When you're renting, unexpected events like a fire can cause major damage to your belongings and leave you with costly bills, which is what makes tenant insurance so important. But does this important protection cover fire? In this post, we’ll break down the ways tenant insurance protects you in the event of a fire, covering everything from your personal belongings to additional living expenses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Related Read: How does renters insurance claim work
APOLLO is Canada’s leading provider of tenant insurance, tailored specifically for renters and customizable to fit your unique lifestyle. Get your free quote in less than a minute and we’ll send your policy documents right to your inbox.
Originally published June 10, 2022, updated September 12, 2024
Back to APOLLO MagazineGet no-nonsense coverage that's the best value for your money. Purchase policies from your computer or phone, receive your documents instantly, and save when you buy online.
4.7 rating
Get no-nonsense coverage that's the best value for your money. Purchase policies from your computer or phone, receive your documents instantly, and save when you buy online.
4.7 rating
Just tell us your address, your name, email and phone number. And that's it. We'll give you a price in less than a minute.
You can choose to pay monthly or save money by paying for the entire year in one easy payment.
As soon as you complete your purchase, you'll find your proof of insurance and policy documents waiting for you in your inbox.
We’ve provided more than 1,000,000 quotes to Canadians just like you. Give it a try!