Consider the following possible mishaps that could occur in your home:

  • A guest accidentally leaves water running in your apartment’s bathroom sink, which overflows and damages the unit below yours.
  • An unexpected kitchen fire breaks out, spreading quickly and damaging anything in it’s path.
  • Your usually friendly dog bites another resident while they’re visiting your property.

You may assume that none of these things will happen to you, but these everyday events happen more than you may think. If the unfortunate does strike, have you considered who would be responsible for the medical bills or paying to repair the damages? If you’re a renter, it’s not your landlord — it’s you.

But if you have renters insurance, a relatively inexpensive type of policy, your insurance will help cover these costs.

If you owned a home for many years, the idea of renters insurance may be new to you. This is why we’ve compiled some common questions and answers about renters insurance, especially for adults age 50 and up.

Frequently Asked Questions about Renters Insurance

Q: My belongings really aren’t worth much. Do I really need renters insurance?

A: Even if you only own basic items, how easy would it be for you to pay to replace your TV, cell phone, all of your clothing or other basic supplies if they were stolen or destroyed? For an average cost of $15 a month, a renters insurance policy can help you refurnish your rental unit after you’ve experienced a loss due to a “covered peril.”

Tip: A covered peril, in insurance terms, is an event like a fire, that qualifies as a valid reason for your insurance to make payments for damages.

Also, you may not realize that you can choose a renters insurance policy that gives you “replacement cost” value. This means your insurance company would reimburse you for your damaged or destroyed belongings at today’s prices, no matter how old they are. For instance, even if your TV is 15 years old, your insurer would reimburse you for the value of a current TV so you can replace yours.

Q: Doesn’t my landlord or assisted living center’s insurance cover misfortunes like the ones listed above?

A: Surprisingly, no. Your landlord’s insurance usually provides liability coverage only in common areas (like lobbies and shared dining rooms) and damage to the landlord’s physical building (the actual home or apartment building), says the Insurance Information Institute (III).

You’re responsible for insuring the cost of your belongings inside that building. You’re also on the hook for liability claims, which could include injuries to other people or damage to their property because of your negligence.

Keep in mind that being required to reimburse someone for medical bills or property damage — even just one time in your life — can be quite expensive. You may have more difficulty paying those kinds of bills as you get older and live on a fixed income. If that’s the case for you, an inexpensive renters insurance policy can give you valuable peace of mind.

Apartment moving tips and tricks

Q: My pet has never hurt anyone. Someone could really sue me for a little nip?

A: First, the person your pet bites doesn’t have to sue you. They may simply need a medical exam and some tests to prove that the bite isn’t infected. In that case, the injured person can rightfully ask you — or your renters insurance policy — to pay for those services.

Also, you can never really predict what might prompt someone to sue you. Attorneys’ fees can be incredibly expensive compared to the cost of renters insurance.

Thankfully, a renters insurance policy also gives you liability protection. This means your policy may protect you in case you are found responsible for someone else’s injury or damage to their property.

Q: I travel frequently and bring my most precious possessions, such as my jewelry, with me. Won’t my car insurance cover these items if I’m driving or otherwise traveling when something happens to them?

A: That’s a common misunderstanding but, no, your auto insurance doesn’t cover your belongings — even when they’re in your vehicle. If you owned a home, your homeowner’s insurance policy could help reimburse you if your belongings were damaged or stolen from your car or hotel. But since you’re renting, you’ll need renters insurance to help protect your personal items. With a robust policy and enough coverage, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re protected while traveling.

Q: Can I protect my collectible artwork, jewelry and other expensive items with renters insurance?

A: Yes! In fact, that’s another reason to have renters insurance — if you’ve taken some of your favorite (and valuable) items with you to your new rental.

Most insurers do place a maximum dollar limit on how much they’ll pay for these specialty items if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen. So, if you have items that exceed the covered value in your renters insurance policy, you may need to buy extra insurance to insure these particular items. However, you’ll still need to take out a basic renters insurance policy before you can add any extended coverage.

Tip: The best way to gain confidence knowing you’re covered is to call your insurer directly.

Q: How do companies determine my renters insurance rates?

A: Renters insurance rates are personal, and based on many unique factors like:

  • Your state
  • The size of your unit
  • The estimated value of your personal items

Q: What’s the best way to make sure I’m accurately reimbursed for my personal belongings after an event like a fire?

A: Create a home inventory of your belongings as soon as you move into your rental, and update it regularly.

Some people use their smartphone and film themselves walking around their rental, getting images of their belongings. Others prefer to take pictures or make a written list of their items. You can even compile all of your photos or videos and ask an AI tool to help you create a list for you.

Whatever method you use, it’s smart to update your inventory once a year. Pick an easy-to-remember date for your update, such as New Year’s Day or your birthday.

If you have items like jewelry or artwork, you’ll may want to get expert appraisals to determine their value. Then store copies of those appraisals along with your full personal inventory on a cloud-based service, so it’s available wherever you are.

Rent With Peace of Mind

Ultimately, the right insurance policy instills a sense of calm and safety, knowing that you’re covered against a wide range of incidents — and that feeling is priceless. Whether you’re an existing renter looking to update your policy or moving into a rental for the first time, The Hartford is here to help answer all of your questions to ensure you can enjoy confidence in your home.