Liability coverage for renters

Why liability is often the most valuable part of a tenant policy and how much to carry.

Personal liability helps pay for injuries or property damage you are legally responsible for, plus defense costs. Examples include a guest who slips on your stairs, a kitchen fire that spreads to a neighbor's unit, or a dog bite at the park.

Many leases require $100,000 of liability. Raising it to $300,000 or $500,000 is often inexpensive relative to the protection it adds.

Medical payments to others is a smaller, no-fault coverage that can pay a guest's minor medical bills quickly, regardless of who was at fault.

Liability coverage generally does not cover injuries to you or members of your household, business activities, or intentional acts.

Coverage at a glance

Renters coverage parts
CoverageWhat it pays forTypical choice
Personal propertyFurniture, clothing, electronics, and other belongings after a covered loss, at home or awaySet to the replacement value of what you own
Personal liabilityInjury or property damage you cause to others, plus legal defense$100,000 minimum; $300,000+ common
Loss of useExtra hotel, meal, and living costs while your rental is unlivableOften a percentage of the property limit
Medical payments to othersA guest's minor medical bills, regardless of faultTypically a few thousand dollars

Commonly covered causes of loss

  • Fire and smoke
  • Lightning
  • Windstorm and hail
  • Explosion
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Sudden water discharge from plumbing or appliances
  • Freezing of plumbing
  • Weight of ice and snow
  • Falling objects
  • Damage by vehicles
  • Riot or civil commotion

Commonly not covered

  • Flood and rising surface water
  • Earthquake and earth movement
  • Bedbugs, rodents, and insects
  • Wear, tear, and gradual leaks
  • The building itself (your landlord's policy)
  • Your car (an auto policy)

More guides

Tenant insurance by state