Renters insurance offers renters similar coverage to homeowner insurance.  A typical policy provides coverage for personal liability, premises medical coverage, additional living expense, and personal property (contents) coverage.  Renters insurance doesn’t cover the building but may have an endorsement to cover tenant improvements.

Who can buy renters insurance?

Renters insurance is a policy designed for people who rent their living quarters, for instance, apartment, single family home or multi-family residence.

Are there personal property (contents) limitations that you should know about?

Yes, the following is a list of some, but not all, of those items that typically have specific dollar limitation: money, securities, watercraft, trailers, jewelry, silverware, gold-ware, and business property.  Be sure to talk to your agent about items with specific limitations.

Is there other coverage that can be purchased with the renter’s policy?

Yes.  The following is a list of some, but not all, of the typical endorsements available:

-Full value contents coverage (also called replacement cost coverage).

-Scheduled personal property (to insure jewelry, furs, cameras, musical instruments, silverware, guns, fine art, postage stamps, coin collection and some sporting goods).

-Business merchandise coverage.

-Volunteer coverage.

-Outboard motor liability.

-Incidental business liability.

Will the landlord’s insurance coverage pay for my property if the building burns down?

No.  The landlord generally buys insurance coverage to protect his/her interest (i.e. the building, loss of rents, liability, etc.).

What to consider when buying renter insurance:

-Always compare the coverage offered and the price.  Policies can vary from company to company, and so can the price.  Shop for the best coverage at an affordable price for you.

-Consider replacement cost coverage.  The standard policy covers the actual cash value of your contents (i.e. used value) at the time of loss.  The replacement cost coverage will pay the actual cost to replace your property with a like kind and quality product.  You must actually replace the product to receive the replacement cost.

-Some catastrophic losses such as earthquakes and floods are not covered under the tenant policy.  You may be able to purchase these coverage’s through an endorsement or the National Flood Insurance Program.

-Some companies only will offer tenant insurance with supporting business such as automobile coverage.

-Check your contract with the landlord.  The landlord may require you to carry specific limits of insurance for specific coverage’s.  The landlord also may want to be named as an additional insured on your tenant policy.