What is Renters Insurance?

If you rent rather than own a home, having insurance protection for yourself and your possessions is still important. Much like homeowners insurance, renters insurance, also referred to as apartment insurance, protects you in unexpected events, such as: fire, theft, water damage and other unforeseen circumstances – situations your apartment owner’s policy doesn’t cover. Imagine going out 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.

Renters insurance protects you from incidents that occur while you’re at home, too, such as a toaster catching on fire or if someone trips and falls in your apartment, leading to expensive medical bills or even a lawsuit; your renters insurance policy will provide you with coverage.

Renters insurance also helps to pay for a place to stay if you are displaced from your apartment by something like a hurricane or major repair — up to a certain point. Some policies place time limits on how long they’ll cover expenses for staying in a new place, such as six months or a year, while others put a cap on the amount of money they’ll pay out.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Renters insurance typically provide coverage, up to the limits you select, for specified items and situations, including:

  • Personal property (furniture, electronics, computer equipment, clothing, etc.)
  • Personal liability if someone is hurt, whether in your home or away from it.
  • Damage to your apartment or home caused by a covered loss.

Some landlords require tenants to obtain a renters insurance policy. And some take things a step further by not only requiring that tenants obtain renters insurance but also asking to be listed as an interested party on the policy. They typically just want to know if the policy gets canceled and make sure they understand how the claims process works.

Whether your landlord mandates apartment insurance or not, it’s a good idea to evaluate your possessions and think about what it would cost you to replace them. For less than the cost of a take-out meal a month, a renters insurance policy will help you to rest easier.

Happy mother, father, and small daughter standing in front of their rented home with moving boxes

Types of Losses That Are Covered by Renters Insurance

Damage to your apartment or rental unit caused by the following losses are covered by renters insurance:

  • 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

Get a renters insurance quote online or over the phone.

For over three decades, our renters insurance policies have helped customers during some of the toughest times of their lives. Let us help you, too. We have experienced staff ready to answer all of your insurance questions and help you get the best rate on your renters insurance coverage. Request a free renters insurance quote online or by calling (800)-836-2240.