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Does my renters insurance cover toilet overflow damage?

Last week, I was running late for work and left my apartment in a hurry. When I came back later that night, I found my bathroom floor saturated with water! My toilet bowl had clogged and overflowed, and the laminate flooring warped and now needs to be replaced. Will my renters insurance cover the water damage from the toilet?

avatar
Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! Well, at least it sounds as if the damage was limited to the bathroom. Unfortunately, the answer to your question is somewhat complicated.
If you caused the clog, it’s unlikely your
renters insurance
will pay to replace any of your personal possessions.
That said, if you caused the clog, your liability insurance may cover a claim to fix the floor. Your landlord will likely expect you to cover the costs of replacing the floor. This is where your personal liability coverage (Coverage E) will come into play. This coverage covers legal costs associated with any claim your landlord may file. It may also cover repairing the floor after you pay your deductible.
If your toilet was not functioning properly due to landlord negligence, the landlord is responsible. If this is the case, your landlord’s insurance should cover any damages.
Whatever the cause of the problem, your
landlord
is responsible for repairing the toilet and fixing the floor. You are legally entitled to a liveable space.
Filing a claim against your insurance will likely raise your rates, so it’s a good time to shop for better deals. Try using
Jerry
to shop with multiple providers for the lowest rates. Jerry will even help you bundle your auto and renters policies for further savings.
View full answer 
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