Renters Insurance Q&A

Q: What does renters insurance cover?
A: The possessions of anyone who rents a residence, whether it’s an apartment, house, manufactured home or condominium. Renters insurance provides protection for personal property, such as furniture, electronics and clothing. It also provides liability protection for the policyholder should someone be injured or sustain damage to their property while visiting the policyholder’s residence.

Q: My neighbor accidentally started a fire that destroyed the entire apartment building, including my unit. Will their insurance cover my personal belongings?
A: Their liability insurance may cover your belongings, but only if it is determined he was negligent in causing the fire. The only way to guarantee your property is protected is to have your own renters insurance.

Q: Won’t the landlord’s insurance cover my personal belongings?
A: In most cases, no. The landlord’s insurance may cover you if you can prove liability on the part of the landlord, but again, the only way to guarantee your property is protected is to have your own renters insurance.

Q: I own a condominium. Do I need homeowners or renters insurance?
A: Neither. You need condominium owners insurance. It provides limited property coverage, as well as contents coverage and liability.

Q: My roommate has renters insurance; won’t that cover all my belongings as well?
A: No. The policy only protects the person named in the policy or a relative living with that person.