Pets and renters liability
How dogs and other pets affect renters quotes and liability coverage.
Personal liability on a renters policy can respond if your dog bites someone or your pet damages someone else's property, subject to policy terms.
Some insurers restrict coverage for certain breeds or for dogs with a bite history. Disclose pets and breeds on your quote request so the policy fits.
Many landlords require pet owners to carry a minimum liability limit. Raising liability is usually an inexpensive way to meet that requirement.
Damage your own pet does to the rental — scratched floors, chewed trim — is generally not covered by renters insurance; that is typically a security-deposit matter.
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
- Moving with renters insurance
- Water damage and sewer backup for renters
- Bundling renters with auto
- Renters insurance discounts to ask about
- First apartment insurance checklist