When Models Go Wild

Talk about un-model behavior.

The cast of The CW’s (CBS), TWX America’s Next Top Model, may clean-up well for the camera, but the last crew from Tyra Banks' reality show are apparently big pigs when it comes to cleaning up their rooms. According to The New York Post (NWS), the models racked up $500,000 worth of damages in the $6 million TriBeCa loft rented by the former Victoria’s Secret model’s (LTD) Anisa Productions during the show's ten week shooting schedule.

In this instance, the production company will deal with addressing the damages the unruly roomies allegedly unleashed, but in the real world if you are entering a group living arrangement with unfamiliar roommates, protecting your possessions should be a priority. Renter’s insurance isn’t required by law or the bank, like it is for home and car insurance, but it should be on the top of your list. “If you have stuff you can’t afford to replace out of pocket, then you need rental insurance,” says Kip Diggs, a spokesperson for State Farm insurance. Other popular renter’s insurances include: Geico, Allstate, InsWeb and eRenterPlan.

According to Diggs, many first-time renters think the insurance a landlord has for his or her building will cover your personal items. Think again. "Landlord’s insurance covers the box and renter’s insurance covers everything in the box,” says Diggs. Another misconception is that renter’s insurance is prohibitively expensive. “The average cost nationally is about $200 a year to have coverage between $15,000 and $25, 000,” says Diggs. The key is to purchase the amount of insurance that you need. Diggs suggests taking inventory around your apartment or house to see what you have and estimate how much coverage you need. The price of you insurance is based on how much stuff you have and what it is ultimately worth. “If you have more than fifteen CDs or DVDs, shoes, computer equipment, or a decent TV, add up all that stuff and you’ll find it could cost $10,000 to $15,000," says Diggs. "Most people don’t have that kind of liquid to go and replace that stuff."