How Does Renters Insurance Work with Pets?

Pets are a part of your family and should be protected. However, renters insurance with pets can be a little more complicated than expected. First, pets are generally covered under renters insurance, but not always in the way you expect. a person holding a dog

Are Pets Considered Property for Renters Insurance?

Part of a renters insurance policy provides compensation for the policyholder’s personal belongings that are lost or damaged due to fire, wind, hail, lightning, smoke, theft, vandalism and other incidents. However, pets are not considered property under this type of policy. For example, if your pet passes away due to a fire in your rental property, you may not receive compensation for your pet under renters insurance.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover for Pets?

Although pets are not covered as property under renters insurance, they are covered under liability. Personal liability insurance under a renters insurance policy provides compensation for bodily injury and property damage you or a family member may accidentally cause to someone else, or which may happen on the rental property. This insurance extends to your pets.

If your pet damages someone’s property or injures another person, renters insurance can help cover the damages. For example, if your dog bites someone, renters insurance can pay for their medical bills as well as protect you from a lawsuit related to the injury.

This can apply to accidents that happen off of the property, as well. If your dog attacks and injures another person’s dog at the park or out for a walk, for example, renters insurance can still step in to pay for the damages. Unlike with people, intention does not fully apply when it comes to pets, so intentional damage and injuries may still be covered under your renters insurance policy.

What Pets Does Renters Insurance Cover?

While most pets are covered under renters insurance, there are a few exceptions. Certain exotic pets are excluded, such as reptiles and birds. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are also excluded. On average, dogs cost more to insure than pets such as cats due to their ability to cause more damage or severe injury. Dog breeds that are considered high risk to insure and may not be covered under renters insurance include huskies, German shepherds, rottweilers, Great Danes, Alaskan malamutes, Akitas, Chow chows, Doberman pinschers, Staffordshire terriers and pit bulls.

Be sure to ask your insurance agent about whether or not your pet will be covered.

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How Does Renters Insurance Work with Pets?

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