your landlord’s policy isn’t yours
Renters insurance, explained like a neighbor would
Your landlord’s insurance covers the building. It doesn’t cover your stuff or your liability. I’ll help you find a renters policy that fits your place and your lease.
FL License #G193830
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The basics
Your belongings
Furniture, clothes, electronics and more, if a covered loss like a fire or theft hits.
Your liability
Helps if someone is hurt in your place or you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
Extra living costs
Helps with things like a hotel if a covered loss makes your place unlivable.
Lease requirements
Many landlords require renters insurance in the lease. I’ll help you meet the requirement.
What a renters policy covers
A renters policy is built around you, not the building. Here’s the usual list.
- Personal property: your belongings, at home and often away from home too.
- Personal liability: if you’re held responsible for someone’s injury or for damage you cause to others.
- Additional living expenses: extra costs if a covered loss forces you out for a while.
- Replacement cost or actual cash value: some policies pay to replace items new. Others pay what the items were worth after wear. It depends on the policy, so I’ll show you which one you’re looking at.
- High-value items: jewelry and similar things often have limits. They may need to be listed separately.
What it doesn’t cover
Every policy has gaps. Better to hear about them from me now than from a claims adjuster later.
- Flood: a renters policy doesn’t cover it. That needs separate coverage. You can read more on my flood insurance page.
- Your roommate’s things: not covered unless they’re on the policy too. Roommates often need their own.
- The building itself: that’s your landlord’s job and your landlord’s policy.
What I’ll ask you
Nothing scary. Just enough to quote this correctly.
- Your address and the type of place.
- Roughly what your belongings are worth. A rough walk through each room works fine.
- Whether you have any pets.
- Any prior claims.
- Whether your landlord requires a certain liability amount. Check your lease or just send me a copy.
Questions I get
Doesn’t my landlord’s insurance cover me?
No. It covers the landlord’s building. Your belongings and your personal liability aren’t part of it.
Does renters insurance cover flood?
No. Flood needs its own coverage. I can look at options with you.
Is my roommate covered by my policy?
Not automatically. Their things are only covered if they’re on the policy. Tell me who lives there and we’ll sort it out.
Will it pay full replacement for my stuff?
It depends on the policy. Some pay replacement cost and some pay actual cash value. I’ll point out which is which.
My lease says I need renters insurance. Now what?
Send me the lease language, especially any liability amount. I’ll quote with that in mind.
Official sources
This page is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. Coverage, limits and eligibility depend on the company and the policy. Chris Chase is a licensed independent insurance broker in Hudson, Florida.
Have a question? Just ask.
Call me or send a quote request. You’ll hear back from a real person.