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Consumer Tips: Protect Yourself and Your Property with Renters Insurance


Many renters assume their possessions are protected under their landlords’ insurance policies. However, landlords typically only insure the building and land – not the property inside.

Because renters insurance covers the value of your belongings, rather than the building, premiums are often relatively inexpensive and generally worth the investment. If you add up the cost of your belongings, you may be surprised by the value of what you have.

A 2016 Insurance Information Institute poll found that while 95 percent of homeowners have homeowners insurance, only 41 percent of renters have renters insurance. This means the majority of renters are putting themselves and their belongings at risk if an unexpected event occurs, such as a fire, tornado, roof leak or theft.

Renters insurance covers:

  • Personal property: Your belongings are protected whether you’re at home or away.
  • Loss of use: If damage from a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, many additional living expenses will be paid for by the insurer.
  • Personal liability: You’ll generally be protected against lawsuits for bodily injury, property damage and personal injury damages such as libel or slander. Specific coverages vary by state.

Who should purchase renters insurance?

All renters should consider purchasing renters insurance. Full-time college students living away from home may also be at risk for loss. Students living in a dorm may have coverage for many items under their parents’ insurance, but expensive items such as computers, other electronics, musical instruments and expensive sporting goods may be subject to coverage limits under a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy.

For students living off-campus, a separate renters insurance policy protects belongings and provides personal liability coverage. Before heading off to college, call your AAA insurance agent or insurance customer service, or visit your local branch to determine the amount of renters insurance coverage you may need.