Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

No. Your landlord insures the building and their own liability as the property owner. Everything you brought in — furniture, clothing, electronics, bicycles, kitchen equipment — is yours to insure. If a fire, burst pipe, or burglary takes it, their policy does nothing for you.

Question 2

How much personal property coverage do I need?

Accepted Answer

More than people estimate. The usual exercise is to walk through each room and add up what it would cost to replace the contents today. Most people land somewhere between twenty and fifty thousand dollars and are surprised by their own total. Photographing each room on your phone takes ten minutes and makes any future claim dramatically easier.

Question 3

Am I covered if something is stolen away from home?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes. Renters policies typically extend to your belongings off-premises, including a laptop taken from a car, luggage lost while travelling, and a bike stolen from a rack downtown, often at a reduced limit. Worth confirming the specifics on your policy rather than assuming either way.

Question 4

What if a fire or flood makes my apartment unlivable?

Accepted Answer

That is loss of use coverage, sometimes called additional living expenses. It pays the difference between your normal cost of living and what you actually spend while displaced — temporary housing, meals beyond your usual, storage. Given Seattle short-term rental rates, this is a more valuable piece of the policy than most renters realise.

Question 5

Does my policy cover my roommate's belongings?

Accepted Answer

Not unless they are named on the policy. Household members related to you are generally covered; an unrelated roommate typically is not. In most cases the cleaner arrangement is a separate policy each, which is also simpler if one of you moves out.

Question 6

Am I covered if my dog bites someone?

Accepted Answer

Renters policies include personal liability, which is the coverage that would respond to a dog bite claim. That said, carriers differ on breeds and on any bite history, and some exclude certain breeds outright. Tell us about your dog when we quote, because it affects which carrier is the right fit.

Question 7

Does renters insurance cover earthquake?

Accepted Answer

No, not without adding it. The earthquake exclusion applies to renters policies the same way it applies to homeowners policies. Your belongings and your additional living expenses after a significant quake would not be covered by a standard policy. It can be added, and it costs considerably less than earthquake coverage on a house.

Question 8

A pipe burst in the unit above mine. Am I covered?

Accepted Answer

Sudden and accidental water damage to your belongings is generally covered by a renters policy. Damage that resulted from a long-running leak or ongoing maintenance neglect usually is not. Report it promptly either way. The building owner's liability may also be in play, and we can help you work out who should be paying for what.

Renters Insurance in Washington

What renters coverage can include

Common questions about renters insurance