When renting a home, you’re not responsible to insure the roof over your head, but what about everything you own within it? While your landlord should have landlords insurance for the rental property itself, it won’t protect your personal belongings or offer cover if accidents happen that you’re responsible for. In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of tenants insurance, what’s included and what’s not included, as well as additional cover.
Do I need home insurance when renting?
When renting a property, you don’t need to purchase buildings insurance, your landlord should already have it in place. This insurance, usually building and possible including contents insurance should the property be fully or partially furnished, will cover any serious damage to the property, the furnishings and appliances provided by your landlord.
One thing that your landlords insurance doesn’t cover is your own personal stuff, which is where insurance for tenants comes in. The type of tenants insurance you’ll need will depend on the type of accommodation you rent. Certain policies might also come with liability protection – covering you if you accidentally cause damage to your landlord’s belongings or if a guest gets hurt while at your property.
Tenant’s contents insurance has been specifically designed to offer protection for those living in rented accommodation.
Contents insurance for tenants
If you rent a whole house or flat to yourself, you can buy standard home contents insurance to cover your personal possessions from things like fire, theft, and water damage.
Contents insurance for tenants typically includes items such as:
- All personally owned furnishings and appliances.
- Electrical items such as your laptop or TV.
- Any cash or cards stolen from the property.
- A set amount to cover spoiled frozen food in the event of a power cut.
Additional cover for tenants
Different policies offer different levels of cover, including optional add-ons. For example, you may have the option to add more cover for:
- Accidental damage for things such as spilling paint on a carpet or accidentally breaking a window.
- Tenants legal expenses to support you against unforeseen circumstances such as unlawful eviction and personal injury
- Worldwide personal possessions cover for belongings that are regularly taken out of the home such as your phone or laptop.
- Bicycle cover just in case your bicycle is stolen or damaged when you’re out and about.
What isn’t included in renters insurance?
Unfortunately, not every situation can be covered, and while different policies will have different terms and conditions, expect the following to not be included as standard in tenant insurance:
- Natural wear and tear.
- Anything used for business purposes.
- Theft with no signs of forced entry.
- Homes left unoccupied for long periods of time
- Any part of the building or fixtures (this will be covered by the landlord.)
How Nest GI can help
We make finding the right tenants insurance simple – whether that be regular contents insurance for renters, tenant insurance, or room-only insurance. Our team will take the time to understand your needs and find a policy that fits. We work with a wide range of trusted insurers, so you’re not limited to just one option. If you’re looking for cover, get in contact with us today to find out more.
