Air Force waives renter's insurance obligation in privatized housing Published March 20, 2015 23d Wing Public Affairs MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Airmen residing in or signing a lease to live in privatized homes on Moody AFB will no longer be covered by a renter's insurance provision, due to a recent Department of Defense change in basic allowance for housing, starting Nov. 1, 2015. The Department of Defense opted to eliminate the renters insurance component of BAH, an average of $20 dollars each month per member, as of Jan. 1. "Despite the announced change, Hunt Military Communities will continue to provide renter's insurance, including personal property coverage, for all current residents through the latter of Nov. 1, 2015, or the date the resident's lease expires," Rhonda Brill, Moody Family Housing community director, stated in an email released March 20. "Any future changes to renter's insurance coverage will be in accordance with your resident lease." Although the Air Force doesn't require Airmen to maintain independent rental insurance coverage, Mark Correll, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, said it has always been highly recommended for all Airmen, whether they live on or off base, to fully cover their personal property and provide liability coverage. "Under the Claims Act, the government provides up to $40,000 worth of coverage to all Airmen who live in privatized housing situated on government-owned land," he said, "However, it does not apply at a few projects where some or all of the privatized housing is located on private land. Also, that coverage only applies to personal belongings; it does not provide liability coverage and reimbursements may be limited under the Claims Act. Liability coverage is recommended to cover damage you, your pet or your belongings might cause to the house and other property." Local housing management or legal offices can help Airmen understand how the Act applies to their situation. Capt. Catherine Kallen, 23d Wing legal office, said tenants should always review their lease before signing and encourages rental insurance for Airmen living on or off base. "Even if renter's insurance is provided for in privatized housing, you should review the policy to ensure that it protects you adequately," she said. Renter's insurance is highly recommended, it is extremely inexpensive and can protect more than you think, depending on your policy." Today, the Air Force's HP program boasts more than 53,000 high-quality homes in its inventory, a success that Robert Moriarty, the AFCEC installations director, attributes to careful planning and investment protection. "More than $8 billion has been invested in this program with the expectation that these developments will last 50 years," he said. "That includes the cost of initial construction, renovations, maintenance and operation, as well as the costs associated with out-year development and sustainment plans -- all of this depends on income from the BAH." The Air Force remains committed to providing quality housing communities where Air Force families will choose to live, Moriarty said. For questions and concerns concerning changes to Moody Family Housing contact the local community office at 229-333-0539.