Renters Insurance in Massachusetts

Do Renters Policies Provide Structural Coverage for Buildings?

One of the most significant differences between renters policies and homeowners policies is the lack of structural coverage in renters policies. Homeowners policies usually have some sort of structural coverage that provides protection for the insured house. Renters policies normally don’t have any such protection because renters generally aren’t responsible for insuring the building they live in. Instead, it’s typically the landlord’s responsibility to insure the building since they own it.

(The renters liability insurance coverage included in a renters policy may cover an incident in which a renter is found responsible for destroying or damaging the building they’re in. This liability coverage is different from a structural coverage that would probably guard against physical perils, like windstorms and hail damage, though.)

What Sorts of Incidents Will Renters Liability Insurance Coverage Protect Against?

Broadly speaking, renters liability insurance coverage is designed to protect renters in scenarios where they cause property damage or injury to another party. Injury might include physical injuries (e.g. a fractured arm) or non-physical harm (e.g. a slandered reputation).

As mentioned, renters liability insurance coverage might cover an incident in which a tenant causes damage to the building they live in. For example, if a tenant was grilling outside too close to the building and they melted the building’s siding, this coverage might provide protection. Here are some other examples of scenarios where liability coverage might offer protection:

• A guest tripped over a laundry basket and fractured their wrist in the fall.
• A guest slipped on an icy walkway the tenant was responsible for maintaining and hit their head.
• A tenant posts an angry message against someone on social media and is sued for libel.

(Precisely what incidents would be covered depend on a policy’s specific terms, conditions and exclusions.)

How Much Do Renters Policies Cost?

Like homeowners policies and other types of insurance policies, renters policies vary in cost. A renter’s address, past claims history, type of rental unit and many other factors can influence a policy’s premiums.

Nevertheless, the vast majority of renters policies cost significantly less than homeowners policies. This is because renters policies normally don’t include any structural coverages, which reduces insurers’ risk exposure and lets them charge less for policies.

Who in Massachusetts Should Have a Renters Policy?

Most people who rent an apartment, townhome, condo or single-family house in Massachusetts should have a renters policy. This includes:

• Full-time residents who lease their permanent residence
• Seasonal residents who lease a summer home in the state
• College students going to school in Massachusetts who decide to live off campus
• Employees who live elsewhere but will be in the state and rent a place for a few months

How Can Tenants Get Help Finding Renters Insurance?

For help finding renters insurance, tenants who rent a place in Massachusetts should contact a Garrity Insurance agent. Our independent agents can help a tenant select the coverages they want and get quotes for renters policies that will provide those coverages.