Does Renters Insurance Cover Fire?

Does renter’s insurance cover fire? Here’s what you need to know after there’s been a fire in your building to lessen your financial burden.

You never know when you’ll need protection from the unexpected. Theft, severe weather, and accidents, including fire, can catch even the most prepared people by surprise. But with renter’s insurance, you and your personal belongings will be financially protected.

For example, say there’s a fire in your building, and the blaze makes its way to your unit. As a result, all of the contents of your apartment, including your clothing, furniture, and electronics, are either completely destroyed or badly damaged. Are you covered? And for what?

Below APOLLO shares what you should know about your insurance coverage in case of a fire and what is and isn’t covered by your renter’s policy.

What Does Renter’s Insurance Cover If There’s a Fire?

If there’s been a fire in your apartment building, you may have questions on what is and isn’t covered by your renter’s insurance company. Common questions include:

• Does renter’s insurance cover fire?

• Are my personal items covered by insurance if there’s a fire?

• Does renter’s insurance cover fire damage to the apartment?

• Does renter’s insurance cover fire damage to the building?

• Are additional living expenses covered by insurance?

• Does my car insurance or renter’s insurance cover expenses if my vehicle catches fire?

Here are answers to those questions and more.

Does renter’s insurance cover fire?

Yes, renter’s insurance covers fire. This is the case regardless of how the blaze was started, unless the fire was intentionally set by you.

Fire is one of the most common covered perils included in renter’s insurance. Also referred to as named perils, other examples are windstorms and hail, theft, and vandalism.

Are my personal items covered by insurance if there’s a fire?

Yes, if your personal belongings are damaged or destroyed by a fire, renter’s insurance will pay for the repair or replacement costs. This includes all of your personal property, from clothing to furniture, and even electronics.

Does renter’s insurance cover fire damage to the apartment?

No, the structure of your apartment unit is not covered by your renter’s insurance. But any damages to your dwelling will be covered under your property manager’s commercial building policy.

Does renter’s insurance cover fire damage to the building?

No, the building is not covered by your renter’s insurance. But any damages to your apartment building will be covered under your property manager’s commercial building policy.

Are additional living expenses covered by insurance?

Yes, if your unit becomes uninhabitable due to damages from a fire, your renter’s policy will pay for your living expenses while your apartment is being repaired. This includes costs such as accommodation at a local hotel.

Does my car insurance or renter’s insurance cover expenses if my vehicle catches fire?

Your renter’s insurance may cover the cost of repairing or replacing any personal belongings that were inside your vehicle at the time of the fire. But your car insurance will cover expenses related to any damages done to the vehicle itself.

The Importance of Renter’s Insurance

With APOLLO’s Renter’s Insurance, you’re covered for a variety of different situations that you would otherwise be financially responsible for. It protects you from:

• Fire, smoke, or water damage

• Theft or vandalism of your personal items

• Accidental injury on your property

Start your online application now, and you could be insured in the next 15 minutes.

Related: How does renters insurance claim work