Renters Insurance

Renters insurance may cover personal belongings damaged from a covered loss plus additional living expenses, like groceries and lodging, if you're unable to live at your residence while it's being repaired because of a covered loss. Your renters policy also includes personal liability coverage if you're legally responsible for someone else's injuries or damages. Renters insurance won't cover the actual structure you live in — that's your landlord's responsibility.

A renters policy provides financial reimbursement for covered losses to your personal belongings. If a covered loss occurs, you'll file a claim with your renters insurance company to receive compensation for your loss, up to your policy's limits, sub-limits, and minus any deductible. Quoting a renters insurance policy is quick and easy—your insurer will typically ask less than a handful of questions about your rental unit and value of your personal possessions.

Renters insurance isn't legally required, though certain apartment complexes and landlords may require it. Even when optional, it's a good idea to cover what you've invested by purchasing your personal items.

On average, it is estimated that people have a minimum of $20,000 worth of personal property which can be made up by furniture, electronics, clothing etc.

If you were robbed or lost all your clothes, furniture, and everything else in a fire, your landlord is not responsible for your belongings. This is why it's important to carry coverage through a Renters Policy that will help you replace your belongings in a covered loss.

Renters insurance covers personal property, personal liability, medical payments and additional living expenses or loss of use, up to the limits of your policy.

Perils can range from weather events to other events like theft or vandalism. Exactly which perils your homeowners insurance policy will cover may vary by home insurance policy type.

Here are a few examples of common perils:

• Fire or lightning: Includes damage caused by lightning or an event caused by a lightning strike, such as a fire.
• Weight of ice, snow, and sleet: Refers to snow accumulation or an ice dam that causes damage to your home, such as a roof leak.
• Windstorm & hail: Includes damage caused by a wind or hailstorm.
• Theft & vandalism: Refers to stolen belongings and willful damage to your property.
• Accidental water/steam overflow or discharge: Refers to water damage from a sudden break or blockage in your plumbing or HVAC system.
• Falling objects: Includes damage from a tree that falls on your house.
• Power surges: Refers to sudden and accidental damage from an artificially generated electrical current or power surge.

Damage to the structure of your rental home or unit won't be covered under a renters policy. Your landlord's insurance policy typically covers damage to the dwelling's roof, ceiling, and walls, caused by things like bursting pipes and vandalism.

Renters insurance FAQs

Depending on your policy, your renters insurance liability coverage may pay for injuries or damages your pet causes to others, but it generally won't cover damage to the property you rent caused by your pet.

No, renters insurance doesn't typically cover damage caused by pests or extermination costs. However, mice, bed bugs, and other pests may be your landlord's responsibility.

Renters insurance may cover personal property stored in self-storage units, but the coverage limits are often much lower. Always consult with your insurance agent if this coverage is included as part of your policy coverages.

If you have roommates, renters insurance won't cover their property, personal liability, or temporary living expenses unless they're on your policy. Depending on the carrier, they can be added to your policy, but this is not guaranteed. Be sure to confirm with your agent about all possible options.

Did you know?

Here are a few policy exclusions not covered by homeowners insurance:

• Flooding
• Earthquakes, landslides, and mudslides
• Termites, rats, bed bugs, and other infestations
• Mold
• Water backup from your sewer or sump pump
• Service lines
• Sinkholes
• Regular wear and tear
• Maintenance issues
• Intentional damage caused by a member of your home
• Homes vacant longer than 30 to 60 days

Talk to your agent about these exclusions and supplemental coverage offerings to account for these known policy exclusions.

How to get renters insurance

Answer some questions about your property and then customize your coverages. Get a renters insurance quote and buy online

Speak with a representative who can guide you through the process. 602-233-3333