If you’re renting an apartment or home and your landlord has mandated renters’ insurance, you might question the necessity. After all, isn’t it their property? While that’s true, their coverage differs significantly from the protection renters’ insurance offers. This requirement is typically about safeguarding both parties, as your agent at Stonewall Grace Insurance, serving Buena Vista, VA, can explain.

Your Landlord’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover Your Belongings

While your landlord likely has a policy on the building itself, that coverage doesn’t extend to your personal belongings. If a fire damages your furniture or a pipe bursts and ruins your electronics, the property owner’s insurance won’t compensate for your losses. Renters’ insurance comes into play to protect your possessions from incidents like fire, theft, or water damage originating within the unit.

Liability Coverage is Included

Renters’ insurance also encompasses liability protection. This means if a visitor gets injured in your home and decides to sue, your policy could help cover legal expenses or medical bills. Landlords appreciate when their tenants have this coverage as it reduces the likelihood of claims being made against them.

It Simplifies the Claims Process

If your unit or belongings suffer damage, having your own insurance streamlines the claims process. You deal with your provider instead of requesting the landlord to cover costs they’re not liable for. This can help prevent misunderstandings or strained relationships following unexpected incidents.

Renters’ insurance through your agent at Stonewall Grace Insurance, serving Buena Vista, VA, provides a safety net for a relatively small monthly cost. From the landlord’s perspective, it also means fewer disputes and less financial risk. That’s why it’s often included in the lease—and why it’s beneficial to have, even if it’s not explicitly required.