If you're renting a home or apartment, you might think insurance is only for property owners. But here's the truth: your landlord's insurance doesn't cover your belongings. That's where renters insurance comes in—and it protects a lot more than you might expect.

Let's clear up the confusion about what renters insurance actually covers, what it doesn't, and why it's one of the smartest investments you can make.

What Renters Insurance Covers

1. Your Personal Belongings

This is the main reason most people get renters insurance. If your belongings are damaged or stolen, your policy helps replace them. This includes:

• Furniture and appliances (couches, beds, refrigerators, microwaves)

• Electronics (laptops, TVs, phones, gaming consoles)

• Clothing and shoes

• Jewelry and watches (up to certain limits)

• Books, artwork, and decorations

• Sports equipment and bicycles

Common scenarios covered:

• Fire or smoke damage

• Water damage from burst pipes

• Theft or break-ins

• Vandalism

• Damage from storms or wind

Important note: Most policies cover your belongings even when they're not in your apartment. If your laptop is stolen from your car or your luggage is lost while traveling, you may still be covered.

2. Liability Protection

This is the part many renters don't know about—and it's incredibly valuable. Liability coverage protects you if someone gets hurt in your rental or if you accidentally damage someone else's property.

Examples of what's covered:

• A guest slips and falls in your apartment and needs medical care

• Your dog bites a visitor

• You accidentally cause a fire that damages neighboring units

• Your child breaks an expensive item at a friend's house

• Someone sues you for an accident that happened in your home

Most renters insurance policies include liability coverage between €100,000 and €500,000. This can save you from devastating financial consequences if something unexpected happens.

What Renters Insurance Doesn't Cover

Understanding the gaps in coverage is just as important as knowing what's protected. Here's what most standard renters insurance policies don't cover:

1. The Building Structure

Your landlord's insurance covers the building itself—walls, roof, floors, and built-in fixtures. Your renters insurance only covers your personal property and liability.

Not covered by your policy:

• Structural damage to the building

• Broken windows (unless you caused the damage)

• Plumbing or electrical systems

• Common areas like hallways or lobbies

2. Roommate's Belongings

Renters insurance typically only covers the person named on the policy. If you have roommates, they need their own separate policies to protect their belongings.

Renters insurance is one of the best values in insurance. For less than the cost of a few coffees each month, you get protection for your belongings, liability coverage that could save you from financial ruin, and peace of mind knowing you're covered when the unexpected happens.

Don't assume you don't need it just because you're renting. Your landlord's insurance won't help you if your laptop is stolen or if someone gets hurt in your apartment. Protect yourself with a renters policy—it's simpler and more affordable than you think.