Claim Insight: I Have a Renter’s Policy, What Does That Cover?

If you’re renting an apartment, condo, or house, you might already have a renter’s insurance policy—or at least, your landlord might have required you to get one. But do you know exactly what it covers? Many renters assume their landlord’s insurance protects them, but that policy only covers the building itself—not your personal belongings or liability.

Let’s break down what general renter’s insurance covers (and what it doesn’t), so you know what to expect in case you ever need to file a claim. 

What Does a Renter’s Insurance Policy Cover?

A standard renter’s policy typically includes three main types of coverage:

1️⃣ Personal Property Coverage

Your belongings—furniture, clothing, electronics, and more—are covered if they’re damaged or stolen due to certain perils, including:

✅ Fire and smoke
✅ Theft or vandalism
✅ Water damage (but not floods)
✅ Windstorms and hail
✅ Lightning
✅ Explosions
✅ Some forms of accidental damage

Pro Tip: Your policy has coverage limits, meaning there’s a cap on how much the insurer will pay. If you own high-value items like jewelry, artwork, or expensive electronics, you may need an endorsement (a policy add-on) for extra protection.

2️⃣ Liability Protection

If someone is injured in your rental—whether they slip on a wet floor or your dog bites a visitor—liability coverage helps protect you. It can cover:

✔ Legal fees if you’re sued
✔ Medical bills for the injured person
✔ Damage you accidentally cause to someone else’s property (like if you break a neighbor’s window)

3️⃣ Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event (like a fire or severe storm damage), ALE coverage helps pay for temporary housing, food, and other expenses while repairs are made.

🚨 Important: ALE won’t cover costs if you’re evicted or decide to move—it only applies if damage forces you out.

What’s Not Covered?

🚫 Floods and Earthquakes – Standard policies don’t cover damage from natural disasters like floods or earthquakes. You’ll need separate policies for those.
🚫 Pest Damage – If rodents or bedbugs infest your rental, insurance won’t help.
🚫 Your Landlord’s Property – Your renter’s policy won’t cover damage to the building or landlord-owned appliances—that’s their responsibility.

How to Maximize Your Renter’s Insurance

💡 Take Inventory: Keep a list (with photos or videos) of your belongings. This helps when filing a claim.
💡 Know Your Deductible: Your policy likely has a deductible—the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Choose an amount that makes sense for your budget.
💡 Check Coverage Limits: If you own pricey valuables, consider increasing your coverage.

Final Thoughts

A renter’s insurance policy is an affordable way to protect yourself from unexpected losses. But not all policies are the same—so review yours carefully and update it as needed.

If you ever need to file a claim, staying organized and knowing your coverage can make the process much smoother. Have questions? Follow Tugboat Claims for expert insights on property insurance! 🚢💡

Disclaimer:

This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Tugboat provides information and support, but we are not licensed public adjusters or attorneys. We do not negotiate or adjust claims on your behalf. All advice given is intended to empower you in managing your own claim, but it is ultimately your responsibility to pursue and handle the claim. Tugboat is not responsible for claim outcomes. Additionally, our tools are provided based on the information you provide, which may be incorrect or incomplete. Always consult a licensed professional for case-specific guidance.

Need expert guidance on a homeowner’s insurance claim? Tugboat Claims is here to help!