Renters Insurance

What it is

Renters insurance protects you, not the building you live in. Your landlord’s policy covers the structure, but it does nothing for your furniture, electronics, clothing, or the liability you carry as a tenant. A renters policy may help replace your belongings after a covered event like fire or theft, cover you if a guest is injured in your unit, and pay for temporary housing if you cannot live there for a while. It is one of the most affordable policies we offer, and many landlords across greater Los Angeles now require it. As with other property policies, earthquake and flood are typically separate or excluded, though some renters add earthquake coverage for their belongings. We are an independent, bilingual agency in Whittier, and we make this easy to set up in English or Spanish.

What it may help cover

• Your belongings after fire, theft, and many sudden events
• Personal liability if you injure someone or damage their property
• Additional living expenses if your rental is unlivable
• Guest medical payments for minor injuries
• Belongings stolen away from home in many cases
• Damage you accidentally cause to the unit

What it commonly excludes

Coverage depends on the policy wording. Some things a policy like this commonly does not cover:

• The building itself, which is the landlord’s responsibility
• Earthquake damage, which is typically separate or excluded
• Flood damage, which is typically a separate policy
• Roommates not named on your policy
• High-value items above standard sub-limits

Who should carry it

Anyone renting an apartment, house, or room should consider renters insurance, and more landlords now require it in the lease. If you would struggle to replace your belongings out of pocket, or if you want liability protection in case someone is hurt in your home, it is well worth the modest cost. We can usually set it up the same day.

Common gaps we check for

• No coverage at all, assuming the landlord’s policy protects your things
• Belongings limit set too low to actually replace everything
• High-value items above standard sub-limits
• Roommates who are not named on the policy
• Liability limits worth reviewing if you host often

What affects the cost

• The value of the belongings you want to insure
• Your liability limit and deductible
• Whether you choose replacement cost or actual cash value
• Where the rental is located
• Optional coverages like earthquake for belongings
• Your claims history