Last Updated: June 22, 2023
Printable version of publication: A Brief Guide to Renter's Insurance
Like homeowners
insurance, renters insurance protects your property against losses like damage from a fire or theft. Renters insurance also covers injury or damage stemming from your negligence or that of your family members.
Types of Policies
There are several types of homeowners insurance
policies sold in Wisconsin. They vary according to
coverage in the policy and type of dwelling being insured. HOMEOWNERS FORM 4 (HO4) is specially designed for renters. It covers your personal property for several different types of damage including theft, smoke, vandalism, fire, explosion, falling objects, building collapse, and rupture of steam or hot water systems. There is
no coverage for the dwelling as that is the owner's responsibility and should not be insured by the renter.
Coverage will depend on the claim facts, along with policy terms, conditions, and limits. Other possible coverage:
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Personal liability for each occurrence of bodily injury and property damage to others arising out of your negligence.
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Medical payments without regard to fault for injuries occurring in your home to anyone other than you or your family.
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Injuries occurring outside your home if caused by you, a member of your family living with you, or your pet.
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Personal property coverage for your belongings if destroyed or damaged away from your home if the cause is covered by your policy.
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Reasonable and necessary additional living expenses from residing in a temporary location because of damage caused by a covered loss.
How Much to Buy
The main factor to consider in determining how much
insurance to buy is the actual value of your belongings. This involves establishing the "actual cash value" of all your possessions.
Actual cash value is usually determined by taking the replacement cost of the property when new and subtracting the amount of depreciation that has taken place. For example, a piece of furniture that cost $500 to replace may have a reasonable "life" of 20 years. If this furniture is destroyed by fire after 10 years, its actual cash value at the time of loss is calculated as $250.
Replacement cost
coverage on contents may be obtained for an additional premium. Replacement cost coverage pays for your losses based on how much it would cost to replace or repair the item at current costs without deduction for depreciation.
The easiest way to determine value is to make a complete inventory of your belongings and try to determine their value at the time of inventory. Inventory and reevaluation of your belongings should be done annually. Try the free app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for a convenient way to take inventory.
Some property, such as art objects and antiques, do not lose value and should be scheduled separately on your
policy. Other types of property are covered on a
limited basis only because they are especially susceptible to loss. These include guns, cash, jewelry, and stamp and coin collections. All homeowners policies can be modified at additional cost to protect you against such losses.
You may want to discuss these coverage and policy issues with your agent.
Cost
Cost of renters insurance varies depending on fire protection rating, type of building, location, and amount of
insurance. As a renter, you will pay less for your insurance if you live in a fire-resistant building or a building with four or fewer apartments. This is primarily because the incidence of fires is lower in these types of buildings. If you live in a large apartment building, you could expect to pay somewhat more than a smaller apartment building.
The cost also varies among communities in accordance with their fire protection rating. As cost varies, you should call several companies to find out exactly what
coverage and price they offer. Generally, the higher the
deductible, the lower the
premium, but make sure you can afford the deductible.
Important Things to Remember
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Know your rights. It's important that both tenants and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection addresses many commonly asked questions for renters in their Guide for Landlords and Tenants .
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Shop around. Companies and agents differ not only in cost but also in claims service and
coverage. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
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If you do not have an agent, find out from a friend or relative the name of a company or agent
with whom they have had a good experience.
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Ask about discounts. If you already have an automobile policy with one insurer, ask if the insurer would give you a discount on renters
insurance.
- Record your property on this home inventory form or download the free NAIC Home Inventory App to create a record of your belongings.
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Check the
theft provisions of your policy. This is a very common type of loss for apartment dwellers.
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Report all theft claims to the police department promptly.
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Keep a record of the serial numbers of your most valuable possessions.
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Wisconsin insurance laws prohibit insurance companies from refusing, cancelling, or denying insurance coverage to a class of risk solely on the basis of past criminal record, physical, or developmental disability, mental disability, age, race, marital status, sex, sexual preference, "moral" character, location, or occupation.
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You may wish to contact one of the following insurance industry associations or groups for further information:
Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (IIAW)
725 John Nolen Drive
Madison, Wisconsin 53713
(608) 256-4429
Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin
725 Heartland Trail Ste. 108
Madison, Wisconsin 53717
(608) 274-8188
Community Insurance Information Center
5205 North Ironwood Rd. Suite 105
Glendale, WI 53217
(414) 291-5360