What Is Renters’ Insurance?

Renters are often under the impression that the landlord’s insurance policycovers their belongings, which it unfortunately doesn’t. The landlord’s policy generally covers the building itself, but might not cover injuries sustained within the structure or even personal belongings. It is why renters’ insurance is so important.

Renters’ insurance covers your personal property in a rented condo, apartment, or home from unexpected circumstances like fire, theft, or sewer backup damage and actually pays for damaged or lost possessions. It can even help protect you from liability in case somebody is injured on your property.

Renters insurance has similar scope to homeowners insurance with the only exception being that it doesn’t offer coverage for the structure itself.

What Does It Cover?

Renters’ insurance provides coverage for the destruction or loss of personal belongings in case of a covered peril including: fire, vandalism, frozen plumbing system, hail, lightning, impact by a vehicle, theft, and windstorms.

Renters insurance may also provide coverage if:

You are temporarily forced to move out of your property: If your property becomes inhabitable due to damage caused by a covered peril like vandalism or fire, renters’ insurance helps cover the cost of alternative living arrangements while repairs are underway.

A person is injured in the property and is in need of medical attention: Personal liability coverage is for protecting you and other people that visit your property in case an accident occurs. It helps pay for legal fees and medical costs you might end up incurring.

Items stored inside your vehicle are lost or damaged: Depending on your specific renters’ insurance policy, you could be covered for the belongings you keep inside your vehicle. However, the coverage does not extend to system or equipment installed in the vehicle.

What Does It Not Cover?

Now that you understand the basics of what renters’ insurance covers, it is also important to understand what it does not cover so that you are adequately prepared. Whether you live in Hollywood or Macomb County, here are some basics that are not covered?:

Home Business: If you operate a small business out of your home, it does not necessarily mean that your renters’ insurance policy will cover it. You need to check with your insurance provider whether your specific policy covers your home business of whether you will require additional coverage.

Valuables: Valuables and expensive collectables like jewelry may not necessarily be covered under your basic renters’ insurance policy and might require additional coverage.

Motorized Vehicles: Ownership or use of a motor vehicle is not covered by the renters’ insurance policy even if it is parked on your property. However, personal belongings kept inside the vehicle are usually covered.

It is important to note that these are not the only things not covered by a renters’ insurance policy. So, ensure that you read through your policy thoroughly to have a better understanding of what is and isn’t covered.

The Bottom Line

It is important to understand exactly what renters’ insurance is so that you are able to decide whether it is something you want. This has been a discussion of what renters’ insurance is, what it covers, and what it does not, so that you can make an informed decision. To learn more about this type of insurance, you should get in touch with a reputable insurance provider today.