How to Make a Tenant’s Insurance Claim

Getting tenant insurance is a smart first step in protecting yourself from unexpected losses — but knowing how to use it when you need it is just as important.

Whether your laptop was stolen, a burst pipe soaked your couch, or your rental became unlivable due to a fire, this guide walks you through exactly how to file a tenant insurance claim — and how to make the process as smooth as possible.

Get a quote in less than a minute

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.

Get a free quote

4.7 rating

How to File a Tenant Insurance Claim in 3 Steps

Similarly to home insurance claims, you can typically make your tenant’s insurance claim by following the below three steps.

Related: Common tenant insurance claims

Step 1: Document the Incident

As soon as something goes wrong, your first job is to document what happened. This step is crucial — not just for filing the claim, but for making sure it’s approved quickly. Include:

• Details of the incident (what, where, when, how)

• A list of affected items, including value and purchase details

• Photos or videos of the damage and surroundings

• Receipts, if available, to help verify the value of lost or damaged belongings

Think of this as your personal "evidence pack" — the more details you provide, the easier it is for your claim to be processed.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider

Once you’ve gathered your documentation, notify your insurer. They’ll likely ask you to:

• Complete a Schedule of Loss, listing everything damaged or stolen

• Estimate replacement or repair costs

• Provide purchase dates, values, and receipts (if possible)

Your claims advisor may also ask for additional details depending on the nature of the incident — for example, a police report if theft was involved.

Step 3: Submit Your Claim

After confirming the required info with your claims advisor, submit your completed claim along with any estimates and supporting documentation. Once submitted:

• Your claim will be reviewed by an adjuster

• They may request further clarification

• You’ll receive payment or direct coverage based on your policy details

Filing a Claim with APOLLO is Simple

For APOLLO customers, this process is much easier. Just follow these simple steps:

• Log in to the Customer Portal

• Click Policy Details on the left hand side

• Click Make a Claim

• Fill out our simple online claims form and wait for us to contact you!

Understanding Your Deductible

Before your insurer pays out, you’ll need to pay your deductible — the portion of the loss you’re responsible for. For example, if your deductible is $500 and your loss is $2,000, your insurer would cover $1,500.

There’s often a trade-off:

• Higher deductible = lower monthly premiums

• Lower deductible = more financial help when you file a claim

Make sure your deductible fits your budget and lifestyle.

How Much Can I Expect To Get Paid?

Your claim payout depends on your coverage limits — the maximum your insurer will pay for a covered loss. For example:

• If your contents limit is $20,000 and you lose $25,000 worth of items, your insurer will only pay up to $20,000.

• If your policy includes category caps (e.g., a $2,000 max for electronics), you may not be reimbursed for the full value of those items.

Pro tip: Review your policy’s breakdown of coverage types and limits before you ever need to file a claim.

How Reimbursements Work

Repairs

If repairs are needed (e.g., water damage to your rental unit), your insurer may:

• Pay a preferred contractor directly

• Or reimburse you later if you choose to use your own contractor

Personal Belongings

Your reimbursement depends on your policy type:

• Actual Cash Value (ACV): You’ll be reimbursed for the depreciated value of your item (what it was worth at the time of the loss)

• Replacement Cost: You’ll be paid enough to replace the item with a new, similar one

APOLLO offers effortless tenant insurance designed to protect renters across Canada. Get your free quote in less than a minute and we’ll send your policy documents right to your inbox.

Get a quote in less than a minute

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.

Get a free quote

4.7 rating