What is Homebody, anyway?
Homebody is a collection of products that make the annoying things about renting a little less annoying. We make getting insurance easy, moving into your new place cheaper, and paying your rent on time more beneficial to your financial future.
Who can make changes to my account?
Only people listed on the policy can make changes to the policy. If you are paying for someone else’s policy, it’s generally recommended that you have yourself added to the policy so you can make changes.
Why am I not getting a password reset link?
There are a few reasons why you may not be receiving your reset password link right away:
1. The most common reason is that the capitalization is not correct. Our system is case sensitive, and if the email address you request the password with does not match exactly what is saved with the account, it will not send.
2. Reset password links typically only take a few seconds to send. However, you might occasionally need to wait up to 30 minutes before you receive them.
3. If you used a different email address when trying to reset your password, you will not receive a password reset link.
How do I contact an insurance agent?
You can call (877) 577-0850 Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 8pm ET. We are closed for major holidays.
How is communication sent?
All communication between the policyholder and Homebody will be sent via email or a call from our agency. If you do not have an email address, it’s not recommended to purchase a policy through Homebody.
When does my insurance policy end?
All policies will remain active until they are canceled by the policyholder or we are no longer able to process payments and the policy lapses.
Do I get my money back at the end of my lease?
No. Deposit Alternative is an insurance policy—you pay small monthly premiums. So instead of putting up a bunch of cash when you move in, you end up paying a lot less over the course of your lease.
Can I sign up for Deposit Alternative?
Because you pay rent to your landlord or their property management company, Deposit Alternative is only available when they’re involved.
How much does it cost?
The cost is determined by your property management company, and varies by property. When you move out, your policy ends.
Why do I pay more or less than my friend who also uses Deposit Alternative?
Property owners and managers determine the price for their tenants. In some markets, they might charge more to manage the service.
Is it worth it?
If you want to keep your cash and make moving in more affordable, then definitely!
What is Rent Reporting?
Rent Reporting is a service that helps you build your credit by reporting only their on-time rent payments to all three major credit bureaus. Similar to a mortgage, Rent Reporting can help residents establish a payment history. Payment history can make up to 35% of an individual’s credit score.
The longer you are on the lease and having your payments reported the greater the impact they will have on your credit. Everyone’s credit and situations are different, so results vary but on average residents will see a 20-40 point increase over a 12-month lease.
Can I sign up for Rent Reporting?
Because you pay rent to your landlord or their property management company, Rent Reporting is only available when they’re involved. Click here to see if you can use Rent Reporting!
Will my credit score will go up with Rent Reporting?
Credit scores depend on all sorts of things: debts, lines of credit, debt repayment history, etc. Rent Reporting is just another way to help your score.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies depending on your property management company. Feel free to reach out to them for availability and details on costs. When you move out, your policy ends.
Why do I pay more or less than my friend who also uses Rent Reporting?
Property owners and managers determine the price for their tenants. In some markets, they might charge more to manage the service.
Where are my rent payments reported?
We report your rent payments to either Experian,Equifax, or TransUnion, or all three depending on the contract we have set upwith your property management company.
Will my past payment history be reported?
Yes! We will automatically back report any available history (up to 24 months) that is on your current lease. Your available back history will go out with our next reporting cycle, which happens right around the 15-20th of each month. Please note that we can only back report history that has been accumulated in the same unit you currently hold your lease in, if it was with the same property management company.
When does Homebody report my payments?
We report your payments for the previous month around the 15-20th of each month. This allows us to receive payment information from your community, determine the payment type, and report that information to the credit bureaus.
Where can I check my credit score?
Unfortunately, you are not yet able to check you credit score in the Homebody app; we're working on it! For now, you will need to use another source to check your credit. We suggest annualcreditreport.com, the official site authorized by the federal government, to access one free credit report per year. Keep in mind it can take up to 45 days for your first reporting to show on your report.
Is Rent Reporting worth it?
If you're able to pay your rent on time every month, then this is probably the easiest way to build your credit.
How do I file a renters insurance claim?
1. For policy numbers that start with RTH, call Markel American Insurance at (800) 236-3113.
2. For policy numbers that start with PRH, call QBE at (844) 723-2524.
How do I set up a renters insurance policy?
You can set up your policy in 3-5 minutes. Call (877) 577-0850 or click “Get a Quote” on our website. In order to give you an accurate quote you will need to have your address, the name of your rental community, when you will be moving, and the names of all the adults living at that address. For all other policy types, call (877) 577-0850.
What is renters insurance?
Renters insurance is an insurance policy that provides monetary protection for your personal belongings against outside elements, i.e. fire, smoke, theft, water damage and explosion.Coverage for your personal belongings starts at $10,000 ($5,000 available in some states) with a maximum of $40,000 in coverage.
Do I really need renters insurance?
Like most other insurance (pet, homeowners, dental), renters insurance isn’t required by law. But in a disaster you definitely want to have a policy, and many rental properties may require it. That way, the resident and the rental unit are covered financially.
Is my personal property covered with a ResidentInsure renter's insurance policy?
In order for your personal possessions to be covered you must have at least a minimum selected under "Personal Contents" coverage e.g. $10,000. If you select "Liability Only" you will not have coverage for your personal possessions.
How do I make changes to my policy?
You can log in to residentinsure.com to make most changes or call our agency team at (877) 577-0850. Some changes, like address changes, can only be done via phone. You also have the ability to transfer your policy to another rental property or switch to homeowners insurance if you’ve recently purchased a home.
When does billing happen?
Billing is based on the policy’s start date and will bill 3-15 days before the start date, depending on the type of policy and carrier. Occasionally we must perform a mid-billing cycle catch-up payment that won’t occur during this time period. The only way to change your billing date is to cancel your policy, sign up for a new one, and change the start date.
When do I receive my policy?
The proof of insurance/declaration page is available after the first payment has been processed. This typically takes 24 hours. The full policy packet will be sent 2 weeks after your policy’s start date.
What pets are covered by pet insurance?
Just cats and dogs.
What factors into pricing?
Age, breed, location, insurance type, animal type (cat or dog).
What deductible should I get?
It all depends on the level of risk you want to take on. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premiums (and vice versa).
How do I file a claim?
Homebody pet insurance policies are from Embrace, one of the top-rated providers in the country. All you need to do is submit your claim online in one of three ways:
1. Log in at embracepetinsurance.com
2. Download and log in with the MyEmbrace app (iOS & Android)
3. Fill out and email a claim form in the Embrace portalClaims are processed in 10-15 business days. You’ll then get your reimbursement either by check or direct deposit.
How do I set up a Policy?
Call (877) 577-0850 or click here to get an online quote in minutes .
Do I need car insurance?
Every state except Florida requires that you have liability coverage. So at the very least, you should have liability insurance for your car.
What types of coverage should I get?
It all depends on the amount of financial risk you want to take on.
Let’s say you just bought a brand new Subaru. If you caused an accident and totaled your car, could you afford to keep paying for a car you can’t drive anymore on top of having to buy a new car? If not, you consider collision and comprehensive coverage.
But if you’re scooting around town in your paid-off 1993 Ford Festiva that’s racked up 400k miles, you can probably get by on liability.
How do I file a claim?
Call (877) 577-0850 and have your policy number ready. One of our agents will direct you to the right place.
Can I talk to a real person about coverage options?
Yes! Just call us at (877) 577-0850. Agents are available 8 am - 8 pm ET, M-F.
What items can you cover?
Rings, earrings, chains, bracelets, watches, pendants, loose stones. You can cover all fine jewelry.
Can you cover non-jewelry items, like art?
No.
Is my jewelry covered when I’m out of the country?
Yes, as long as it’s a covered type of loss.
Will I get a cash reimbursement?
No. Homebody’s jewelry insurance is a repair or replace policy. If you have questions about what you should set your replacement value at, call one of our agents at (866)-234-8829.
Is homeowners insurance required?
By law, no. BUT if you have a mortgage, your lender will require it. That way if a disaster happens, you and your lender are financially covered.
What kind of coverage should I get?
Our licensed agents will be the most helpful for this sort of thing. They can answer your questions and give you a quote based on you and your home’s needs. (866)-234-8829
Do I even need life insurance?
Life insurance is great if you have people depending on you financially. But if you’re younger and don’t have any dependents or large debts, you’re probably ok without a policy.
Which type of life insurance should I get?
It really depends on your situation. Nine times out of 10, term life will be the right choice. But if you have more money to spend on monthly premiums and want coverage that isn’t dependent on term limits, whole life might be for you.
What types of vehicles are considered RVs?
Motorhomes, travel trailers, and ATVs.
Can I insure my motorcycle?
Not with recreational vehicle insurance. Motorcycle insurance requires a separate policy.
Call one of our agents at (866) 234-8829 to get a quote!
What affects my RV insurance premiums?
The type of RV, how you use it, how often you use it, where you live, your driving history, the deductible you select, and your driving record.
Why should I bother with RV insurance?
If you regularly use an ATV, travel trailer, motorhome, or other RV, insurance provides peace of mind. You safeguard your assets so you can adventure without worry.
What exactly is identity theft?
It’s when someone gets access to your identifying information for a criminal purpose, usually financial fraud. Pretty common example: Someone gets access to your credit card number or your login info, and then uses that to make unauthorized purchases.
Is ID Theft Protection necessary?
Most people are careful about sharing their private information (SSN, bank account number, etc.). Unfortunately, data breaches happen at reputable companies way too often. ID Theft Protection is an extra layer of security when a company doesn’t protect your data the way it’s supposed to.
How do I file a claim?
For ID theft policies (containing only numbers and 12 digits long), please call (866) 434-3572.
How can I become a Homebody Rewards member?
When your property participates in Homebody Rewards, you’ll get an email with an invitation to join. Once you accept the terms and conditions, welcome! You’re a Homebody Rewards member.
How can I earn points?
If the property you live at participates in Homebody Rewards, property management chooses what you can earn points for. You can earn points by:
New ways to earn points will roll out later this year.
What can members redeem points for?
Redemption options for points will roll out in phases. Right now, points can be redeemed towards gift cards from hundreds of your favorite retailers. You also have the option of getting a prepaid debit card, so you can spend your points almost anywhere debit cards are accepted.
Later this year, travel will become available, letting Homebody Rewards members book flights, hotels, car rentals, and experiences with their points. And early next year, members living at participating properties will be able to redeem points towards their rent.
Can I earn points even if my property doesn’t utilize Homebody Rewards?
Today, only renters living at properties who participate in Homebody Rewards can earn points. In the future, we’ll roll out new ways to earn points that will not require your property’s participation.
What is Homebody Rewards?
Homebody Rewards is a loyalty program that rewards renters for things like paying rent on time, signing a lease, setting up autopay for rent, and more.
Is there a maximum amount of points a member can earn?
Nope!
Do points expire if they aren’t redeemed within a certain amount of time?
Points do not expire. However, if your account is closed due to inactivity or closed for another reason (like fraud), you’ll forfeit your unredeemed points.
How can I keep my account active?
Earning and redeeming points keeps your account active. If after 24 months you have not earned or redeemed at least one point, your account will be closed for inactivity.
How can I keep my account active?
Earning and redeeming points keeps your account active. If after 24 months you have not earned or redeemed at least one point, your account will be closed for inactivity.
What happens to all the points I’ve saved up if I move out of my current place?
You’ll keep all your points and your account will stay open for up to 24 months following your most recent point accrual or redemption. If after 24 months you have not earned or redeemed at least one point, your account will be closed for inactivity, and any unused points will be forfeited.
If I move out, can I still redeem points?
Yes! And if you move to another property that participates in Homebody Rewards, you can redeem your points on rent once that option becomes available early next year.
Who can I contact if I have questions about Homebody Rewards?
The Homebody app is the best place to start. From there, you can search FAQs or use the chat feature to get answers to your questions. If you need to talk to a person, please contact a Homebody Rewards specialist by emailing rewards@homebody.com or by calling 1 (877) 577-0850, Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm ET.
How can I edit my contact info in my Homebody Rewards account?
In the Homebody app, tap “Profile” from the bottom menu. From there, you can edit your phone number and email address.
How much are points worth?
It depends! Points can be used now for gift cards and prepaid debit cards, and later for travel and rent. We’re rolling out point transfers to travel partners as well, making it even trickier to nail down precise values for points. So for now, we’ll make sure you have plenty of options to choose from when redeeming your points.
How long does it take for my points to show up in my account?
You’ll get your points within one day. For example: You pay your rent on the 1st, and by the 2nd you can see your points in the Homebody app!
When I redeem my points for gift cards, what retailers can I choose from?
You can choose from hundreds of retailers. See them all in the Homebody app.
How can I access the Homebody Rewards Travel Portal?
When the Homebody Travel Portal is released later this year, you’ll find it in the Rewards tab of the Homebody app.
