Unfortunately, things happen. Houses flood and suffer property damage, fires destroy belongings and items get stolen.
The reason to have insurance is so that when things happen, you don’t have to shoulder the entire cost on your own. The insurance company steps in so the problem isn’t as disruptive to your life and livelihood.
A renter’s policy protects not just your personal property — like TVs, clothing, couches, computers — in case of a loss, but it also provides some liability protection in case the dog bites someone, you cause a flood to other units or a guest at the property gets hurt. Lastly, many policies will provide cash to cover temporary living costs and rent on another unit in case you cannot live in the apartment due to damages.