When you’re renting a home or apartment, you’ll need to know what kind of coverage you’re entitled to. If you’re not aware of all the types of insurance coverage you’re eligible to receive, you could be missing out on valuable benefits that could help protect your property.
Liability
A renter’s insurance policy is a way to protect your personal possessions from the damage of fires, theft and other events. Liability coverage is also included, which protects you from lawsuits, and pays for medical expenses if someone is injured on your property.
Many landlords require tenants to have renter’s insurance. Buying a renter’s insurance policy is the easiest way to make sure your property is protected.
The policy will state what is covered under the policy. Typically, this includes items like appliances, computers, and clothing. However, there are exclusions. For example, bedbugs are often not covered, even if they have been treated.
Renters insurance can also cover liability, which covers the costs of medical expenses and attorney fees in the event that someone gets hurt on your property. This coverage is important if you or a family member is hurt while on the premises.
Personal liability coverage may also extend to injuries outside the rental unit. If your neighbors or a neighbor’s child gets hurt while playing on the premises, you could be held liable.
Property damage to others
When you decide on a renter’s insurance policy, you’ll want to make sure it includes the right coverage options. This type of insurance covers property damage to others, as well as your own personal property. It also offers liability insurance if you’re held liable for accidents, as well as legal defense in the event of injury or theft.
There are many different kinds of renter’s insurance, including the typical comprehensive policy, which covers all of the usual suspects. You can also get coverage for personal items, such as a motorized device that is used for health purposes. Also, you may have to pay a bit more for the coverage, but the benefits are worth the price.
The most basic form of coverage, usually called liability, will cover you if you’re found responsible for accidental damage to someone else’s property. If you’re the victim of a crime, such as a robbery, this coverage can protect you from losing your home.
Additional living expenses
A standard renter’s insurance policy will include coverage for extra living expenses. This means that you can still pay for your daily routine even when your home is not in operation. Usually, this is a 20 or 30% amount of the insured value of your dwelling. Depending on the company you are with, your limits might differ.
If you need to move to a hotel or temporary housing, you can get reimbursed for your expenses as they occur. You should keep receipts for your expenses, and call your insurer as soon as possible.
The most common reason why people need this type of coverage is if they are forced to move away from their homes due to an emergency. For example, if a fire destroys your home, you might need to stay at a hotel for a while.
If you have additional living expenses, you can receive compensation for the cost of your meals and hotel bills, and even your rental income if you have to rent a part of your home. However, these expenses may not cover the regular monthly household bills, or even groceries.
Exclusions
Renter’s insurance provides financial protection against losses caused by accidents and disasters. It also provides extra living expenses if the renter’s home becomes uninhabitable. Some policies include discounts for security devices and safety systems. In addition to these benefits, some policies offer additional coverage for personal belongings.
Typical renter’s insurance covers a wide variety of situations, from fire to theft. However, there are certain exclusions that you should know about before purchasing a policy. For example, most policies do not cover damage from earthquakes. Also, renter’s insurance does not cover floods. Similarly, some policies do not pay out for damage caused by pests.
Some renters’ insurance policies do not cover damage caused by the landlord. This may be a gray area. You can ask your agent for more details.
Other common exclusions include accidental window breaking and mold. If you have a pet, you might consider adding an endorsement that will help with the cost of cleanup. Additionally, you might want to check if your insurance company offers optional identity theft coverage. These features may include legal fees and credit monitoring services.