Covering the cost of replacing all your possessions if they are stolen or damaged could run into thousands. Having contents insurance means you won’t be left out of pocket if things go wrong.
Renters insurance typically covers the things in your home that you would take with you when you move, such as furniture, clothes, and electrical items like TVs, or games consoles. Contents insurance can help cover the costs of replacing your items if they are stolen or damaged due to fire, for example.
When renting you might be responsible for looking after some of your landlord’s belongings too, such as cupboards, curtains, or rugs. Renters insurance could protect you from any liability if these items are damaged.
It’s not a legal requirement, but it can give you peace of mind.
Many landlords also ask tenants to take out insurance as a condition of letting a property. It protects both the landlord and tenant if anything goes wrong.
Renters insurance doesn’t normally cover accidental damage as standard, although this could be added to your policy as an extra.
Most insurance policies will cover appliances if they are damaged or destroyed in a fire, flood, or storm, for example. However, they’re unlikely to cover appliances that break down.
Everyday wear and tear on your household items isn’t usually covered, so you’ll still need to maintain your appliances to prevent issues.
For emergencies, like boiler breakdowns, burst pipes, or broken windows, home emergency cover can cover the costs of callouts for tradespeople to prevent further damage.
Buildings insurance is normally covered by the landlord. It covers the actual building itself – the roof, the bricks and mortar, and anything else in the home that is a permanent fixture, like a fitted kitchen or bathroom.
Renters insurance doesn’t normally provide cover outside the home as standard, although this could be added to your policy as an extra. Most contents insurance policies will allow you to add extra cover for certain items, like bicycles or musical instruments.
