Renting a home comes with its own set of uncertainties, and understanding renters insurance is crucial for anyone aiming to protect their personal belongings—especially against natural disasters. Renters insurance can help protect your personal property, aka your stuff, against several types of natural disasters—including tornadoes, windstorms, and wind damage caused by hurricanes.
Let’s take a look at some common natural disasters, and discuss whether your renters insurance policy would cover damages caused by them.
Does renters insurance cover storm damage?
Storm damage can occur in various forms, including windstorms, hail damage, and even tornadoes, each capable of causing significant destruction. Generally, renters insurance policies do cover these types of damages to personal property, after your deductible is applied.
This coverage typically includes damage from fallen trees, shattered windows, or roof leaks caused by severe weather.
However, it’s important to note that there are forms of storm damage, such as flooding, that may not be covered under standard renters insurance policies.
Does renters insurance cover floods?
Floods are among the most common and devastating natural disasters, impacting communities worldwide each year. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that standard renters insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. If you reside in an area that is prone to flooding, it’s a good idea to consider investing in a separate flood insurance policy to protect your belongings, and your wallet.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) serves as an excellent resource for acquiring this specialized coverage. Through the NFIP, you can access various flood insurance options tailored to your needs, making sure your home and possessions are safeguarded against potential water damage.
Living in a flood-prone area makes having flood insurance not just a good idea but a necessity. Flood damage can be extensive, leading to costly repairs and significant losses. By planning ahead and securing the right coverage, you can mitigate the financial impact of floods and ensure that you are better prepared for any unexpected disasters that may arise.
Does renters insurance cover earthquakes?
Earthquakes are another natural disaster that are typically excluded from standard renters insurance policies. To protect yourself and your belongings from earthquake-related damage, you’ll likely need to purchase additional coverage specifically for earthquakes.
This type of insurance, often called earthquake insurance, is particularly important if you live in an area known for seismic activity, such as southern California. Earthquake insurance can cover damage to your personal property and offer relief for loss of use if your rental unit becomes uninhabitable.
Wondering if you could benefit from earthquake insurance? Check out the top ten states hit by earthquakes in 2023.
| State | Number of earthquakes reported in 2023 |
|---|---|
| Alaska | 19,087 |
| California | 9,505 |
| Hawaii | 1,471 |
| Texas | 891 |
| Nevada | 877 |
| Wyoming | 553 |
| Washington | 546 |
| Oklahoma | 460 |
| Utah | 286 |
| Oregon | 110 |
Does renters insurance cover hurricanes?
Some types of hurricane damage may be covered under a renters insurance policy, but it’s essential to understand the specifics to make sure you have adequate protection.
Typically, wind damage caused by hurricanes, classified as windstorms, is included in renters insurance coverage. This means that if your personal property is damaged due to high winds, your policy should help cover the repair costs. For example, if high winds cause a tree to crash into your living room window and break your brand-new 70-inch flat-screen TV, your renters insurance could reimburse you for your damaged stuff, after you’ve reached your deductible.
In the event that your rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to wind from a hurricane, renters insurance can also help with additional living expenses, such as temporary housing and food costs, above your normal living costs, while you are displaced from your home. This coverage, often called loss of use, typically has limits and restrictions, so it’s important to review your policy carefully and understand what is covered and how much you’re covered for.
That said, some states, such as Florida, may exclude coverage for wind or hail damages in certain areas. It’s important to review your policy details to make sure that you’re covered.
It’s also important to note that water damage resulting from storm surges or flooding is generally not covered under standard renters insurance policies. To protect against the risks of flooding, you may need to consider purchasing flood insurance to protect your personal belongings.
How to prepare your stuff for a hurricane
Hurricanes can be unpredictable and devastating, but taking the time to prepare beforehand can significantly reduce their impact on your property. Here are some steps to take before the storm hits, to make sure your stuff is protected:
1. Create an inventory: Make a list of your belongings, including photos and serial numbers, to help with any insurance claims.
2. Secure important documents: Store important documents in a waterproof container and consider digital copies as a backup.
3. Unplug electronics: Disconnect and elevate electronics to avoid damage from power surges or flooding.
4. Move valuables to higher ground: Relocate items from lower areas of your home to higher shelves or upper floors.
5. Clear outdoor areas: Remove or secure outdoor furniture and decorations that could become projectiles in high winds.
By following these steps, you can feel confident that you’re prepared for the worst case scenarios.
Does renters insurance cover tornadoes?
Tornadoes, classified as a type of windstorm, are generally covered by renters insurance. That means that if a tornado damages your rental property, your insurance should cover damage to your personal belongings, and costs you may incur above your normal living expenses if you are displaced from your home, often called loss of use. Â
For example, let’s say tornado winds smash your window, leading to personal property damage. This would likely be covered. But the same also applies if you have patio furniture on the balcony of your apartment—if a tornado destroyed the furniture, it would be eligible for coverage.
Remember, that any structural damage to the building itself is typically the responsibility of your landlord’s insurance, so your renters insurance would not cover this.
Curious if your home might be vulnerable to a tornado? Discover the top ten states that faced tornadoes in 2023.
| State | Number of tornadoes in 2023 |
|---|---|
| Illinois | 136 |
| Alabama | 101 |
| Colorado | 89 |
| Texas | 89 |
| Mississippi | 81 |
| Nebraska | 81 |
| Iowa | 73 |
| Georgia | 58 |
| Ohio | 56 |
| Tennessee | 53 |
Does renters insurance cover cyclones?
As cyclones are another type of windstorm, the damage they cause to your stuff will generally be covered under your renters insurance.
If your rental also becomes uninhabitable due to the damage a cyclone causes, your renters insurance can help with additional living expenses, such as temporary housing costs, food costs, and even laundry costs while you are displaced from your home.
Similar to hurricanes, water damage caused by storm surges or flooding will typically not be covered. To keep your stuff safe from flooding, consider purchasing flood insurance.
Let’s say a cyclone hits your area, and while the winds didn’t cause any damage, the basement in your rental home floods due to the heavy rain. If you kept some of your belongings in the basement, and they got damaged, your renters insurance would not help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your items, since flooding is not a covered peril.
Does renters insurance cover wildfires?
Most renters insurance policies cover damage caused by wildfires, which can include personal belongings that are damaged or destroyed in a fire or the additional living expenses you may incur if you are displaced from your home, after you’ve reached your deductible.
Let’s say a fast-moving wildfire burns near your apartment building, and the smoke damages your stuff. Personal property coverage under a renters insurance policy can help cover the costs of cleaning or replacing your items with something comparable.
Now, let’s say the smoke damage from the wildfire causes your apartment to become uninhabitable. Your insurance company may help pay for additional expenses, above your normal expenses, related to temporarily needing to leave your home while it is repaired, under loss of use coverage. You can also use loss of use coverage if there’s a mandatory evacuation of your area due to a wildfire.
Wondering which states face the highest wildfire risk? Check out the top ten states affected by wildfires in 2023.
| State | Acres burned in 2023 |
|---|---|
| California | 332,722 |
| Alaska | 314,276 |
| New Mexico | 212,378 |
| Texas | 210,264 |
| Oregon | 202,035 |
| Arizona | 188,483 |
| Nebraska | 180,733 |
| Oklahoma | 162,489 |
| Washington | 151,316 |
| Montana | 123,133 |
However, it’s important to note that your renters insurance policy would not provide coverage for any structural damage to the building itself. These damages are typically the responsibility of your landlord.
Take the time to carefully review your policy limits, as these can vary widely depending on the insurer and the specifics of your coverage. Additionally, it’s a good idea to discuss any additional coverage options with your insurance company that may be necessary to ensure that all your personal property is adequately protected.
Consider factors such as the value of your belongings, the potential risk in your area, and whether you might need special endorsements for high-value items, aka Extra Coverage. Being proactive can provide peace of mind and security in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
Does renters insurance cover hail damage?
Renters insurance typically includes coverage for hail damage.
This means that if a hailstorm damages your belongings, your policy will typically reimburse you for the loss after you’ve met your deductible, helping you recover from the financial impact.
Imagine a severe hailstorm strikes your area, breaks the windows in your apartment, and damages your brand new PS5, along with your living room furniture. Your renters insurance policy can step in to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged stuff with something comparable.
Now, let’s say you left your PS5 in the front seat of your car when the hailstorm hit. Your car got some pretty significant hail damage, including a broken windshield that led to your PS5 being damaged. In this case, your PS5 would generally be covered under your renters insurance policy.
On the other hand, the damage to your car and windshield could be covered under your car insurance policy, as long as you had comprehensive coverage.
Does renters insurance cover blizzards?
Most renters insurance policies offer coverage for damage caused by the weight of snow or ice caused by a blizzard. This means if accumulated snow or ice results in damage to your personal belongings, such as a collapsed roof leading to your bedroom furniture being damaged, your renters insurance would likely cover the loss.
Another common winter-related issue is freezing pipes, which can burst and cause extensive water damage to your personal property. Most renters insurance policies also cover damage resulting from burst pipes, provided that you, as the tenant, have taken reasonable steps to prevent this from occurring—such as maintaining adequate heat in your living space.
Tips to help prevent pipe freezes
To safeguard against frozen pipes, consider these tips:
- Keep your home heated to at least 55°F, even when you’re not there
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements or attics
- Allow faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes
- Seal drafty windows and doors to minimize cold air exposure
- If you have a garage, keep the doors closed
Before we go…
Renters insurance can offer valuable protection for your personal belongings in the event of several types of natural disasters. Aside from protecting your stuff, aka personal property coverage, and additional living expenses if your home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss a renters insurance policy could also cover:
Liability coverage: Provides protection for instances in which someone gets hurt at your place in an accident – whether that means medical expenses or legal fees from a lawsuit. This coverage also provides protection if you accidentally damage someone else’s property or if you cause accidental damage in your rental home, in certain cases.
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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
