Does Renters Insurance Cover Water Damage

How To File A Water Damage Claim

If youre pretty sure that your damage is covered, then how do you file a claim? There are six steps you should take note of when looking to file a renters liability claim:

As long as you have covered all of these steps and your claim is legitimate , then you should be good to go.

Lemonade Renters Insurance Pros & Cons

• Easy to file a claim, receive customer support, purchase a policy, and view your policy on website or app.
• Fast claims process.
• Affordable premiums start as low as $5.
• Ability to sign up for coverage within minutes
• Donates a portion of revenue to charity

• Not for those who want to talk to a live customer service agent.
• Availability varies by state.
• Customer complaints about claims handling delays and policy cancellations.
• Coverage amounts vary by state.

Allstate is one of the leading insurers in the nation and has the best standard coverage for water damages that occur in your rental unit or home.

In addition, if a type of water damage isnt covered, you can purchase a separate policy as an add-on to ensure you have the right amount of protection.

For its standard policy, Allstate will pay for repairs if your drywall, for example, becomes drenched after your water heater bursts or a pipe bursts and leaks through the ceiling below.

In addition, if a pipe bursts and the water drains on your smart TV, Allstate will either replace the TV or repair it.

And if the plumbing leaks, such as when your washing machine supply hose breaks apart, the standard renters insurance will cover any damages.

But you will not be covered if water backs into your home through an outside sewer or drain.

Still, you can buy additional sewer or water backup coverage as an add-to your policy.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Appliance Breakdowns

Your standard renters insurance covers your devices and appliances against some perils, but not all types of damage.

For example, if your washing machine experiences an electrical failure, your standard policy will not assist you. However, if you wish to add those extra safeguards, you can purchase Equipment Breakdown Coverage .

This endorsement, also known as Appliance Coverage, is designed to supplement and enhance your renters insurance by providing coverage for a variety of different forms of damage. However, keep in mind that this coverage only applies to appliances that you own .

Recommended Reading: How To Save Money On Car Insurance

Damage Cause Another Peril

If an excluded peril causes the water damage, then your loss or damage does not qualify for reimbursement from your renters insurance cover.

However, the particular excluded water damage may cause another named peril, such as fire, vandalism, or theft, which then damages your property. When this happens, you can claim cover for the loss or damage of your property from the other peril.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Floods

If you live in a floodplain or somewhere prone to flooding, consider purchasing a separate flood policy. You can protect your belongings from flood water damage, and having your own flood insurance policy can make a big difference because your renters insurance wont cover your personal property in the event of a flood.

Also Check: Health Insurance Benefits For Employees

How Does Renters Insurance Cover Water Damage

Renters insurance pays for some types of water-related damages to your personal belongings.

Jacobs says renters insurance will likely cover water sources that could damage your personal property, including:

• Toilet overflows

However, other types of water-related damages that arent covered, including:

• Damages arising out of slow water leaks or lack of maintenance
• Damages from water backup
• Flooding-related damages

Fortunately, you may be able to cover these events through policy endorsements to your renters policy or a separate flood insurance policy. However, that will increase your insurance costs.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Water Backup

Water backup situations often lead to the question does renters insurance cover water damage. Your renters insurance will not cover issues such as water backups that result from backed-up sewage. It also will not cover damage that was sustained from flooding. Renters insurance is not going to cover damage caused by backups from the sewer. You would need to purchase a separate policy that covers this kind of damage. In many cases of water damage, it is the responsibility of the landlord to deal will all of the damage costs that result from water damage that has occurred. The landlord of your property will be responsible to have their own insurance policy that will cover water damage issues related to sewer backups, and other plumbing issues. It is important to once again emphasize that claims on your renters insurance primarily focus on types of personal property that you have moved into the space that you are renting.

You May Like: Will Insurance Pay For Rental Car During Repairs

Renters Insurance And Water Damage: The Bottom Line

Renters insurance protects your personal property in case of certain types of water damage, such as from a broken pipe, as well as in situations where you may be at fault for damaging someone elses property.

Are you interested in learning ways to save on renters insurance while still getting quality insurance coverage? Insurers may offer you a lower rate if you install security devices, such as a smoke detector, or if you go a certain number of years without making a claim. However, the best way to save is to shop around.

Our comparison tool allows you to find and compare insurance quotes online for free. This way, you know youre getting the best policy at the best price. Enter your ZIP code for renters insurance quotes to cover water damage today.

References:

Leaving So Soon Your Custom Quotes Are Just Minutes Away

On average, renters insurance costs about $174 per year as of 2022, according to the Insurance Information Institute . And, much like the right auto insurance policy, renters insurance can be an invaluable part of your financial plan. That said, you may be wondering what is covered under renters insurance, and what may not be covered under this type of policy. By understanding your renters insurance coverage, you may feel more comfortable with your policy and more in control of your finances. Heres what you should know.

Recommended Reading: State Farm Renters Insurance Login

Does Renters Insurance Cover Water Damage From A Fish Tank

In most cases, yes, any personal property damage caused by water from the tank would be covered.

The cost of your tank and the fish inside is another matter. That depends on how the tank was damaged.

For instance, if someone breaks into your apartment and ransacks the place breaking your tank in the process, insurance will likely cover the cost of the tank.

However, if the tank just springs a leak one day, that’s not covered. Likewise, unless you have earthquake coverage, if an earthquake topples the tank, it and your fish aren’t covered.

Is Flood Insurance Worth It In Florida

Flood insurance is still a good consideration even if it’s not required, due to Florida’s low elevation and high exposure to storms. Homeowners and renters insurance policies don’t cover floods or storm surges, but you can purchase a flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.

Don’t Miss: Is Std Testing Covered By Insurance

Does Renters Insurance Cover Water Damage

Whether renters insurance covers water damage or not depends on the source of the damage.

You need renters insurance if you rent an apartment or home to protect your belongings and provide liability coverage. A landlords insurance policy wont help you in those areas.

“Your landlords insurance policy isnt enough,” says Sarah Jacobs, vice president of personal lines product development at Nationwide. “It most likely only covers the building you live in, but not your personal belongings or any damages that you may be held liable for.”

But does renters insurance cover water damage? It depends on the situation. Read on to learn more about when you are and are not covered.

• A landlords insurance policy wont cover damage to your belongings. Thats where renters insurance comes in.
• Renters insurance protects you from some forms of water damage.
• Renters insurance protects your possessions, offers liability coverage, and provides help if you have to move out of your residence temporarily.
• If you want coverage for other types of water-related coverages, you may need to purchase additional insurance or a separate policy, such as flood insurance.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage From Hurricanes

For the most part, yes. Hurricanes are strange creatures. In some jurisdictions, such as Rhode Island, your regular renters insurance policy will include a Hurricane Deductible. In others, such as New Jersey, some plans may have a separate, mandatory, or optional storm deductible. Other states, such as California, do not even include the word hurricane in their renters insurance contracts.

A hurricane is essentially a massive windstorm , rain , and maybe flooding .

Bonus: If your home becomes uninhabitable for whatever reason, renters insurance provides benefits such as reimbursement for hotel stays or any expenses above what youd ordinarily have to pay on a daily basis.

What is the storys moral? If you live in a region where they get past the Cs when naming the next hurricane , you should probably review your insurance or contact your insurer to see what your choices are.

Read Also: Citizen Insurance Company Of America

Does Renters Insurance Help Pay For Other Lodgings If Your Apartment Isnt Habitable

A renters policy typically includes loss-of-use coverage. This coverage helps reimburse your expenses if your rental unit is damaged and becomes inhabitable for a short period while repairs are being made.

Loss-of-use coverage on a renters policy typically is calculated in one of two ways:

• A percentage of your overall coverage level — for example, 40% of $100,000 in coverage.
• A flat amount, often just $3,000 to $5,000 of coverage.

Its vital to know how much loss of use coverage your policy offers and to make sure its adequate for your coverage needs should you have to vacate your rental unit for an extended period.

The Cost Of Renters Insurance

The average cost of renters insurance per year is around $179, which is cheaper than the average cost for homeowners insurance. Thats primarily because youre only buying coverage for your belongings instead of the house.

However, the cost of your renters insurance does depend on a number of factors, such as your:

Coverage A standard renters insurance policy may include personal property and liability coverage, as well as others. But, you can also get additional coverage, such as scheduled personal property coverage, which offers more protection but does increase the amount youll have to pay each month.

Claims History If youve made several claims within a short time frame, you may be at risk of having to pay a higher premium. Essentially, this type of history will cause your insurance company to believe that youre more likely to make future claims. So, they may end up charging you more to protect themselves.

Deductible Your deductible amount has an effect on your premium. It’s the amount you pay upfront before your insurer pays for the rest of your claim. A lower deductible means a higher premium and vice versa.

Also Check: Are Mortgage Insurance Premiums Deductible

Damage Caused By Negligence

Your renters insurance doesnt apply to any situation in which your personal negligence caused an issue. For example, belongings damaged because you left a window open during a storm would not be covered. You could easily have prevented that from happening. The same holds true for leaving the water running in a plugged sink or skipping any kind of routine maintenance that caused the water damage.

Exclusions To Renters Insurance

Make sure that you are aware that renters insurance policies do not cover all types of water damage. For example, if you have flooding or sewage backup, typical renters insurance is not likely to cover the damage. Here are a few things to be aware of when it comes to exclusions to renters insurance:

• Long term negligence is not covered:

Renters insurance covers accidental damage and does not cover any damages youve done yourself due to negligence or reckless behavior.

• Water backup from a sewage line:

Usually, this type of damage is considered an add-on that needs to be purchased separately from the standard renters policy.

Flooding is not covered by your renters insurance policy. If you live in a flood zone you should make sure to purchase flood insurance.

Apartment Flooding

If you sublet your property and there is damage that happens when you are not living there, it will not be covered by renters insurance.

The point of renters insurance is to cover your personal property. However, your landlord is responsible for the following damages when it comes to the property:

You May Like: What Type Of Life Insurance Are Credit Policies Issued As

Loss Of Use Or Additional Living Expenses

If you can’t live in your home after a disaster covered by your policy, renters insurance coverage generally pays for you to live elsewhere during repairs. It can cover expenses like hotel bills, restaurant meals and other costs above what you would normally pay.

Example: After the fire in your living room, you need to move out for a couple of weeks while your apartment is cleaned up and fixed. Your insurance company can help pay for your motel stay. It can also cover the cost difference between making your own meals and eating out every night .

» MORE:Loss of use coverage for homeowners and renters

Personal Liability And Water Damage

Renters insurance is a policy that protects tenants from risks by covering expenses related to unforeseen and unexpected circumstances. Insurance covers you in multiple instances when it comes to a water damage claim through protecting your belongings, reimbursing additional living expenses, and covering the cost of damages caused by an event.

Coverage for a water damage claim depends on the perils listed in your policy. Any damage caused by perils not listed in your policy wont be eligible for a claim. However, while policies may not cover every instance, below are examples where water damage is covered:

Also Check: How Much Is An Eye Exam At Target Without Insurance

Assurant Renters Insurance Pros & Cons

• Competitive rates on flood insurance policies.
• Standard renters policy covers replacement cost, which helps you avoid getting ACV.
• Bedbug damage, food spoilage, and additional living expenses for flood evacuation are covered.

• High number of customer complaints.
• Few discounts offered.
• More expensive than its competitors.
• Below-average customer service.
• Slow claim service response time.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover

Renters insurance provides a wide range of coverages. It reimburses you for:

• Damages to your personal items. This aspect of coverage protects you from damages to or the theft of personal belongings that arent attached to or built into your rental home. For example, renters insurance protects furniture and clothing.
• Damages to others and their property. Renters insurance provides you with liability insurance. If someone gets hurt or something gets damaged in your rented space, you might be held responsible, Jacobs says. Renters insurance helps pay for covered damage or injuries caused by an accident that occurs in your home.
• The cost of living in a temporary location. Renters insurance can provide funds to cover temporary living expenses until you move back into your unit. If your rented space gets damaged and you cant live there, renters insurance could help pay for temporary housing or additional living expenses due to a covered loss, Jacobs says.

However, renters insurance doesnt cover the costs on a few things include:

• Damages to the physical residence you rent, including the roof and siding
• Some types of water damages
• Damages from movement of the earth, including earthquakes and landslides

Don’t Miss: Car Insurance For Low Mileage Drivers

Is Water Damage Considered Accidental Damage

Water damage is considered accidental damage in some cases. However, the insurance company must deem it to be sudden and accidental for this to be the case. If your home is damaged by an accident but the insurance company deemed it to be negligence, the water damage wont be considered accidental.

What Types Of Water Damage Are Excluded

An exclusion is a named peril from which a loss or damage wont result in reimbursement from the renters insurance company. It may be possible to purchase a rider that adds coverage for an otherwise excluded peril, but some riders may be pricey if you live in an area more prone to the type of peril covered by the rider.

Read Also: State Farm Non Owner Insurance

Where To Buy Renters Insurance

Most of the leading insurance carriers, such as Travelers and GEICO, as well as regional providers, such as Lemonade and Toggle, provide renters insurance. MoneyGeeks guide to comparing renters insurance quotes can help you decide which renters insurance company best fits your needs and budget.

We found, on average, that the cost of renters insurance is around $13 per month. That rate can vary depending on the value of your belongings. Use MoneyGeeks personal property calculator to get an estimate of how much coverage you need.

clothing