Renters Insurance

This is a named-perils policy: it pays for loss from the causes listed here, and only those. Here is the plain-English version of what your policy does and does not do.

What is covered

• Fire and smoke A kitchen fire, a faulty charger, a lightning strike, or the smoke damage from any of them. Smoke from industrial or agricultural operations is not included.
• Bad weather Windstorm, hail, lightning, and the weight of ice or snow. Rain or wind-driven water that gets in through an opening the storm did not make is not included.
• Break-ins and vandalism Burglary of your belongings when there are visible signs of forced entry, plus vandalism, malicious mischief, and riot damage. See theft, below, for what this does not include.
• Water damage from inside A burst or frozen pipe, an overflowing tub or washing machine, a leaking water heater or sprinkler. Sudden and accidental only: slow leaks, seepage, and water that comes in from outside your unit are not included.
• Sudden accidents Explosion, falling objects, a vehicle or aircraft hitting the building, power surges from artificially generated electricity, and breakage of glass you are responsible for under your lease.
• Loss of use If a covered loss makes your place unlivable, up to $1,000 toward the extra cost of somewhere to stay while it is repaired. Includes up to two weeks if authorities close your building because of covered damage next door.
• Personal liability Someone slips at your party, or your kid breaks a neighbor's window, and you are held responsible. The policy pays what you owe up to your liability limit and provides your legal defense. Injury or damage caused by a pet is capped at $10,000 per incident.
• Medical payments to others A guest gets hurt at your place and needs a doctor. Their medical bills are paid up to $500 per person, no lawsuit required. Does not apply to you or anyone who lives with you.

Also included on every plan

• Replacement cost Damaged or destroyed items are replaced new for old rather than paid at depreciated value. On a loss over $1,000 the carrier pays actual cash value first and the balance once you replace the item, within 180 days. Antiques, collectibles, and items that were not in working order are paid at actual cash value.
• Belongings away from home Your things are covered anywhere in the world for up to 10% of your personal property limit (at least $1,000), and up to $1,000 while in a vehicle.
• Damage to property of others You break something that belongs to someone else. Paid up to $250 per accident, on top of your liability coverage.
• Card fraud, forgery and counterfeit money Up to $1,000 per loss if your card is stolen and used, a check of yours is forged, or you accept fake cash in good faith. No deductible.
• Debris removal and fire department charges Up to $500 each after a covered loss. No deductible.
• Your landlord, listed for free Add your landlord or property manager as an interested party and they receive proof of coverage automatically. Most leases require it.

What is not covered

• Earthquake Earthquake and other earth movement (landslide, sinking, mudflow) are excluded. California law requires the carrier to offer earthquake coverage separately: the offer arrives with your policy documents and you have 30 days to accept it. Fire following an earthquake is covered.
• Flood and outside water Flood, storm surge, surface water, sewer or drain backup, sump pump overflow, and groundwater seeping in. Fire or explosion that results from water damage is covered.
• Theft without a break-in This is a burglary policy, not a theft policy. A phone lifted from a cafe table, a package taken from the porch, a bike taken from an unlocked rack, or anything that simply goes missing is not covered. There must be visible signs of forced entry.
• Gradual damage, mold and wear Wear and tear, deterioration, slow leaks, mold, and rot are not covered. Neither is loss from a hazard you knew about and did not deal with.

Limits worth knowing

• Valuables Burglary of jewelry, watches, furs, and precious stones is limited to $500 per item and $1,000 per loss. Firearms $500. Cash and coins $200. Securities, passports, tickets, and personal records $500.
• Computers Computers, data-processing equipment, and software are limited to $500 per loss. Sound equipment and media in a vehicle, $250.
• Business equipment Property used for business is limited to $1,000 at home and $500 away. Liability from any business activity, including paid child care, is excluded.
• Cars, pets and boats Vehicles, animals, and aircraft are not covered as property. Watercraft and trailers are limited to $500. Liability from operating a motor vehicle, an aircraft, or a boat over 25 horsepower is excluded.
• Liability exclusions Intentional harm, injuries to anyone who lives with you, trampolines, and damage to property you rent or borrow are excluded. Fire, smoke, water, or explosion damage you cause to your rental unit itself is covered.
• Deductible Your deductible applies to each property claim. It does not apply to liability, medical payments, or the extras listed above.

This is a plain-language summary, not the policy. Only the wording of the policy decides whether a loss is covered and for how much. Your declarations page lists every limit that applies to you. Policy form: Renters Insurance Policy REN-0002 (03-24) with the California Amendatory Endorsement (REN-END-CA-0005) and the Replacement Cost Coverage Endorsement (REN-END-0004), underwritten by Technology Insurance Company, Inc., an AmTrust Financial company.