For individuals who rent rather than own their property, homeowners insurance isn’t an option. However, this does not mean that they don’t have a way to insure their personal possessions. Understanding what renters insurance does (and does not) cover can help renters make informed insurance choices.
1. What Is Included in a Renters Insurance Policy?
A standard renters insurance policy covers the loss of personal property such as clothing, furniture, and electronics when a covered event such as fire, vandalism, or windstorms takes place. This policy will also provide limited coverage for the renters to stay at a hotel while their rental area undergoes repairs that require them to live elsewhere.
Renters insurance also includes liability coverage. This includes injuries to others or damage to the landlord’s property — such as a cooking fire. This policy provides much-needed financial protection, and as a result, is required by many landlords.
2. Additional Coverage That You Might Need
It should be noted that renters insurance does not cover everything. Policies typically include caps or coverage limits for valuable items, such as jewelry or firearms. A scheduled personal property endorsement may be needed to fully cover such items. Events such as water backups and flooding will also require the purchase of additional coverage.
While renters insurance offers coverage for the renters’ possessions and other potential losses, landlords must obtain insurance to receive coverage for the structure itself and landlord liability protection. If you need more help understanding these policies, contact your Pike Mutual agent today!