Two different insurance contracts
The first thing to know is that tenant insurance and homeowner insurance are two different types of insurance policies, each with their own coverage suited to the needs and reality of the insured. So even if tenants are not legally obligated to purchase home insurance, they are urged to do so. In fact, it’s misguided to think that in the event of a fire, theft or other incident, your landlord’s insurance will provide sufficient coverage. But what does all this really mean?
Your renters insurance
Home insurance for tenants covers two main areas: property and civil liability. You might say to yourself, “I don’t own anything of value, so why bother?” Not so fast! Take the time to do an inventory of all your personal belongings. You’ll be surprised at how much you really own and how expensive it would be to replace it all. Civil liability covers property damage and physical injury that you could involuntarily cause to a third party. Here are some examples:
- You leave the water running by mistake and this causes water damage to the floor below (civil liability).
- A fire destroys your building, including your apartment (property damage).
- A fellow tenant sustains an injury by slipping on something you left in your entryway (civil liability).
Good to know
- Civil liability coverage also protects you outside your apartment and extends to the family members who live with you (spouse, children).
- Tenant insurance also covers theft outside your apartment (e.g., an item stolen from your car).
Your landlord’s insurance
And what about your landlord’s insurance? This type of insurance covers damage caused to the landlord’s building and property: floors, walls, cupboards, appliances made available to tenants, etc. In other words, everything the landlord owns! The landlord’s policy also has civil liability coverage. It provides protection in the event of property damage or physical injury to third parties as a result of property rental (e.g., the owner of a triplex neglects proper building maintenance and a section of the building collapses due to its poor state causing damage to tenant property and that of neighbouring buildings).
Choose peace of mind!
As you can see, apartment insurance is a must. No one wants to lose everything they own without receiving compensation or be taken to court for civil liability without having insurance! With the right coverage, you can enjoy your new apartment with peace of mind.
