The Biggest Misconception About Renting in Texas

The number one thing renters get wrong about insurance is assuming their landlord’s policy covers them. It does not. Your landlord’s property insurance covers the building, the walls, the roof, the structure, and the landlord’s property. It covers nothing inside your unit that belongs to you.

If there is a fire, a break-in, a burst pipe, or a severe storm that destroys your belongings, your landlord’s insurance pays exactly zero toward replacing your furniture, your electronics, your clothing, your appliances, or anything else that is yours.

What Renters Insurance Does Cover

A standard Texas renters insurance policy covers four main things.

Personal Property

This is the coverage most people think of first. It covers your furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchen items, sports equipment, and other belongings if they are stolen or damaged by a covered event such as fire, windstorm, vandalism, or water damage from a burst pipe. Most policies also cover your belongings when they are outside your home, meaning a laptop stolen from your car or a bicycle stolen from a parking area may also be covered.

Personal Liability

This is the coverage most renters overlook and one of the most valuable parts of the policy. If a guest slips and falls in your apartment and sues you, if your dog bites someone, or if you accidentally cause damage to a neighbor’s unit, your personal liability coverage pays for legal defense costs and damages up to your policy limit. Without it, a single lawsuit could cost you tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Loss of Use

If your rental unit becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss, loss of use coverage pays for your temporary hotel stays, apartment rental costs, restaurant meals, and other additional living expenses while repairs are being made or you find a new place to live. This coverage keeps a bad situation from becoming financially devastating.

Medical Payments

If a guest is injured in your home, medical payments coverage pays their reasonable medical bills regardless of fault. It is a smaller coverage amount designed to handle minor injuries quickly without going through a full liability claim process.

What Renters Insurance Does NOT Cover

Renters insurance does not cover flood damage from rising water. It does not cover earthquake damage. It does not cover your car or items inside your car beyond certain limits. It does not cover roommate’s belongings unless they are specifically added to your policy. It does not cover extremely high-value items like jewelry or camera equipment beyond the policy’s sub-limits unless you add scheduled coverage for those specific items.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost in Texas

Most Texas renters can get solid coverage for between $15 and $25 per month. For many renters the cost is even lower, especially if you bundle with an auto policy from the same carrier. It is one of the best financial decisions you can make for the price of a few cups of coffee each month.

How to Get Covered

Getting renters insurance is fast. A quick phone call is usually all it takes. We can often have you covered the same day. If your lease requires proof of renters insurance, we can provide documentation immediately upon binding your policy.