the items in a Jewish home will cost more than average, from multiple sets of kitchenware to silver, Judaica, and sefarim.
Please note that policies impose limits on coverage of certain items. It can be a nasty shock to find out that coverage for jewelry, watches, and silver are limited to $1,000 in most cases. If you own valuable items, it is a good idea to increase the amount of these coverages to suit your needs. Special items, like an engagement ring, a chassan watch, or expensive tefilin need to be specifically itemized as “scheduled personal property” in order to make sure they are covered properly.
Doing a full inventory of your home is very important and in the digital era, it is easy to take pictures of all your stuff and upload them to a place where they could be retrieved if needed. As your family grows and you buy new items, it is also worthwhile to save digital copies of your receipts. Many insurance companies have handy apps that allow for quick inventory of your possessions.
How do I get renters insurance, and how much should it cost?
Many management companies will offer insurance when you sign your lease. This is often not the best solution. It is usually far more affordable to get renters insurance with the same company you have your auto insurance. There are good deals available for bundling various coverages together, and it makes sense to have all your insurance coverage in one place. By putting everything together this way, it should only cost about $15 a month for good renters coverage
It is also a good idea to work with an agent or broker to make sure you have the best coverage at the best price. An individual who specializes in insurance will often ask the questions you never thought of, and will be able to guide you to the right options for your needs. This should also include an annual “check-up,” just to make sure that, as your insurance needs change over time, so does the coverage afforded by your policy.
Binyomin Rabinowitz is the owner of the local Pikesville Allstate Agency, a “Premier Agency” in the Allstate system, and has 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He holds a BA in International Economics from Emory University.
