What does renters insurance cover?
The four things an HO-4 policy protects - and the gaps you need to know about.
The four coverages in an HO-4
Personal property
Covers your belongings - furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchenware - against covered perils including fire, smoke, theft, vandalism, and certain water damage. Coverage follows your property, so a laptop stolen from your car or luggage taken on a trip is generally covered, subject to limits and deductible.
Personal liability
Pays if you are legally responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property, and it includes legal defense costs up to your limit. It can also apply away from your home - for example, if your dog bites someone at the park.
Additional living expenses (loss of use)
If a covered loss makes your rental uninhabitable, this pays the extra cost of temporary housing, meals, and related expenses above your normal spending.
Medical payments to others
Small, no-fault payments for minor injuries to guests in your unit, regardless of who was at fault - useful for keeping a small incident from becoming a claim.
What perils are covered
A standard HO-4 covers a named list of perils, which typically includes fire and smoke (including wildfire), theft and burglary, vandalism, windstorm, and sudden accidental water discharge from plumbing or appliances. Fire displaces you? Loss of use responds too.
What renters insurance does not cover
- Flood - excluded on every standard policy; covered separately (see below)
- Earthquake - excluded by default in California; added by a separate policy or endorsement
- The building, structure, and built-in fixtures - the landlord's responsibility
- Your vehicle - auto damage and theft go through an auto policy
- Belongings of a roommate not named on your policy
- Wear and tear, pests, and intentional damage
Two California gaps deserve their own coverage: water and flood damage and earthquakes.
Frequently asked questions
Does renters insurance cover theft?
Yes. Theft of your belongings is a covered peril on a standard HO-4, including theft from your home and, in many cases, theft of covered property away from home, subject to your limits and deductible.
Does renters insurance cover my belongings outside my home?
Generally yes. Personal property coverage follows you, so items stolen from your car or lost while traveling are typically covered, up to your policy's off-premises limit.
Does renters insurance cover water damage?
It covers sudden, accidental water damage - like a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance - but not flood, and not damage from long-term leaks or neglect. Flood needs a separate policy.
Does renters insurance cover the building I rent?
No. The building and its fixtures are covered by your landlord's policy. Your HO-4 covers your belongings, your liability, and your living expenses.
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