What is Covered and Not Covered by Renters Insurance in Pennsylvania - FAQ

For Pennsylvania residents residing in rented apartments like single occupants, studio apartments, mobile homes, lofts, and duplexes, renters insurance provides an affordable means of protecting their personal property through its personal property coverage. Beyond personal property, renters insurance also provides liability protection for a renter in PA and loss of use protection through its liability and additional living expenses coverages, respectively. Renters insurance is quite affordable for households or individuals inhabiting the 1.8 million rental housing units in Pennsylvania, with monthly premiums as low as $15. The average cost of renters insurance in Pennsylvania is $150-$160 per year, which ranks 13th in the US for affordability. With these premiums, Pennsylvanians can access up to $20,000 for property coverage and $100,000 in liability coverage protection.

Speak with your P&C insurance agent to get cheap renters insurance in Pennsylvania.

How much coverage you need to get depends on your needs. While signing up for renters insurance coverages to protect your property in Pennsylvania, know that you can choose between an actual cash value (ACV) coverage or replacement cost value (RCV) coverage insurance policy. A replacement value renters insurance policy does not consider depreciation of the property and will pay you the full replacement cost - allowing you to buy a similar new item in the store, while an Actual Cash Value policy considers depreciation and will pay the current market value of the item (in its current constitution). Replacement Cost policy is a few dollars more expensive per month than a depreciated value coverage, but due to its significantly higher coverage RCV is the most common type of renters insurance purchased in Pennsylvania.

Does Renters Insurance Cover - FAQ

The purpose of renters insurance in Pennsylvania is to protect a tenant's personal belongings and also to provide liability protection and additional expense coverage. The following are the frequently asked questions on Pennsylvania renters insurance:

LIABILITY

As a renter in Pennsylvania, you require liability protection. Your ho-4 renters insurance provides this liability protection. Liability rental insurance coverages provide financial protection for damages that may be awarded against you due to injury to another in your rented home or apartment. With liability coverage, you will not need to pay for these claims out of pocket, allowing you to protect yourself financially and escape financial ruin. Liability claims may come with lawsuits and attorney fees you may incur while defending yourself, or that may be awarded against you if the case does not go in your favor. Liability may also include the medical bills for the treatment of the injured in your rented property if you are found liable for their injuries. Rental liability coverage will pay medical expenses and lost wages resulting from a covered claim.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Personal Injury?

No, standard renters insurance policy in Pennsylvania does not cover personal injury. A personal injury includes injury to your body, emotions, or mind. For example, defamation (slander and libel), scarring, mutilations, physical injury, and psychological injury can be classified as personal injury. If you require coverage for personal injury, getting an endorsement for your insurance policy which will provide additional cover, is an option to consider. You may talk to a Pennsylvania-licensed insurance agent to learn more about personal injury endorsements for your renters insurance.

PROPERTY

Unlike the homeowners insurance, renters insurance does not cover property damage to the building itself. It covers only the tenants' belongings which are stored at the rental property. Understanding the options available to you as a renter in Pennsylvania when you desire to protect your property will help you to make the right decision and take the best renters insurance in Pennsylvania. Your coverage options for your property from perils depend on the property type. Your renters insurance declarations page will show an overview of your renters insurance policy's limits, coverages, and deductibles. What is a deductible for renters insurance? The deductible is the amount you are supposed to pay before your renters insurance payment kicks in. You can ask for a renters insurance declaration page sample from a Pennsylvania-licensed insurance agent while considering the best renters insurance options for your needs.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage to Property?

Yes, Pennsylvania renters insurance covers damage to your property, provided the damage is caused by a peril named in your insurance policy. The policy also covers accidental damage to another person’s property caused by the insured.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Carpet Damage?

This depends on whether the carpet belongs to you or is part of your rented home (belongs to your landlord). Renters insurance in Pennsylvania covers damage to the carpet if it is your personal property, laid or installed by you. It also covers carpet damage resulting from a covered peril, such as fire, smoke, vandalism, burst pipe, windstorm, or hail. Note that your renters insurance will not cover damage to your carpet caused by floods or other natural disasters. You can get flood coverage by purchasing coverage from the Federal Environmental Management Agency (FEMA), managed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Also, damages to your carpet, such as accidental spills, wear and tear, dents, scratches, and other mishaps may not be covered.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Broken Windows?

No, a standard renters insurance policy in Pennsylvania does not cover broken windows. Windows are a part of the structure of the building, and the building structure is the landlord's responsibility. If you break the window in your rented apartment through negligence, you will need to pay for the repair out of pocket, or your landlord may use a portion of your security deposit. Simple window repairs may cost as little as $65 per window, but repairs for more extensive damage can reach as high as $1,400. Typically, the average cost of a basic window repair in PA is around $150-$160, while the complete replacement average is $600-$1,000.

Note that the liability portion of your renters insurance will pay for the damage if you or your child breaks someone else's window and they sue you. Also, loss of use coverage in your renters insurance may cover the expenses related to a broken window if your home becomes uninhabitable due to damage to a window. As long as the damage from the windows is from a covered peril such as burglary and theft.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Appliances?

Yes, renters insurance in Pennsylvania covers your appliances up to the limits in the personal property portion of your insurance policy if they are stolen, damaged, or destroyed by a peril listed in your insurance policy. These perils include fire, explosion, water leaks or overflows, lightning, smoke, burst or frozen pipes, lightning, and wind. However, appliances that come with the rented home or apartment are not your personal properties; hence, they are not covered by renters insurance. For example, if you bring a vacuum cleaner onto the property, it is covered, but the washing machine and dryer, which were already installed before you moved in, are not covered by renters insurance.

Technicians will charge, on average, $10 - $40 per hour to fix damaged equipment like your vacuum cleaner. The average cost per repair is about $275 per appliance. Replacing a handheld vacuum cleaner can set you back an average of $130 - $300, while an upright vacuum cleaner can cost as much as $3,000 - $3,400.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Broken Appliances?

Yes, renters insurance in PA covers broken-down appliances damaged by covered perils. For instance, you will be reimbursed by your insurance company if an electrical shortcut damages your microwave oven. Most insurers, however, limit coverage for electricity-related damage to $1,000. Note that sudden malfunctioning of your appliance not caused by a peril is not a covered loss by default, and you will need an add-on (rider) to cover this. If you own equipment that is prone to breaking down, like a dryer, dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, and vacuum cleaner, you should consider purchasing an equipment breakdown coverage rider for your renters insurance.

Fixing a broken dishwasher in PA costs about $230 on average, and some repairs can get up to $600. The average cost to replace your broken dishwasher is $450 to $2,800.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Jewelry?

Yes, standard renters insurance in Pennsylvania covers jewelry up to the limits specified in the insurance policy. Most renters insurance policies limit the coverage of jewelry from $1,500 to $2,000. If you have jewelry that exceeds this value, you will need to purchase additional coverage, such as riders or endorsements to your policy. Note that renters insurance only covers your jewelry if they are stolen or lost but does not cover normal wear and tear.

You can speak to a PA-licensed insurance agent about your Pennsylvania renters insurance requirements if you have jewelry you want to cover adequately.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Lost Wedding Ring?

Yes, renters insurance in PA covers a lost wedding ring. A wedding ring is a piece of jewelry, and you will have coverage up to the limits within your renters insurance policy, which typically does not exceed $2,000. Depending on your renters insurance policy, you can add additional coverage for your wedding ring if the value of your ring exceeds $2,000. The national average cost of an engagement ring is around $6,000, and 33% of couples spend more than $1,000 on their rings.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Firearms?

As a firearm owner in Pennsylvania, you may wonder: does renters insurance cover guns? The answer is yes, firearms are also personal property, so the personal property coverage of your renters insurance provides coverage for them. Over 311,000 licenses to carry firearms were issued to individuals in PA in 2020, and 1.14 million guns were either sold or transferred. Pennsylvania ranks as the state with the third highest number of gun owners in the US, and about 21 guns go missing daily in the state. Your renters insurance will reimburse you if your firearm is damaged, stolen by thieves, destroyed by fire, or other covered peril. The amount of coverage you require will depend on your needs. Guns are high-value items and, for some people, are collectibles or inherited family heirlooms. Because firearms are high-value items, the standard coverage may not be adequate for your needs, and you may require additional coverage

You should also consider protecting your guns, keeping them safely, safeguarding them from catastrophe, and not making them easily accessible to a burglar, such as by keeping them under your bed. Bear in mind that renter insurance does not cover damage to your firearms from earthquakes, floods, and sinkholes. You should speak with a Pennsylvania-licensed insurance agent for guidance if you require additional gun coverage or have questions on how to effectively cover your firearms with renters insurance.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Trampolines?

Some insurance companies cover trampolines under the personal property coverage of their renters insurance policies, while others do not. In some instances, some insurers outright exclude owners of a trampoline from renters insurance or void the insurance policy if the insured buys one without informing the insurance company. A voided insurance policy may result in financial disaster if you only find out, when an incident makes you need the renters insurance, that you have no renters insurance.

Trampoline use comes with potential risks, and because of these risks, some insurers, while providing coverage for trampolines, do not provide personal liability coverage for them (so-called trampoline exclusion). Their renters insurance policy will only cover damage to the trampoline caused by a covered peril such as windstorms, theft, vandalism, and lightning. Insurance companies that offer personal liability coverage for trampolines do so with an increased renters insurance cost in PA to the policyholder. If you own a trampoline, you should talk to your Pennsylvania insurance agent to ensure your renters insurance covers it.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Lost Items?

Yes, renters insurance in PA covers the loss of your personal property if you lose them at your home and outside of it. These include valuables such as jewelry, clothing, and art. Your renters insurance will pay for the replacement of these items within the insurance policy's coverage limits. If you possess very valuable items, you may cover them more effectively by extending your coverage with a scheduled personal property policy, also called a rider. This will increase the limits of your renters insurance beyond the standard limits and does not require a deductible but will increase your renters insurance cost. Keep in mind that only some personal items qualify for additional protection using a rider, especially high-end phones and electronics.

Ensure you get in touch with a Pennsylvania-licensed independent P&C agent who can guide you on how you can get the best renters insurance in PA.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Stolen Packages?

Yes, renters insurance covers stolen packages even when they are stolen outside your home, front porch, or lobby, as theft is a named peril. You will be required to provide proof of renters insurance, and pay the renters insurance deductible (out of pocket) before the renters insurance policy is activated to cover the cost of the stolen item. This might make it not worthwhile to file a claim for your stolen package if the item's value is less than your deductible. An example is if your deductible is $500 and your package is worth $300, you would end up losing money eventually. Alternatively, renters insurance with low deductibles may help in this scenario.

According to research by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1.7 million packages are lost or stolen every day in the United States, and package theft has never been higher. 16% of PA residents have had their packages stolen, and surveys show that Americans lost over $200 million in 2021 to package theft. The severity of package theft can be seen with the introduction of legislation in the Pennsylvania House of assembly in May of 2022 to address this so-called menace of porch theft.

TOXIC MATERIALS

As a tenant in Pennsylvania at a rented apartment, you may want to know more about how renters insurance handles toxic or poisonous materials at your apartment or home. These toxic materials could be through wooden building materials, insulation, paint, carpet, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, upholstery, or furniture. The mix of these materials, with humidity, warmth, and limited ventilation, can lead to the breeding of toxic materials like mold in your home, especially in basements and bathrooms. Water leaks in pipes, roofs, through floods, potted plants, or windows also provide excellent hosts for the spread of molds.

A mold is a form of fungus that spreads easily and can cause damage to your personal property. It can be detected visually as spots or by its musty smell. Note that not all molds are toxic. Toxic mold includes molds from the_ Stachybotrys chartarum_ and _aspergillus _family.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Mold?

Renters insurance mold coverage is available in Pennsylvania. However, whether you will be covered depends on the cause of the mold that may have damaged your personal property in your rented property in the first place. Renters insurance will only cover mold damage that results from a covered peril. For example, if a pipe bursts at your rented property or your AC home system starts a leak that causes mold damage, it would be covered by your renters insurance. Another scenario is if a covered event such as fire, vandalism, or wind exposes your home to the rain and it leads to mold damage on your belongings, your renters insurance coverage will also handle this.

Renters insurance, on the other hand, does not cover mold damage that results from non-covered perils such as floods or overflowing sewage. To protect your property from mold damage due to floods, you will require flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for your property. You may also find renters insurance that covers flood damage by adding flood-related riders to an existing policy. Mold damage that is deemed to be from your negligence, or any mold damage claim that is not connected to water damage, is also not covered by renters insurance.

If you suspect mold in your home, get it tested by a Pennsylvania-certified mold remediation company.

ELECTRICAL

As a renter in Pennsylvania, your renters insurance provides coverage for your personal property from electrical damage. However, the electrical wiring of your building is not your responsibility but that of your property manager or landlord. You should report electrical issues in your building or with the wiring promptly. Electrical damage is a safety hazard that can lead to additional perils like fire. You can speak to a Pennsylvania-licensed insurance agent about how renters insurance provides coverage for your personal property where electrical damage is concerned.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Power Outages?

As a renter in Pennsylvania, you may have been in a situation where you asked: does renters insurance cover power outages? Yes, renters insurance covers damage to your personal property through power outages caused by perils listed in the renters insurance policy. But, if ruled that you caused the power outage, your insurance company will not pay the compensation for your property. If a power outage caused by a peril leads to the damage of food stored in your refrigerator, such as lightning striking your rental home, renters insurance may pay for the losses. Renters insurance additional expenses coverage may also pay for the additional costs of eating out if the electrical damages mean you cannot cook at the apartment for some time. However, if the power outage is caused by your failure to pay your bills, renters insurance will not reimburse you.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Power Surges?

Renters insurance in Pennsylvania usually does not provide coverage for damage from power surges. A power surge is a significant increase in voltage in your home's electrical circuits and devices for a brief moment. The surge, for example, can result from a tree falling on the utility pole and causing the high-voltage wire to come into contact with a low-voltage line. Items plugged in without a surge protector are exposed to damage from such events.

You may be able to get reimbursements from your renters insurance, depending on the circumstances leading to the damage from the power surge. For instance, a lightning strike (covered peril) on your home leading to a power surge that destroys your premium Bluetooth speakers will be covered. Alternatively, you may purchase additional riders in your renters insurance policy that make provisions for your appliances if they are damaged by a power surge.

WATER

Water damage and ice accounted for about 19% of property losses in the United States in 2020. Renters insurance in Pennsylvania provides coverage for water-related incidents that lead to the destruction or damage of your personal property. Incidents that are unexpected, unforeseen, or caused by a peril listed in the policy are covered. As such, damage from a burst pipe, accidental toilet overflow, ceiling leaks, and frozen pipes are covered. Note that renters insurance only covers your personal property but not the costs to repair your home or apartment, so you do not have to replace pipes or pay for the plumbing. Renters insurance also provides liability coverage for water damage you may have caused to another’s property and additional expenses if the damage to your own apartment renders it uninhabitable.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Yes, water damage is covered when the water damage originates from within the house, provided it is sudden and accidental. For instance, it covers sudden water damage caused by air conditioning, fire sprinkler systems, and plumbing problems.

Renters insurance water damage in Pennsylvania: Water damage caused by a peril listed in your policy is also covered. One in 50 homes with home insurance made water damage claims in the US from 2015 to 2019, and as of 2019, almost 20% of all property losses were caused by water damage. Water damage from negligence, such as leaving your faucet running or window open during a rainstorm, is not covered. You will need to add coverage for water backup from sewage line, sink, drain, seeping water under your building, and toilet to your renters policy for additional protection for damages caused by water backup.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Flood?

No, renters insurance in Pennsylvania does not cover floods. Can renters get flood insurance? The answer is yes. Renters who desire to protect their personal property from flooding will require separate renters flood insurance, especially if they live on the ground floor or in an area prone to flash floods. Significant water damage is caused by flash floods, river flooding, coastal flooding, ice jams, debris jams, tropical systems, snowmelt, dam breaks, and levee failure. Pennsylvania has recorded 5 significant floods since 1889, with the most recent in 1996, affecting 57 of 67 counties in the state and leading to 19 deaths. You can purchase flood insurance through a licensed P&C insurance agent or surplus lines insurers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Note that there is a 30-day waiting period for NFIP flood insurance to take effect.

Discuss flood insurance for renters with your Pennsylvania property insurance agent.

FIRE

According to the United States Fire Administration, there were at least 6 deaths and 20 injuries per 1,000 fire incidents in residential property in Pennsylvania in 2020. The risks from a fire are ever-present, and renters in Pennsylvania can take advantage of the provisions in their renters insurance policy to protect their personal property. You may need to shop around and do a comparison of PA renters insurance quotes to effectively protect your property from fire damage.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

Yes, renters insurance in Pennsylvania covers fire damage to your personal belongings, as fire is a commonly covered event in a standard renters insurance policy. Irrespective of the source of the fire, which could be a lightning strike, kitchen fire, fireworks, faulty electrical circuits, or a candle, you will still be covered. This means that if your apartment is affected by a fire outbreak and your property is destroyed, you qualify for reimbursement for your property from your insurance company. If your apartment is rendered uninhabitable due to the fire, you will also qualify for loss of use coverage under your renters insurance policy. Loss of use coverage will pay for your stay in temporary accommodation, such as a hotel, and also your additional feeding expenses. Renters insurance will also cover the incurred liability if you inadvertently set fire to someone else’s property. However, renters insurance does not provide coverage if you purposely start a fire.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Smoke Damage?

Yes, renters insurance covers smoke damage for renters insurance policyholders in Pennsylvania. Smoke damage is a named peril in the policy, and your renters insurance will provide coverage for your personal property, additional living expenses, and personal liability coverage due to damage from smoke.

THEFT

Renters insurance in Pennsylvania provides coverage for the theft of your property through the personal property coverage component of renters insurance. If a burglar breaks into your rented apartment or home and steals your stereo, new TV, or jewelry, renters insurance will pay for these items up to the coverage limits in your policy. Renters insurance also covers the theft of your property in your car while you are on a trip or a vacation. There were a total of 122,109 estimated thefts in Pennsylvania in 2022, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Does Renters Insurance Cover Theft?

Yes, your renters insurance covers theft of personal possessions in your insured rented home in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania recorded 395,626,803 stolen properties in 2021. Renters insurance theft coverage allows you to file a claim for the replacement of stolen items up to your policy limits. The standard coverage may be insufficient if you own expensive items such as jewelry worth over $2,000. However, you may purchase personal property coverage with higher limits to cover such items.

Renters coverage as travel insurance: If you experience theft of property while traveling - your renters insurance may also cover the loss, up to the purchased limits.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Bike Theft?

As a bicycle owner in Pennsylvania, renters insurance provides coverage for your personal property. However, does renters insurance cover bicycle theft? Yes, renters insurance ensures reimbursement if your bike gets stolen at your rented home, in storage, or at your local farmers market. You will receive a payment up to the limits in your policy after you pay the deductible. Some insurance companies will request you insure your bike with an additional dedicated rider which will increase your renters insurance cost, especially if your bicycle costs upwards of $800. You should check with your insurance company if you own an electronic bicycle (e-bike), as some do not cover it under renters insurance. Motorcycles are covered by motorcycle insurance and not under renters insurance. About 2 million bikes are stolen annually in North America, and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania ranked as the eleventh city in motorcycle theft in the US in 2019.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Theft Outside The Home?

Yes, renters insurance covers theft outside the home in Pennsylvania. Renters insurance theft coverage ensures that the personal property listed under your renters policy is covered even if the theft occurred outside your rented home or apartment. However, the coverage limit for items stolen outside your home will be 10% of your total coverage limit for your personal property at your apartment. Note that your car is not covered under your renters insurance; you need auto insurance (car insurance) to provide coverage for your car. Talk to a Pennsylvania-licensed insurance agent to understand the additional limits your personal property may have outside your home, and also to find the most affordable renters insurance pa cost that serves your requirements.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Theft from Car?

Yes, PA renters insurance theft coverage protects from theft of personal belongings from your car. For example, if your suitcase of clothes or laptop is stolen from your car, you can file a claim with your insurer for replacement costs. According to the FBI, 27% of all larceny thefts in the United States are car break-ins. If you also lose the personal property in your car when the car is stolen, your renters insurance policy will cover your personal property, excluding the car. You will need car insurance to cover the theft of your car. Pennsylvania had a 96.8 car theft rate per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019, which amounts to a total of 11,734 stolen cars in the year.

ANIMALS & INSECTS

Animals and insects pose potential problems to tenants in rented apartments in Pennsylvania. The risks include bites and scratches to people from dogs and infestation from rodents and insects. Common home-invading rodents in Pennsylvania are the Norway rat, roof rat, deer mice, and house mice. The economic impact of rat infestation in the US is estimated to be up to $19 billion in a year. 48% of the US population own a dog, and of the most common injuries in US emergency departments from 2005 to 2013, dog bites are the thirteenth most common.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Animal Damage?

Yes, renters insurance covers animal damage in Pennsylvania. This coverage includes the two popular types of dog risks in Pennsylvania, which are animal damage to other people’s property and liability for dog bites. Dog bite liability comes in the form of lawsuits, compensation, the legal fees involved, and medical bills for medical treatments to the affected. Note that some dog breeds, such as the pitbull, may be excluded from renters insurance coverage, and Pennsylvania law requires $50,000 in liability insurance for dangerous dog breeds. If your pitbull or other pet is excluded from renters insurance, you may need to get an animal liability policy from your insurer.

As little as mice are, they are capable of causing health issues and structural damage in your home. However, renters insurance will not cover damage from mice. Insurers typically consider mice damage preventable, caused by a lack of upkeep by the renter or the landlord, and will not cover it. Your landlord is responsible for damage to the property but is not liable for damage to your personal property. Note that your landlord’s insurance also does not cover damage from mice.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Yes, Pennsylvania renters insurance policy covers pet damage and dog bites. Dogs listed as dangerous dogs on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Dangerous Dogs Registry may increase your renters insurance premiums as Pennsylvania law requires you to have liability insurance of over $50,000 for such dogs. The following dog breeds are often considered as dangerous by insurers:

• Pitbulls
• Chow Chow
• Rottweilers
• Akita
• Dobberman Pinscher
• Wolf
• German Shepherd
• Mastiff
• Presa Canario
• Wolf Hybrid

If you are getting a dog classified as dangerous or has a history of biting after signing up for a renters insurance policy, you need to inform your insurer. Failing to inform them may lead to the cancellation of your coverage. Note that your renters insurance will not pay if your dog bites you or those who live with you, as the coverage does not extend to your household.

Discuss dog bite renters insurance in Pennsylvania with a licensed PA insurance agent. You can also ask your agent about renters insurance with pet coverage.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Bed Bugs?

No, renters insurance in PA generally does not cover bed bugs and infestation from pests such as cockroaches, rats, and mice. Also, there is no bed bug insurance for renters. Cities and county authorities determine who is responsible for taking care of the infestations. In both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), the landlord is required to take care of the bedbugs. You may also have additional bug-related questions as a renter in Pennsylvania, such as:

• Does renters insurance cover pest control? - No, renters insurance does not cover pest control in your rented property and the associated damage to your personal property
• Does renters insurance cover roach infestation? - Renters insurance does not cover roach infestations. However, this does not mean you will have to pay for the extermination of the roaches out of pocket as the responsibility may be on your landlord

If your leased residence is infested with bed bugs - submit a bed bug bite complaint to the licenses and inspections department of your city.

In Philadelphia, the bed bugs complaint can be filed online or in paper form by mail to:

Department of Licenses and Inspections

℅ Attention AIU - Bed Bugs

2401 Walnut Street, Suite 502

Philadelphia, PA 19103

OTHER COVERAGE - Q&A

Addressing some other common questions about renters insurance in PA:

Does Renters Insurance Cover Roommates?

No, Pennsylvania renters insurance does not cover roommates by default. You can only share roommates renters insurance if these roommates are direct members of your family. To provide coverage to roommates who are not direct family members, their names have to be added to your renters insurance policy. Likewise, to get coverage from your roommate's renters insurance, your name has to be added to their policy. So, do all roommates need renters insurance? Is sharing renters insurance with roommates good for all involved? The general answer is that all roommates having their renters insurance is the best strategy.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Loss of Use?

Additional living expense coverage (ALE): Yes, in Pennsylvania, if you rent a home, apartment, or a room, renters insurance provides reimbursement for when you are unable to stay at your home because a covered peril makes your home uninhabitable. Loss of Use (also known as ALE), pays for expenses such as hotel room bills, additional fuel costs for your car, laundry, furniture rental, public transportation, car parking, pet boarding, travel costs, and feeding while your rented home is being repaired. These loss of use expenses can easily sum up and become significant. Hotel stay for a couple in Pennsylvania for one week is around $ 1,337, and their living expenses for a week is around $2,110. Living expenses for a month for a couple staying at a hotel in Pennsylvania, easily gets to around $9,043.

Discuss renters insurance loss of use scenarios with a knowledgeable renters insurance agent in PA.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Hotel Stays?

Renters insurance loss of use coverage covers your hotel stay if your apartment in Pennsylvania becomes uninhabitable due to a listed peril. This could be a fire, loss of power, or a burst pipe that causes extensive damage to your apartment. Loss of use coverage will also pay for your additional living expenses, so your gas money for additional commuting, storage for your personal property, and food expenses will all be reimbursed. It is advisable to keep all the receipts of your expenses to prove all additional expenses payments. If you require additional living expenses coverage upfront, your insurance company may be willing to provide them after you file the claim and an adjuster inspects your damaged home. You can speak to your Pennsylvania-licensed insurance agent to provide Pennsylvania renters insurance quotes, so you can understand better what your policy says about covering hotel stays.

On average, a Pennsylvania based couple may spend a little over $700 - $1,300 for a week at a hotel.

Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions about renters insurance coverage for alternative accommodation in Pennsylvania:

• Does renters insurance cover temporary housing? - Yes, if your apartment is made uninhabitable by a covered loss, loss of use coverage will provide temporary housing for you
• Does renters insurance pay for hotel? - Yes, the temporary housing provided by renters insurance can be a hotel
• How long does renters insurance hotel stay last? - This will depend on your renters insurance coverage and the extent of the damage to your property. Payments will typically stop once your property is habitable again
• Does renters insurance pay for hotel services such as laundry? - Yes, renters insurance will pay for the services you need to be comfortable such as your laundry
• Will renters insurance cover hotel stay due to power outage? - No, renters insurance only covers hotel stays if your apartment or home is made uninhabitable due to damage from a covered peril

Ensure you talk to a Pennsylvania-licensed independent P&C agent who can guide you on how much renters insurance costs and how it covers your hotel stays.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Moving?

Yes, Pennsylvania renters insurance covers moving. While moving your property, renters insurance can pay you if they get damaged due to a listed peril in your policy. It is advisable to use an insured moving company. If the reason for moving out of your apartment is because of damage caused by a covered peril, the loss of use coverage on your renters policy may pay for such movement. While most of your personal property is covered, cars and intellectual property are not. Note that you can still keep your renters insurance if you move to another property, but your premiums may change.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Storage Units?

Your renters insurance policy in Pennsylvania covers your property in storage units away from your home. This coverage is subject to your policy limit. Your property in storage is covered against vandalism, theft, weather-related damage, and other listed events covered by your policy anywhere in the world.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?

Hurricane insurance for renters: PA renters insurance covers the destruction from a hurricane caused by the winds but does not cover the damage and destruction from floods. A hurricane is a tropical storm that mixes heavy wind and torrential rain, which can lead to severe flooding. While Pennsylvania does not have a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, the impact of tropical storms can still cause significant damage in the Commonwealth. Hurricanes are listed as one of the top ten emergencies possible in the state. A case in point is hurricane Ida whose remnants caused damages of up to $100 million in infrastructure destruction in Pennsylvania in 2021 and have led to more than $200 million in federal assistance. To effectively cover your property from damage from hurricanes, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) advises you to get flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Flood insurance for renters will prepare you for the unpredictability of floods and the potential financial impact. Renters flood insurance will also provide funds to replace your property without waiting for the federal government.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?

Yes, most Pennsylvania renters insurance policies cover tornado damage. A tornado presents as a violently rotating funnel-shaped cloud with speeds exceeding 250 miles per hour, destroying property in its wake. Pennsylvania has a moderate number of tornadoes annually, with an average of about 12, and Philadelphia County has a tornado hazard risk index of 62.77, which FEMA rates as very high. Your renters insurance will also pay the expenses of a temporary move and hotel stay, if damage from the tornado means you have to leave your apartment temporarily.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Earthquakes?

No, renters insurance in PA does not cover earthquakes. To protect your property from earthquakes, you can add an earthquake endorsement to your renters insurance or purchase separate earthquake insurance. Earthquakes do not often occur in Pennsylvania but still happen, and earthquakes from adjoining states can still cause damage in Pennsylvania, like the 5.8 magnitude earthquake of central Virginia in 2011. Shaking of your rented apartment or home during an earthquake can cause property like your glassware, laptop, and TV to fall to the ground and shatter.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Lightning Strikes?

Yes, renters insurance covers lightning strikes in Pennsylvania. If lightning strikes your home, it may trigger a power surge, damage your property, or set fire to your home. Lightning strikes hit the ground about 40 million times annually in the United States, sometimes injuring people and damaging property. Pennsylvania is listed among the top ten states in the US for the most lightning strike-related injuries. Lightning is a named peril in most typical renters insurance. You can respond to damage from lightning by filing a claim, paying your deductible, and receiving payment to replace your damaged property.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Lightning Damage to Electronics?

Pennsylvania renters insurance covers lightning damage to electronics. Power surges usually cause damage to electronics through lightning after a lightning strike on your home or the local power plant supplying power to your home. Renters insurance covers partial failure as well; that is, your game console or home stereo may still work but no longer operates properly after the lightning strike. However, renters insurance only covers damage to electronics you own in your rented apartment and other electronic devices such as dishwashers, washing machines, and microwave ovens. Electronic devices pre-installed in your apartment are the landlord's responsibility and are not covered by renters insurance.

What is Not Covered by Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance in Pennsylvania does not provide coverage for damage to your personal property due to:

• Bed bugs and pests infestation
• Earthquake
• Riots
• Flood damage
• Car damage and theft
• Sinkholes
• Pre-installed appliances
• Building structure
• Damage to roommate's property (if the roommate is not listed in your policy)

What Does Renters Insurance Typically Exclude?

While providing coverage for personal property, personal liability, and additional expenses, Pennsylvania insurers may exclude some incidents. Such exclusions include:

• Dog bite: While most renters insurance companies provide coverage for dog bites, some insurers may exclude coverage for certain aggressive dog breeds like the pitbull. Individuals of such breeds can purchase animal liability insurance from their insurers.
• Roommate coverage: Your roommate is also excluded from your renters insurance policy even though you live together, except they are immediate members of your family or listed on the policy.
• Natural disasters: Events such as wind, hail, volcanic eruptions, and lightning are covered, but natural disasters related to earth movements like earthquakes, floods, and sinkholes are excluded from renters insurance.
• Mold and rodents: Damage from mold and infestation of rodents are not covered because they are considered to be the result of neglect or poor maintenance.
• Business liability: The liability coverage in your renters insurance policy does not extend to your business activities. If you run a business from home, you may need to purchase business liability insurance to cover potential liabilities.
• Terrorism: Extreme events such as terrorism are excluded from most rental insurance policies
• Structure of rental property: The structure of your rental property is exempt from renters insurance. The responsibility for the structure falls on the landlord, so it is covered by landlord insurance.
• Appliance malfunction: While your renters insurance policy covers your appliances from damage due to a covered peril, it will not compensate you for repairing a malfunction, electrical damage, and fault.

Speak with a licensed Pennsylvania insurance agent to get a renters insurance policy for your needs.