First apartment insurance checklist
Everything a first-time renter should line up before move-in.
Read the lease insurance clause: required liability limit, interested-party name and address, and the deadline for proof.
Build a quick inventory and pick a personal property limit. Many first apartments still hold $15,000 or more in belongings once clothing and electronics are counted.
Choose a deductible you could pay the same week as a loss, and choose replacement cost if the budget allows.
Request quotes a week or two before move-in so your declarations page is ready for the leasing office.
Coverage lines on a renters quote
| Coverage | What it pays for | Typical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Belongings (personal property) | Your furniture, clothes, electronics, and gear after a covered loss | Match your inventory total; prefer replacement cost |
| Liability | Damages and defense if you injure someone or damage their property | $300,000 is a popular choice |
| Additional living expenses | Hotel, meals, and extra costs while your rental is repaired | Shown as a dollar amount or percentage |
| Guest medical | Small medical bills for visitors, no fault needed | Usually $1,000–$5,000 |
| Optional add-ons | Water/sewer backup, scheduled valuables, identity restoration | Compare across quotes |
Commonly covered causes of loss
- Fire, smoke, and lightning
- Wind and hail
- Theft and burglary
- Vandalism
- Burst or overflowing plumbing and appliances
- Frozen pipes
- Ice, snow, and sleet weight
- Explosion
- Vehicle or aircraft impact
- Falling objects
Commonly not covered
- Flooding
- Earthquakes
- Pest infestations
- Mold from long-term leaks
- Damage your pet does to the rental
- The building structure
More guides
- How to compare renters quotes side by side
- Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
- Renters home inventory checklist
- Renters insurance for students
- Pets and renters liability
- Moving with renters insurance
- Water damage and sewer backup for renters
- Bundling renters with auto
- Renters insurance discounts to ask about