Renters Insurance (2026): Coverage, Exclusions, Claims & Guides
Renters insurance helps protect your personal belongings, provides liability coverage, and can pay for temporary living expenses if your rental becomes unlivable after a covered event. It’s designed for renters—whether you live in an apartment, shared house, or a rented home.
This hub collects our renters insurance guides so you can quickly understand what’s covered, what’s excluded, and what to do when something goes wrong.
This insurance usually covers
Most renters insurance policies include three core protections:
1) Personal property (your stuff)
Coverage for belongings like furniture, clothes, electronics, and household items if they’re damaged or stolen due to covered events.
2) Personal liability
Helps if someone is injured in your rental, or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property (policy rules apply).
3) Additional living expenses (ALE)
Helps pay for temporary housing and related costs if your unit is uninhabitable due to a covered claim.
This insurance often does NOT cover (common exclusions)
Renters insurance is helpful, but it’s not “everything insurance.” Common gaps include:
- flooding and groundwater seepage (often needs separate flood coverage)
- gradual leaks or maintenance issues
- pest damage
- intentional damage
- some types of sewer/drain backup (often requires an add-on)
Always check your policy wording and deductible.
Start here: our insurance guides
Water damage guides
Quick checklist: choosing renters insurance limits
- Create a rough inventory (electronics, furniture, clothing, valuables)
- Pick a personal property limit that matches your real replacement cost
- Choose liability limits that fit your risk (guests, roommates, pets, etc.)
- Decide if you want replacement cost coverage (vs actual cash value)
- Consider add-ons like water backup coverage if your building needs it
FAQ (short)
This insurance worth it?
If replacing your belongings or handling a liability claim would hurt financially, renters insurance is usually a smart low-cost layer of protection.
Does insurance cover landlord property?
No—your landlord’s insurance covers the building. Renters insurance covers your belongings and your liability.
Does insurance cover water damage?
Sometimes, depending on the source (rain through storm-damaged openings may be covered; flooding is usually not). See our rain guide above.
Insurance Information Institute
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and not legal or financial advice.