While your landlord’s insurance policy covers the building, it won’t cover what’s inside your rental unit. Most people would not be able to afford the expense of replacing their personal belongings in the event of theft, fire, or water damage, and that’s where renters insurance comes in. If you are renting an apartment, condo, or house you can protect yourself and your belongings with renters insurance, commonly referred to as rental insurance or apartment insurance. Renters insurance covers damages to your possessions when you rent.
What is Renters Insurance?
Rental insurance protects you during unfortunate events such as fire, theft, water damage and other unforeseen circumstances – situations your apartment owner’s policy doesn’t cover. Imagine going to dinner or a family get-together and when you return home, you’re greeted by the flashing lights of police cars and fire trucks. Building fires, floods, and other damage can happen anytime, anywhere.
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What Does Renters Insurance Cover?
Renters insurance covers your belongings (furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, equipment, etc.) if they’re damaged or stolen. It also provides personal liability coverage if someone is hurt in your home, as well as lawsuits and legal fees if someone sues you.
Damage to your apartment or home caused by the following losses are also covered by a rental insurance policy:
Fire or lightning
Smoke damage
Theft
Burglary
Vandalism
Windstorm or hail
Collapse of the building due to weather
Water leakage or overflow
Freezing of plumbing or air conditioning, and more
What is Not Covered by Renters Insurance?
Rental insurance will not automatically cover your roommate’s belongings. Your roommate would need to buy his or her own policy or purchase a joint renters insurance policy. In addition, insurance for renters may cover items stolen from your car, but it won’t cover your vehicle—that’s what auto insurance is for. Here are a few other events that are not covered by renters insurance:
Natural disasters (flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, sinkholes, etc.)
Property damage caused by pests (rodents, bugs, and other vermin)
Items of high value (antiques, art, jewelry, vintage family heirlooms, rare autograph collections, premium appliances, etc.)
Damages caused by terrorism or nuclear war