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Does renters insurance cover fire damage?

There was recently a fire in my apartment building, and the unit next to mine was almost entirely destroyed. Luckily, no one was hurt, and only a handful of my belongings were damaged. I have renters insurance, but will it cover fire damage?

avatar
Vina Geralde · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no–I’m sorry to hear about the damage to your building, but it’s a huge relief no one was hurt!
Fortunately, renters insurance will cover fire damage because it’s one of the
16 covered perils
outlined by your policy details. Additionally, if your apartment is uninhabitable due to the fire and damage, your insurance company may also cover:
  • Housing accommodations, like a hotel room, until your unit is safe to live in
  • Meals, assuming they’re reasonably priced
  • Storage units
  • Pet boarding
  • Laundry expenses
  • Additional living expenses
The best way to understand precisely what is covered and how you’ll be reimbursed is to contact your insurance company and explain the situation. Policies vary by provider, so it’s best to speak with your insurer directly. Also, don’t forget to save your receipts!
Finally, if your premium increases after the claims are settled, or you just want to ensure you’re not overpaying for coverage, you should use
Jerry
, an insurance comparison app that shops for low prices with many top insurance companies for free. You will get quotes in seconds, can make changes at any time, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away!
View full answer 
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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