FRUITA, Colo. (KKCO) - Members of a Fruita family who lost everything in a house fire this week are thankful they had renter's insurance. Now, they're sharing their story in the hope of helping others before it's too late.

Heather Hanvey and her family are staying with family these days after the home they were renting in Fruita was destroyed by fire.

"We were just out looking for Christmas lights, when we got home and saw the back porch on fire and called 911," she says.

The fire quickly spread to the rest of the house. "We saved a few pictures. That was about it," says Hanvey.

And her family lost just about everything, there is some piece of mind knowing they had renter's insurance. "It covered everything," she says.

But they almost didn't buy the protection. "We've been renting for seven years and we've never had renter's insurance," says Hanvey.

But their recent landlord highly recommended the Hanvey's consider it. "So we went down and got it. We'd be in a lot of trouble if we hadn't gone out and got it," she says.

State Farm Insurance is just one company among many that recommends every renter have insurance. Hanvey agrees, especially after dealing with the tragedy of losing her home and belongings. "It's not just a scam from your insurance company. It really pays off," she says.

"It's very important to people who have any type of loss, whether it's a homeowner fire, lately we've had a lot for water losses with frozen pipes and it's just very important to protect your personal property," says Eric Lusby, a State Farm agent.

Lusby says many renters don't realize that for a small amount of money each month your valuables can be covered. "Depending on what type and how much coverage you have, it can range anywhere from $11 to $20. And even $20 a month will provide a lot of coverage for you," says Lusby.

And by having renter's insurance, it will protect your family from being sued by the owner or their insurance company for damages. "It's important that you have that liability coverage in the end that you're found responsible for those damages," says Lusby.

For Hanvey and her family, they're thankful they were covered and they have some advice for other renters.

"It's very important and we told everyone who rents to go get it as soon as possible," says Hanvey.

Lusby suggests contacting your insurance company, and together you can review your coverage and assess the value of your property.

Another tip, if you have car insurance or life insurance, most companies will provide a multi-line discount.