When choosing a renters insurance policy, it’s important to be aware of what exactly is covered, and more importantly, what is not. There are typically things that occur in the course of a year’s time – the typical length of a lease – that create wear and tear. Most renters end up with scuffs, nicks, and the occasional holes in the wall from hanging things and some accidental occurrences that may happen when moving furniture or other large objects. Most renters find themselves wondering does renters insurance cover holes in the wall? Be aware that the coverage you’re likely to get for damages such as these are limited within a renters insurance policy, although some may be covered in your landlord’s insurance policy. Let’s take a look at the instances in which holes in the wall can be considered valid damages to be covered.
Understanding Accidental Damages
In the case of an accidental damage – such as a hole in the wall brought about by negligence or regular wear and tear – renters are able to get coverage. For example, you have some friends over for a small get together, and when you move your couch back against the wall to create more walking space, you accidentally push the corner of the couch into the wall, leaving behind an unfortunate hole. Sometimes, these things just can’t be avoided. Or maybe you’re wondering whether the usual wear and tear that walls take on will be covered by renters insurance. Again, these are accidental damages that happen in most living spaces, and it’s expected that these will be covered by your landlord, as they insure the building. These accidental holes in the wall will only be covered by a landlord’s policy, which is different than the renters insurance policy.
Understanding Intentional Damages
Intentional damages and holes, whether arising out of acts of anger or a renter’s attempt to get some sort of insurance payout from the damages, are not covered by renters insurance policies. And here’s why: you can’t dupe an insurance company. If a renter is intentionally damaging their living space, in order to gain money from an insurance company, this is a form of deception. It’s essentially a method of taking advantage of an insurance policy and is not honest. Try this, and you’ll likely end up paying the full cost of damages out of pocket, which no one wants. Moreover, an act of temper, wherein a renter damages a wall, does not really constitute an unforeseen circumstance – which is what we’re looking for when we talk about insurance.
Understanding Your Landlord's Coverage
Knowing that the landlord’s insurance policy is what covers damages such as holes in the wall, it will be important for you to speak with your landlord about this policy. Discussing the specifics of the policy will give you an idea of what types of wear and tear are covered by your landlord, that are not covered by your renters insurance policy. The bottom line is that most landlord’s insurance policies do cover general accidental damages to the unit, which often covers holes in the wall. Speaking with your landlord about this, though, will help you confirm. When it comes to renters insurance coverage, a hole in the wall - apartment damage - is not going to make the list. The most important assets you want to make sure you have covered are personal belongings, such as electronics, food, and other items that could be lost, damaged, or stolen in the event of an unforeseen circumstance.