As a renter, you face the same risks as homeowners: fires, thefts, injuries, property damage – any of which could happen to you. It makes sense then that you might want to protect yourself and your belongings, just like a homeowner would, in the form of tenant insurance.
But what type of coverage can you expect from tenant insurance? In the following article, you’ll find out what tenant insurance covers and doesn’t cover in Canada, along with a list of more than 40 popular household items and perils renters commonly ask about.
This article aims to give renters a general sense of what tenant insurance may or may not cover, however, it is important to note that there is no guarantee, as each individual’s policy, circumstances, and insurer can vary significantly. For specific details about your policy, you are strongly advised to review your insurance documents or consult with your insurance provider or broker directly.
AC unit ❄️
Yes, tenant insurance covers an air conditioning (AC) unit if it belongs to you, the renter. In this case, it would be considered a personal belonging and could be covered by contents insurance against covered perils. As with all other appliances, if your AC unit breaks as a result of normal wear and tear or a mechanical issue, it would not be covered.
Bed bugs 🛏️
No, tenant insurance does not typically cover bed bugs. As with all other pest damage, this is considered a maintenance issue for your landlord or property management company to address.
Bike theft 🚲
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers bike theft. As your bike is considered a personal belonging, contents insurance will usually help pay to replace it if it is stolen from your rental property or while you’re out in public. If your policy’s coverage limit for bikes isn’t sufficient and you want the full value of your bike covered, you can add it as a specific item on your policy.
Break-ins, theft, and burglaries 🚨
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers break-ins, theft, and burglaries. If this happens and your belongings are stolen, tenant insurance can help pay for replacements up to a certain amount.
Broken appliances 🛋️
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers broken appliances, but only if the appliance was damaged by a covered peril, such as a fire. If it breaks because of normal wear and tear or a mechanical breakdown, tenant insurance will not pay to repair or replace it.
Broken window 🪟
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers broken windows, but only if it’s accidental. In such instances, liability coverage would usually be used to help cover the cost of repair or replacement. Meanwhile, if a window gets broken as a result of a peril, such as a fire or break-in, it will likely be covered by your landlord’s insurance policy.
Burst pipe 🚰
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers the damage caused to your personal property by a burst pipe. Meanwhile, any structural damage to the property itself that is caused by a burst pipe would usually be covered by your landlord’s insurance.
Car damage or theft 🚗
No, tenant insurance typically does not cover car damage or theft. For that, you would rely on your car insurance policy. As for your belongings inside the car, the contents coverage included in your tenant insurance policy might extend to them, however, you should always consult with your car insurance company first.
Damage to landlord’s property 🚪
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers damage to your landlord’s property, but only if it occurs due to an unpredictable and unexpected accident. In such cases, your liability coverage can usually be used to handle the damages. If the damages occur because of normal wear and tear or negligence though, tenant insurance will not pay for the necessary repairs.
Damages when moving out 🚚
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers accidental damages you cause to your rental unit when moving out, thanks to tenant liability coverage. Also, when you move, tenant insurance safeguards your personal belongings against damage for 30 days in both locations.
Displacement (temporary housing) 🏚️
Yes, most tenant insurance policies in Canada cover displacement or temporary housing expenses if you’re unable to stay in your rental unit due to a covered peril. This is known as additional living expenses (ALE) and is meant to help cover the cost of accommodations, food, and other necessities while your rental unit is uninhabitable.
Dog bites 🐶
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers dog bites; however, if your dog has a history of biting or is a certain breed, you may not be eligible for coverage. If you are eligible though, your liability coverage may help cover the cost of medical expenses, legal fees, and damages resulting from the incident, up to a certain amount and depending on the situation.
Early lease termination 🔚
No, tenant insurance typically does not cover early lease termination. This is often considered a contractual issue between you and your landlord that falls outside the scope of tenant insurance.
E-Bikes and electric scooters🛵
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers e-bikes and electric scooters, but only if they meet certain criteria, such as operating under a specific speed limit. Like traditional bikes, this is considered a personal belonging and therefore, covered by personal belongings coverage up to the limit listed in your policy.
Electronics (TVs, laptops, etc.) 📺
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers electronics such as TVs and laptops against covered perils, as they are classified as personal belongings. However, it doesn’t cover electronics that break due to normal wear and tear or a mechanical breakdown.
Engagement rings and jewellery💍
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers engagement rings and jewellery, but there’s a catch: there are usually coverage limits for high-value items. So, if your policy’s coverage limit isn’t sufficient and you want the full value of your ring covered, you can add it as a specific item on your policy.
Eviction ⏏️
No, tenant insurance does not typically cover any eviction-related costs. This is usually considered a legal matter that falls outside the scope of tenant insurance.
Exterminators 🪳
No, tenant insurance does not typically cover exterminators, unless the problem is a result of a covered peril. Otherwise, pest control is generally considered a maintenance issue and is, therefore, the responsibility of the landlord or property management company to address.
Fallen tree 🌳
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers the cost to replace or repair your personal belongings if they get damaged by a fallen tree. Your landlord’s insurance, on the other hand, will usually cover the structural damage caused to the property itself by a fallen tree.
Fire and smoke damage 🔥
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers fire and smoke damage, unless you intentionally caused it. So long as it’s deemed accidental, tenant insurance can help cover the costs to replace your damaged or destroyed belongings, as well as additional living expenses if your rental is deemed uninhabitable, up to a certain amount that is listed in your policy.
Firearms 🛡️
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers firearms, as they are considered personal belongings. However, the extent of coverage for firearms under your policy may have limitations, typically up to a specified amount. For this reason, owners of high-value, rare, or collectible firearms may want to purchase additional coverage or endorsements for those specific items.
Floor damage 🛠️
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers floor or carpet damage in your rental unit, but only if it occurs due to an unpredictable and unexpected accident. In such cases, your liability coverage may be used to address such damages. However, damage to the floors and carpets in your rental unit resulting from wear and tear or negligence isn’t covered, which means you are solely responsible for their repair.
Garage items 📦
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers personal items stored in your rental unit’s garage. However, you should always check your policy as some might exclude personal belongings stored outside your main living quarters.
Guests 🛎️
While tenant insurance does not cover your guests themselves, it typically covers liability in case your guest is injured in your unit and you’re found legally responsible.
Holes in the wall 🕳️
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers holes in the wall, but only if the damage is caused by a named peril, such as a fire or break-in. On the other hand, if you put a hole in the wall of your rental property, regardless of whether it was on purpose or by accident, it would be considered property damage and you would likely be responsible for fixing it.
Identity theft 🪪
Yes, tenant insurance can cover identity theft, however, it’s considered optional coverage, meaning you must have added it to your policy to be eligible.
Injuries and medical bills🩼
Yes, since most tenant insurance policies in Canada typically include liability coverage, injuries and medical bills are typically covered if someone is injured while on your rental property and you are found responsible.
Leaks 💦
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers unexpected leaks caused by sudden plumbing failures or appliance malfunctions. However, other types of leaks—such as those resulting from flooding or a sewer backup—usually require additional water damage coverage. Be especially careful when selecting your coverage if you live in a basement apartment, where the risk of water damage is higher.
Lightning damage 🌩️
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers lightning damage to your personal belongings. Any structural damage caused by lightning though, is usually covered by your landlord’s insurance.
Lost key or locksmith 🔑
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers the loss of your keys or the cost to hire a locksmith, but coverage is generally contingent on it being a result of a named peril, such as theft or break-in.
Luggage 🧳
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers luggage when you’re temporarily away from your rental unit against covered perils, such as theft, since it is considered personal property.
Mold 🧫
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers mold but only if the damage occurs suddenly as a result of a covered peril, such as water damage or a flood. Otherwise, insurers often consider it a maintenance issue and therefore, will not cover the damage it caused.
Natural disasters 🌪️
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods, but only if those perils are specifically named in your policy.
Pet damage 🐶🐱
No, tenant insurance does not typically cover damage caused to your rental property by pets. Depending on your policy, however, it may provide coverage for liability if your pet injures someone else or damages someone else’s home.
Pest damage 🐁
No, tenant insurance does not typically cover damage caused by pests such as mice, rats, cockroaches, or termites. This is usually considered a maintenance issue, which means your landlord or property management company may be responsible for addressing the problem.
Plumbing repairs 👨🔧
No, tenant insurance typically does not cover plumbing repairs within the rental property. If damage is caused to your personal belongings as a result of plumbing issues related to a covered peril, then the cost to replace or repair those items might be covered.
Power outages 🕯️
No, tenant insurance typically does not power outages. However, if a covered peril causes a power outage and damages your personal belongings, such as your food or electronics, then those items may be covered.
Power surges ⚡
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers damage caused to personal belongings as a result of a power surge caused by lightning. However, coverage for other types of power surges will depend on the specifics of your policy.
Roommates 👥
No, tenant insurance does not typically cover your roommate’s or their belongings unless their name is on your policy. Otherwise, your policy only provides coverage for your personal belongings, additional living expenses, and liability.
Stolen packages 📦
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers stolen packages as it is considered theft of personal property. However, unless the stolen package is worth more than your deductible, it is not likely worth it for you to file a claim.
Storage units 🗄️
Yes, if it’s specified in your policy, tenant insurance can cover personal belongings located in a storage unit against covered perils, such as fire or theft.
Vandalism ⚠️
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers your personal belongings if they are damaged by vandalism. However, coverage for the structure of your rental property, including the walls or windows, will vary depending on the terms of your landlord’s insurance policy.
Washer and dryer 🧦
Yes, tenant insurance covers washers and dryers if they belong to you, the renter, as this makes them a personal belonging. However, like all other appliances, damages caused to your washer and dryer by normal wear and tear or a mechanical issue are not covered.
Water damage 💧
Yes, tenant insurance typically covers water damage to your personal belongings caused by a covered peril. As for any structural damage to the rental property caused by water, it will depend on the terms of your landlord’s policy.
Unemployment 💼
No, tenant insurance does not cover unemployment-related expenses, including covering your rent. This type of financial assistance falls outside the scope of tenant insurance.