“Does Renters Insurance Cover Pet-Related Damages?”

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What Does Renters Insurance Typically Cover?

Renters insurance safeguards your personal belongings in a rental property against theft, fire, or other covered events. It can compensate for lost or damaged possessions and may protect you from liability if someone is injured on your property.

But what about your pets? Renters insurance usually provides liability protection for harm your pet causes to another person or their property. However, damage your pet causes to you or your property is generally not covered. Here’s a detailed look at what renters insurance covers and how to get coverage for your pets.

Property Damage

Renters insurance can protect your belongings from damage or loss. For instance, if a fire damages your furniture, you may be compensated for the financial loss. However, any damage caused by your pet, like chewed baseboards or torn carpets, typically isn’t covered. You’ll need to handle these repairs yourself.

Personal Liability

This component of renters insurance may protect you from liability for injuries caused by you or someone in your household, including your pets. Personal liability coverage often exceeds $100,000, but it’s essential to check your policy to ensure adequate coverage. The average cost of a dog bite claim ranges from $50,000 to $65,000, with severe injuries potentially surpassing $100,000 in medical and legal expenses.

Additional Living Expenses

Renters insurance can also help cover costs if you’re displaced from your rental property due to a covered event like a fire or flood. For example, if a burst pipe floods your unit, this coverage could pay for housing, food, and other related expenses.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage Pets Cause?

Generally, renters insurance doesn’t cover damage your pet causes to your rental property, such as stained carpets or torn window screens. However, the policy may cover damage from covered perils like fire, smoke, and water damage. For example, if your cat chews on electrical wires and starts a fire, your renters insurance may cover the damage. Always check with your agent or refer to your policy for specific coverage details.

Supplemental Insurance to Fill in Coverage Gaps

If your renters insurance doesn’t cover pets, consider switching to a provider who does. Alternatively, you can take out a personal umbrella policy or pet liability insurance to fill the gaps in your coverage. Umbrella insurance policies may offer coverage amounts of $1 million or more. Typically, you must already have a renters or auto policy with a provider before purchasing an umbrella policy. Check if bundling multiple policies qualifies you for a discount.

Pet liability insurance covers injuries and property damage caused by your pet. For example, if your dog bites someone or accidentally knocks them over, this policy may cover their medical expenses and your legal fees if they take you to court. The cost of pet liability insurance varies widely, ranging from $10 to $83 per month. Premium amounts depend on coverage options, deductible amount, pet breed, and other factors. Ensure the coverage amount is adequate for a serious incident before proceeding.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Harm Caused to Pets?

Renters insurance generally doesn’t cover the death or injury of a pet in your home. This type of insurance is designed to cover damage or injury your pet may cause to others or their property. For more comprehensive protection, consider getting a pet insurance policy. Pet insurance is similar to health insurance for humans, covering a portion of your pet’s medical bills due to illnesses, accidents, and injuries. Monthly payments for accident-only pet insurance average about $10.18 for cats and $16.70 for dogs, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. Accident and illness coverage runs higher, with monthly premiums of $32.25 for cats and $53.34 for dogs.

The Bottom Line

Renters insurance can protect your belongings if they are damaged in an incident in your home and may cover another person’s injuries or property damage caused by your pet. However, it typically doesn’t cover any property damage your pet causes to your own home. For additional coverage, talk to your insurance agent about options like an umbrella policy or standalone pet liability insurance.

Shop and compare different insurance providers, policy options, and available discounts to save on renters insurance. If you live in a state where insurers can check your credit, maintaining a good credit score may help reduce your insurance premiums. Improve your credit score by paying bills on time, reducing debt, and minimizing credit utilization. Consider signing up for Experian Boost® to potentially improve your credit score by adding credit for on-time payments for utilities, streaming services, and even rent to your Experian credit report.

For any mortgage service needs, call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you with all your mortgage needs!

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