What’s tenants liability insurance?

Tenant's liability insurance could cover accidental damage to your rental property. Or the things in the property owned by your landlord.It helps you avoid expensive repair or replacement costs for damaged items. It can also assist with legal fees if there's a lawsuit related to the damage.

How much cover do I need?

Contents insurance should cover the cost of replacing all your belongings at home. <a href="/home-insurance/guides/calculating-the-contents-of-your-home/" target="_self">Create a list</a> of all your possessions and determine the value of each one. Sum it up to get the value of your contents to put forward to your insurer.

How do I get tenants insurance?

First, you need to determine the <a href="/home-insurance/guides/calculating-the-contents-of-your-home/" target="_self">value of your contents</a>. Then look at the type of cover you need. Think about whether you want extra protection for belongings you take out with you. Such as jewellery, bikes or other personal possessions whilst you’re out and about.From there, you can get your quote and purchase your policy.

Is my landlord responsible for contents insurance?

As the tenant, you are generally responsible for getting contents insurance. This is to protect your belongings. Your landlord should have insurance to cover the building and anything owned by them. This includes fixtures and fittings.Getting contents insurance is sometimes a condition of renting. Check your agreement and speak to your landlord.

Is contents insurance the same as tenants insurance?

Contents insurance and tenants insurance are the same type of insurance policy. They can both cover your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics and clothing. They cover the things you own inside your home in case of fire, theft or flooding.

Contents Insurance for Renters

If you rent your property then you’ll already know that there are many advantages. Like not having to dip into your savings if the boiler gives up the ghost.

Structural issues, such as drainage problems, are normally covered by your landlord. Contents insurance helps protect your belongings if something unexpected happens. This could include loss, theft or damage from a storm, flood or fire.

What is tenants insurance for renters?

Tenants insurance is useful when there is unexpected damage to your rented property. It could help you pay to replace your belongings in cases such as fire, or if there is a break-in.

It is designed to cover your own possessions rather than the building itself.

Do I need tenants contents insurance?

A fire, break-in, or flood can potentially spell financial disaster. Contents insurance is not a legal requirement, but it can help you get back on your feet if the worst happens.

Think about how much it would cost to replace all your possessions if they were lost in a fire. That includes any furniture you own, computers, clothes and TVs. When you add it up, it’ll likely come to a figure few would have to hand if they needed replacing.

What is and isn’t included in tenants’ insurance cover?

Most policies will cover your possessions against theft or damage by fire or flood. Accidental damage is not always covered.

What’s covered?

Furniture
Clothes and accessories
Televisions, laptops and mobile phones
Audio and video equipment
Kitchen appliances
Bicycles at home
Fridge and freezer food
House keys
Jewellery and antiques
Collections, like antiques
Personal cash (included with Standard and Extra)

What’s not covered?

Accidental damage: Usually you wouldn't be covered if you drop and smash your laptop at home. To cover you if this happens, you need accidental damage insurance. This comes as standard with our Extra cover. If you choose Essentials or Standard, you can add it to your cover. This is subject to excesses, exclusions, and limits in the policy
Personal possessions: Cover for your everyday items against loss or damage in and outside the home
Bicycles away from home: Contents insurance covers your bike when it's secure at home. If you add personal possessions cover to your home insurance, we'll include bikes worth under £2,000 when you take them away from home

When do I need to take out tenants insurance?

Consider taking out tenants insurance when you are renting a property. If you get a policy to start on your moving in date, your belongings could be covered from day one.

It is possible to get tenants insurance at any time during your tenancy.

How to estimate the value of my contents

To calculate the value of your contents, go through your home room by room. You'll need to add up the value of all your possessions if you had to replace them as new. Include everything, from clothes and furniture (if you own it), to art and televisions.

Consider personal possessions insurance for increased cover on items you take out. This could include your phone or tablet.

How to save money on your tenants contents insurance

There’s a range of factors that can impact the cost of your home insurance. To keep your premiums lower, consider the following:

Secure your home – increase the security of your home. This could reduce your premiums. For example, consider installing an alarm system to deter break-ins
Bundle your policies – use the same insurer for multiple policies. This can make it more cost effective
Raise your excess – your excess is the amount you would pay towards a claim. A higher excess amount could lower your premium

What if I am a student?

If you're a student living away from home, you may have cover included in your home insurance. It is worth finding out and considering your own contents cover. This could protect your study essentials, such as your laptop.

Our guide to students contents insurance can help you explore your insurance options.

Keep your belongings safe

Experiencing events such as fire, theft or flooding can be a challenging time. Tenants contents insurance could give you financial support to get back on your feet.