In Illinois, summer storms can show up fast, bringing heavy rain, high winds, and even hail or power outages. And if you're a renter, you might be wondering: What can I actually do to prepare?

The good news is that disaster prep doesn’t require owning the building you live in. A few proactive steps, along with the right renters insurance, can make all the difference if a storm damages your belongings or disrupts your routine.

Here’s how to protect your space, your stuff, and your peace of mind.

Why Disaster Prep Matters, Even if You Don’t Own the Building

It’s a common assumption: “My landlord handles that.”

But while your landlord may be responsible for the structure itself, they aren't responsible for your personal belongings. If a storm damages your furniture, electronics, or clothing, or forces you out of your unit temporarily, it’s your renters insurance that steps in to help.

What Renters Insurance Covers in a Storm

A standard renters insurance policy from Loman-Ray includes coverage for many storm-related risks. Here’s what that can look like in action:

Personal Property Coverage

If a lightning strike causes a fire, or water leaks in and damages your furniture or electronics, your renters insurance helps cover the cost of replacing those belongings.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, ALE helps pay for temporary living arrangements like hotel stays, meals, and other short-term costs.

Liability Coverage

If your rental suffers damage that also affects your neighbors say, a fire that spreads or a burst pipe that leaks into another unit, your policy helps cover associated legal and repair costs.

5 Simple Ways to Storm-Proof Your Rental

You don’t need to own the building to take smart precautions. Here are a few easy steps that renters can take to prepare for severe weather:

1. Create a basic emergency kit – Include flashlights, chargers, bottled water, first-aid supplies, and important documents.

2. Take a home inventory – Photograph your belongings. It’ll help immensely if you ever need to file a claim.

3. Secure loose outdoor items – If you rent a house, bring in anything that could blow away (patio chairs, grills, bikes).

4. Know your exits and safe zones – Be clear on evacuation routes or where to take shelter in a tornado.

5. Charge your devices in advance – Phones, portable batteries, and laptops can be lifelines in a power outage.

After the Storm: What to Do If You Need to File a Claim

If your home is damaged in a covered event, here’s what to do next:

• Document the damage – Take clear photos of all affected items.

• Prevent further damage – If safe, protect your property from worsening conditions.

• Call your agent – Reach out to your local Loman-Ray agent as soon as possible to start your claim.

• Keep receipts – Save records for hotels, meals, or other temporary expenses if you’re displaced.

Remember: We’re here to help walk you through it.

What Isn’t Covered?

Standard renters insurance covers many storm-related events, but not everything. For example:

• Flooding from rising water is not typically covered unless you have separate flood insurance.

• Earthquake damage and sewer backup may also fall outside basic coverage.

If you're unsure what your policy includes, we’re happy to review it with you and explain your options.

Ready for Whatever Comes Your Way

Storms can happen fast, but peace of mind doesn’t have to.

With the right preparation and a renters insurance policy built to protect your belongings and temporary needs, you can weather just about anything. And if something goes wrong, you’ll have a team in your corner to help you recover quickly.

Reach out to your local Loman-Ray agent today to make sure your renters insurance is storm-ready.