As the rebuilding process begins for those who lost their belongings in the Windsor Green fire, some are thinking about what they could have done differently to protect their homes.
Renter's insurance covers a tenant's personal property when disaster strikes, much like the Windsor Green fire.
State Farm agent Tony McAfee says it often gets overlooked by renters until it's too late.
"Their natural inclination is that 'Well, I'm just a renter, I don't need that. Or 'maybe the landlord will actually cover my personal belongings. So we try and educate them and make sure they know that the landlord's policy doesn't cover your items," McAfee said.
McAfee has been working for the past few days on claims for those fire victims who had renter's insurance
"What I'm finding now is when we talk to our clients, they go, 'Wow, I didn't realize I had so much stuff,'" McAfee said.
Brianna Ennis, a Coastal Carolina student who lost everything she owned in Saturday night's fire, never even thought about getting renter's insurance, because she was renting from a friend's parents.
"We kinda wish we had it now, we're kicking ourselves a little bit," Ennis said.
Items such as clothing and furniture donated by community members are helping people like Ennis without renter's insurance rebuild their lives.
"Within 24 hours, they had a fundraiser set up, we've already had cars full of clothing being sent to us, alumni donating money, like it's overwhelming," Ennis said.
For those without the support that Ennis has from her CCU family, the recovery process can be a bit more challenging.
"When you think about all of their clothing, and you think about all of their jewelry, and all of their electronics, you know, if I lost $35,000 worth of my items, I'd be in a tough spot," McAfee said.
Ennis plans to move back home and work during her summer vacation. She says no matter where her next apartment is, renter's insurance will be an expense she won't forget.
