What Does Renter’s Insurance Cover in PA?

If you own a car, you know that you need car insurance to legally stay on the road. If you own a home, you know that you need homeowner’s insurance to get a mortgage. But what if you rent your home or apartment?

Renter’s insurance is a type of coverage that protects you if your things are lost, stolen, or destroyed during a covered peril. Unlike car insurance, there isn’t a law that requires you to have at least a certain level of renter’s insurance coverage. However, neglecting to cover yourself with renter’s insurance can leave you financially liable in the event of a break-in or accident.  

Most renter’s insurance policies include 3 areas of coverage:

• Personal property. Personal property coverage compensates you if one or more of your possessions are damaged, destroyed, or stolen. This coverage includes protections for things like clothing, electronics, and furniture up to your policy’s limit.
• Liability. Liability coverage protects you financially if someone sues you for damaging their property. This coverage may also help you pay for legal representation and court-ordered judgments if a guest sues you for their medical bills after they were injured by or on your property.
• Additional living expenses. If your home is damaged to the point that it’s uninhabitable, additional living expenses coverage pays for things like a hotel room, transportation, and restaurant bills.

Renter’s insurance isn’t the same thing as homeowner’s insurance or landlord insurance. Renter’s insurance doesn’t include coverage for the physical structure of your home. If a pipe breaks or your roof leaks, renter’s insurance won’t cover the cost of repairs. Instead, your renter’s insurance policy only compensates you for your possessions and your personal liability issues. Damage to your dwelling is covered by your landlord’s insurance.

Getting renter’s insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. At the Bachmann-Zeitlin Insurance Agency, we pride ourselves on helping you find the perfect coverage for you. Contact us online or give us a call today at 267-288-5193 to request a quote or learn more about renter’s insurance.