Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage to a Car?

If you have renters insurance, you might be wondering if it covers the car you drive. This article explains what it does and doesn't cover with regard to your car and property.
Written by Cheryl Knight
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Renters insurance does not cover damage to your car. However, you may have some limited coverage on property inside your car depending on your policy.
Renters insurance
covers your personal belongings at home if you rent a house or an apartment, but does it cover damage to your car as well?
Car insurance broker
Jerry
is here to inform you on what renters insurance covers for your car.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

What will renters insurance cover?

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings inside your rented home. In addition, many policies cover your personal property wherever it may be, including in a storage unit or anywhere else you might keep it.
Renters insurance also provides the following coverage:
  • Liability coverage: Renters insurance protects you if you get sued when someone gets hurt in the apartment or house where you live. Limits do apply, so check with your agent to learn about any special limitations.
  • Medical coverage: Renters insurance pays the medical bills if someone is injured in your home, up to a certain amount. Unfortunately, this coverage does not apply to you or other members of your household.
  • Other property damage: Renters insurance also provides coverage if you accidentally damage someone else's property while visiting their home. This functions similarly to the liability insurance in a homeowners policy, providing coverage if you or someone in your family breaks a window or other item at someone else's house.

What does renters insurance cover when it comes to your car?

As outlined above, renters insurance covers your personal belongings wherever they may be. This includes items
stolen from your car
. As long as you took reasonable steps to prevent the loss of the items, your renters insurance should provide coverage for your losses in the event that someone breaks into your car and steals your items.
Of course, you must pay the deductible on your policy before the renters insurance takes over, with most renters insurance policies carrying a deductible ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Does renters insurance cover car damage?

Renters insurance does not cover damage to your car. Instead, your
comprehensive
,
collision
, or at-fault driver's
liability
coverage will take care of any damage to your car as a result of an accident or other event, such as an
act of nature
.
In addition, even though renters insurance covers any personal belongings stolen from your car, it does not cover the damage done to gain entry to your vehicle. For that, you need to turn to your car insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage will usually cover damages done as a result of a break-in.
Acquiring the appropriate amount of renters insurance to cover your personal belongings can give you peace of mind. And remember, renters insurance can replace your items regardless of where you keep them, including in your home, at work, or even in your car.
MORE: Does renters insurance cover mold?
RECOMMENDED
Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.
avatar
Judith switched to Progressive
icon savingsSaved $725 annually
avatar
Alexander switched to Travelers
icon savingsSaved $834 annually
avatar
Annie switched to Nationwide
icon savingsSaved $668 annually
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings