Contents insurance for renters and tenants

Find out how to cover the important stuff if you rent your home.

If you rent, you'll want to know your personal items are protected. Contents insurance could cover the cost of repairing your belongings if they are damaged by things like a fire or flood. Or the cost of replacing them if they are stolen.

Some of the main items covered include:

  • Electronics
  • Jewellery
  • Furniture

Limits, terms and exclusion apply to all levels of cover. For more information on what isn’t covered, check out our policy documents.

When your arranging contents insurance, it's a good idea to work out how much the things you own are worth by:

  • Making a list of all the items you want to be covered and how much they cost.
  • Use the total to decide how much cover you need.

How does contents insurance for renters and tenants work?

Buildings insurance should cover the structure of the property you rent and any fixture and fittings.  Things like the fitted bathroom or kitchen and should be covered by the landlord as they own it.

Your landlord will also be responsible for insuring any white goods or furnishing that belong to them.  For example, carpeting or a fridge that was there when you moved in.

Contents insurance protects your belongings in your home should the worst happen. Your items will be protected in case they are damaged or lost due to things like:

  • Theft
  • Damage from fires or floods

If you move, either to rent another property or buy, you may be able to take your contents insurance with you.

Does every renter and tenant need insurance?

The level of cover you need will depend on your situation.

  • If you’re renting a whole house or flat, you can take out a standard contents policy. This includes those living on your own, with a partner or as a family
  • If you live in shared housing and have a joint tenancy agreement, your contents insurance will need to be in joint names. 

 

How contents insurance can help tenants and renters

We know that the things you own mean a lot. They may also have a high value in money terms and replacing them could be costly.

Contents insurance could cover the cost of repairing or replacing the things in your home.

Find out more about our contents insurance

Limits, terms and exclusions apply. For more information on what isn't covered, check out our policy documents.

What's not covered?

Contents insurance for renters and tenants won't cover everything:

  • Damage to the building. This should be insured by the property owner or landlord.
  • Loss or damage to any contents owned by the landlord. This should be insured by the property owner or landlord.
  • Items held or used for business or professional purposes.  Other than office furniture and equipment.
  • Mechanical and electrical faults. This includes things like your TV or laptop becoming faulty or breaking down.
  • Wear and tear. Damage that happens naturally as something gets old is known as ‘wear and tear’. Most things in your home will end up suffering from this. Your policy doesn’t cover you for this kind of damage.
  • Deliberate damage. Damage done on purpose by you or your family.

Limits, terms and exclusions apply to all levels of cover. For more information on what’s isn’t covered, check out our policy documents.

How to claim

  1. Read your insurance documents. They will tell you what you can claim for.
  2. Give your insurer as much detail as possible. What happened, when and where?
  3. Create a list of everything lost or damaged. Share this with your insurer and landlord.
  4. Take photos to prove the items are yours.
  5. Keep receipts and records of all your items.

FAQs

Do I need buildings insurance as a renter and tenant?

No. Your landlord should have buildings insurance. This should cover any damage to the building and its fixtures and fittings from events like floods, storms or fire. You won’t need to pay for buildings insurance as a renter.

Does Landlord Insurance cover renters and tenants belongings?

No. Landlord's insurance won't cover your belongings. You'll need your own Contents Insurance to protect them.

Why do renters and tenants need contents insurance?

If you’re renting, you may need contents insurance to protect the things you own in case they are damaged or stolen. You might be able to claim for the money to repair or replace anything damaged or lost due to events covered by your policy.

Does my contents insurance include cover for my landlord's contents?

No. Your landlord should have contents insurance for their belongings.  This includes things like a washing machine, furniture or carpets that have been left for your use as a tenant. Your contents insurance will only cover those items that are owned by you and your family.  

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