Does renters insurance cover water damage?
Renters insurance will cover personal property against sudden water damage that is caused by accidental overflow or discharge but not flooding.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Your renters insurance policy will protect your personal property against sudden water damage that is caused by accidental overflow or discharge but not flooding. Any water damage to the building, plumbing, electrical systems, or appliances is covered by your landlord’s insurance.
It’s important to understand what water damage is and isn’t covered by your renters insurance so you know when you are responsible for replacing your stuff and when your insurance will pay for it.
The home and
car insurance
broker app Jerry
has compiled everything you need to know about renters insurance
and water damage. We’ll break down when renters insurance does and doesn’t cover water damage, what your landlord’s insurance covers, and how to prevent water damage in your rental home. MORE: How to find the best renters insurance
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When does renters insurance cover water damage?
Whether water damages require you to replace your furniture or temporarily live in a hotel during repairs, instances of water damages will be covered by the named perils in a renters insurance policy. The following named perils in your standard renters’ insurance policy will cover water damage:
Accidental water overflow or steam discharge
If your personal property is damaged by a sudden leak in your radiator or your toilet overflows, your renters’ insurance will cover the cost of replacement. The water damage must be sudden and accidental to be covered.
Frozen plumbing
This peril will cover damage sustained to your personal belongings if your pipes freeze and burst. If that water seeps into your neighbors’ apartment and damages their belongings, it’ll cover that, too.
Rain or hail
Water damage to your personal property from rain or hail that enters your home due to structural issues, like a hole in your roof, will be covered by your renters insurance policy. If those structural issues were due to the weight of snow, ice, or sleet, your personal belongings will still be covered if they sustain water damage.
Key Takeaway: Water damage will only be covered if it is caused by a peril detailed in your renters’ insurance policy.
When doesn’t renters insurance cover water damage?
Water damage caused by an excluded peril or due to personal negligence will not be covered by your renters’ insurance. These include:
Floods
Water damage sustained by flooding is not covered by your renters insurance policy or your landlord’s. Standard renters and homeowners insurance policies never include floods as a named peril. If you live in an area that frequently experiences flooding, you should purchase additional flood insurance.
Water backup
If sewage overflow damages your personal property, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket to replace your belongings. Water backup from sewage lines or water seepage is not covered by your standard renters’ insurance policy.
Damage caused by personal negligence
Your renters insurance will not cover the cost to replace the carpet in your apartment if you leave the bathtub faucet running or you left your window open during a rainstorm. Water damage that is otherwise preventable won’t be covered.
MORE: Does renters insurance cover mold?
What water damage is my landlord responsible for?
Your renters insurance covers your personal property, while the landlord’s insurance will cover the building itself. Any water damage sustained by the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, or appliances will be covered by your landlord’s insurance.
If water damage is caused by neglecting routine maintenance, your landlord will be responsible for covering any damages to your personal property.
How to prevent water damage
Water damage can cause anything from cosmetic damage, like a stain on your carpet, to hazardous mold growth. Whether your renters insurance will cover water damage or not, you’ll want to avoid dealing with water damage at all.
Locate your water shutoff valve
If your pipes burst, quickly turning off your water can be the difference between major and minor damages. Find out where your main and localized water shutoff valves are in your apartment or home so you can access them in the event of a disaster.
Report leaks to your landlord
Small leaks and drips can be a symptom of a larger structural issue. Immediately report a leak to your landlord once you notice it to prevent being held liable for catastrophic water damages in the future.
Use smart water sensors
These devices detect water leaks in your home before you even notice them. Once you’re alerted of a water issue, you can promptly report it to your landlord and they’ll handle it from there.
How to find cheap renters and car insurance
You can save money on renters insurance by bundling it with your
car insurance
. Most companies offer bundling discounts between 5% and 25% savings on both policies. After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?
“Jerrywas wonderful! I used it for my auto and renters policies. I trusted it so much that I signed up for my homeowners’ insurance under Jerry as well. All of the agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable.” —Mary Y.
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FAQs
Will renters insurance pay for my hotel?
If your rental home becomes unlivable due to covered damage, loss of use coverage will reimburse you for your hotel room and any other temporary living expenses you incurred. Think basic daily living expenses like takeout food, gas, and laundry.
You could save 15% or more on renters insurance by bundling
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