Does renters insurance cover appliances? What you need to know

These days, the average renter owns many valuable devices and appliances: TVs, computers, gaming consoles, appliances, and more. These gadgets make our lives more convenient—that is, until an accident or theft occurs. 

When mishaps occur, understanding what your renter’s insurance policy does and doesn’t cover is essential, especially when it comes to your appliances. As is having the right protection plan in place. Here’s what you need to know about renters insurance for your appliances.

What is renters insurance?

Renters insurance is coverage designed to help protect your personal belongings if you’re renting a house or apartment. It might not cover the physical structure of the home (that’s the landlord’s job), but it can help protect the things you own inside it from damage, theft, or loss. 

When does renters insurance cover appliances?

Renters insurance policies generally cover the appliances you bought in the same way they cover your other belongings. You'd file a claim, and the insurance company would get to work.

Coverage can vary and depends on circumstances, so make sure you read the terms and conditions of your plan to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Some common instances where your renters insurance may protect appliances include: 

• Fires
• Water damage
• Vandalism or theft
• Natural disasters 

When does renters insurance not cover appliances?

While renters insurance covers appliances in many instances, the world of insurance is filled with fine print and caveats. For example, if your washer leaks, the items destroyed by the water are eligible for an insurance claim. The washer, however, isn’t. 

Renters insurance typically doesn't cover appliances when the damage or loss is a result of any of the following:

• Normal wear and tear
• Mechanical breakdowns
• Intentional physical damage
• Negligence
• Wasn’t included in the policy

To avoid surprises, it’s essential to read through all of the terms and conditions of your policy.

What appliances will renters insurance cover?

Typically, renters insurance covers most major home appliances—think refrigerators and stoves. Some policies also cover devices you might not consider to be appliances, like:

• Television sets
• Video game consoles 
• Computers and laptops
• Washers and dryers
• Mini refrigerators 
• Small cooking appliances
• Coffee makers and espresso machines
• Fans and portable heaters
• Air-conditioning units
• Vacuums

Does renters insurance cover broken appliances?

Renters insurance policies don't often cover appliance breakdowns or malfunctioning appliances. That’s‌ where protection plans and extended warranties come in. They bridge the gap between disasters or theft and everyday occurrences like electrical failure. 

What can you do to protect your appliances?

With , you can get hassle-free coverage for your new appliances and the existing ones in your home, regardless of the brand or where you bought them. Plus, you’ll get 24/7 troubleshooting support to keep your appliances running as they should when you need them the most. Learn more about and how you can get total peace of mind protection.