What does renters insurance cover?

Renters insurance typically covers three things: your belongings, your liability to other people, and somewhere to stay after a covered loss. The Illinois Department of Insurance notes that liability coverage is standard on most renters policies (IDOI renters guide).

  • Personal property: furniture, clothes, electronics, bikes, and other belongings. Many policies also cover your things away from home, such as a laptop stolen from your car.
  • Liability: helps if a guest is hurt in your apartment, or if you accidentally damage someone else's property, like a kitchen fire that spreads to the unit below.
  • Loss of use: helps with hotel and meal costs if a covered loss forces you to move out for a while.
  • Medical payments to others: many policies include a small amount for a guest's medical bills, no matter who was at fault.

Pay attention to how your belongings are valued. Actual cash value pays what an item was worth after wear and age. Replacement cost pays what it costs to replace the item, minus your deductible, and usually costs more (IDOI). Ask which one your quote is based on.

Doesn't my landlord's insurance cover my things?

No. The Illinois Department of Insurance says a landlord's insurance only protects the building structure, not your personal property (IDOI renters guide).

Here's what that looks like. A pipe bursts upstairs and comes through your ceiling. The landlord's policy typically deals with the ceiling and the floor. Your couch, your rug, and your clothes are yours to replace unless you have your own policy. Your lease may also require renters insurance, sometimes with a minimum liability limit, so read the insurance section before you sign.

What does renters insurance usually not cover?

Most renters policies typically exclude flood, earthquake, and sewer backup, though you may be able to add coverage or buy it separately. Other common gaps:

  • Earthquake and sewer backup: standard home policies typically exclude both, and Sewer Back-up and Sump Pump Overflow Coverage is an optional add-on (IDOI definitions). Ask about it if you keep things in a basement storage cage, or if you rent a garden unit.
  • Flood: it's not typically included and must be bought separately (Illinois Department of Insurance). Renters can buy National Flood Insurance Program contents coverage up to $100,000, but most belongings kept in a basement aren't covered (FloodSmart.gov).
  • The building: walls, floors, and appliances the landlord owns are typically the landlord's to insure.
  • Roommates' things: most policies typically don't cover a roommate's belongings unless that person is listed on the policy.
  • High-value items: most policies set lower limits for jewelry, watches, and similar items unless you list them separately.

Coverage is always subject to your policy's terms and limits.

Where can I get help in Illinois or Arizona?

The Illinois Department of Insurance and the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions answer consumer questions and take complaints; the City of Chicago handles basement flooding reports. The numbers and links:

How we work on renters insurance

We start with your lease. Many leases spell out a liability limit or ask that the landlord be listed on the policy, and it's easier to set that up on day one than after the management office sends a notice. Then we do a quick room by room with you. Most people undercount. A closet of clothes, a bike, a laptop, a TV, the kitchen drawers: it adds up.

Renters is also often the policy that covers a laptop stolen from your car, so if you have a car, see auto insurance and we'll look at the two together. We speak English and Spanish. When you have a claim, see our claims page.

What to have ready when you call

When you're ready, call us for a quote.

  • Your rental address, unit number, and move-in date
  • The insurance section of your lease, including any required liability limit
  • Your landlord's or property manager's name and mailing address
  • A rough total value of your belongings. Walk through each room once and add it up; close is fine.
  • A list of valuable items, like jewelry, bikes, or cameras, with rough values
  • The names of anyone in your household you want on the policy, including a roommate
  • Your current declarations page, if you have a policy now

Common questions

Does my landlord require renters insurance?

Your lease may require it. Read the insurance section, which may list a minimum liability limit or ask you to name your landlord on the policy. Bring those details when you call.

Is my stuff covered if it's stolen from my car?

Many renters policies cover belongings stolen from a car, subject to your deductible and policy terms. Damage to the car itself, like the broken window, falls under auto insurance.

Are things in my basement storage unit covered if it floods?

Often not. Sewer backup is typically excluded unless you add it, and flood needs a separate policy. Even flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program doesn't cover most belongings kept in a basement (FloodSmart.gov). Keep it off the floor.

How much renters insurance do I need?

Enough to replace your belongings, plus liability limits that fit your situation and your lease. A room-by-room estimate gets you most of the way, and we can finish it by phone.