Housing

How Renters Insurance Works

Renters insurance is about more than replacing a sofa.

What the policy can do

Renters insurance may cover personal belongings after certain covered events, personal liability in specific situations, and additional living expenses if a covered loss makes the rental temporarily unlivable.

What it does not do

It generally does not insure the building itself, and coverage varies for floods, earthquakes, wear and tear, business property, roommates, and high-value items. Read exclusions and endorsements carefully.

Make an inventory

Walk through the home with a phone camera, save receipts for valuable items, and keep a copy of the policy somewhere outside the apartment. Preparation makes a stressful claim less dependent on memory.

About the writer

Priya Shah

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