Renters/Rental Property

Most apartment complexes and landlords carry rental property insurance to protect their investment, but they also sometimes require their renters to carry a policy, as well. In the event that a natural disaster, vandalism, or another hazard damages a rental home or apartment, comprehensive insurance by both landlord and tenant covers all of the associated costs.

Rental Property Insurance

As a rental property owner, you are responsible for caring for your investment property in the same way you would a primary residence. For an occasional short-term rental, you may be able to keep your homeowner’s policy for your home, but investment properties require rental specific insurance. Rental property insurance is more expensive than traditional homeowners insurance, but it provides additional coverage.

In a rental property policy, you will have access to coverage for:

• Liability. Injury liability and property liability covers your tenants and their guests if they are injured on the property.
• Property. If your investment property, including items within the home left for tenant use, is damaged by a covered hazard, the cost of repair will be covered.
• Lost income. If you cannot earn income with your property due to repairs or rebuilding, this benefit provides coverage for a limited period of time.

Renters insurance

A tenant’s personal belongings will not be covered under a rental property insurance policy. If a tenant’s belongings are damaged or lost because of theft, natural disasters, or other hazard, a renters insurance policy will offer adequate coverage to replace those items. Most renters insurance policies are very economical, ranging from $10-20 per month. These policies may also cover:

• Liability. Different from rental property coverage, this basic insurance helps renters who are sued by visitors in their homes by covering medical expenses, defense fees, and damages.
• Loss of use. Renters insurance can also help a tenant pay for a hotel or other living arrangement while his or her home or apartment is being renovated.

To learn more about your options for coverage as either a renter or rental property owner, contact us today at (814) 443-6567 for our Somerset office or (814) 395-3022 for our Confluence office. We look forward to helping you find the right policy for your situation.