After signing leases and paying security deposits, some students might think of their apartments as second homes where their belongings — from bikes to televisions — are insured, come fire, water or theft.

But in reality the case couldn't be more different.

Realty companies usually only insure appliances they own, such as refrigerators and stoves, and if the rented space is furnished — as many in State College are — the furniture is also covered, said Alan Anderson, an insurance agent for Nationwide Insurance, 233 Easterly Parkway.

All other belongings are the responsibility of the tenant, he said.

Some renters choose to buy tenant insurance, and Anderson said about 90 percent of the tenant insurance contracts he sells each year are to students.

Yet many students remain uninformed about the benefits and costs of tenant insurance.

Daniel Wilson (sophomore-engineering), who lives in an off-campus apartment, said the real estate agent who rented him his apartment did not inform him about tenant insurance and was not sure whether his belongings were covered at all.

Most of the real estate agencies in State College have tenant insurance programs, Anderson said, adding that real estate agencies generally do not make it a priority to mention the insurance to their renters.

"In general we recommend to anyone who is renting to consider tenant insurance. This is our personal advice though, it is not required for us to push that," said Sheryl Evans Scott, rental consultant for GN Associates.

But before students look into tenant insurance, they should check with their parents to see if they are still considered dependents. On many insurance plans, students listed as dependents are often covered by their parents' homeowner insurance, Scott said.

Tenant insurance covers a wide variety of damages including fire, water and other natural disasters, but Anderson said theft is one of the primary reasons to get the insurance.

Nationwide's tenant insurance runs from about $6 to $10 per month for total coverage.