Most tenants understand that renters insurance can provide compensation for damages to their personal belongings, but some renters don’t consider the liability side of their renters insurance policy.
General liability is offered under renters insurance to protect you and your family in case someone is injured or their property is damaged on your rented property. If someone falls in your apartment, for example, liability insurance can cover their medical bills and protect you in case the victim decides to sue.
But things can get complicated when other people in the household are involved, especially children or pets. What happens if your child is home alone with a friend who gets injured? Or what if your pet bites someone?
Children
Renters insurance will generally cover anyone in your household, including your children. This can include accidents they may cause outside of the home, such as if they break someone’s expensive watch while at another person’s house. There are limitations, however.
Intentional and criminal acts are not covered under renters insurance. If your child is caught committing a crime or intentionally inflicting harm or damage, a claim on your renters insurance policy would likely be denied. The only exclusion for this is if the child is under a certain age, as babies and young children are understood to not fully comprehend the consequences of their actions.
Pets
Some renters think that pets count as property. Under renters insurance, this isn’t entirely correct. Pets are not considered personal property and thus cannot be insured under your personal belongings coverage in case they fall sick or pass away due to an illness or accident.
Pets can be covered under your renters insurance liability coverage, however. If your pet causes injury or property damage to someone else, either on or off your own rented property, you may be able to file a renters insurance claim. For example, if your dog bites someone else while out on a walk, this insurance can help pay for medical bills and legal expenses in case of a lawsuit.
Liability has limitations when it comes to pets, too, however. Certain breeds are commonly excluded under liability insurance. Breeds such as huskies, German shepherds, pit bulls, rottweilers and more are commonly excluded from renters insurance coverage. This insurance also does not cover exotic animals like pigs, birds and reptiles.
No matter who lives in your home, make sure to ask your insurance agent if they will be covered in case of an accident.
Also Read: 6 Tips For Moving To Your New Apartment
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