Jan 20, 2025

Why you need tenant insurance

Although many renters assume that a landlord’s insurance policy will protect them in case of flood or fire, your landlord’s policy only covers their property and possessions. 

Your lease requires that you carry tenant insurance to protect yourself, your visitors, your neighbours, and your building owner. Without a tenant insurance policy, you may have to personally pay for damages. Tenant insurance is not just about fulfilling a lease requirement; it’s about safeguarding your financial future and peace of mind. 

As a tenant, you’re responsible for the following in the case of damage: 

  • The replacement of your contents 
  • Paying temporary housing costs 
  • Damages you cause to your building 
  • Liability if someone sues you for injury 

The cost of replacing your belongings can add up quickly. The value of your furniture, clothes, electronics, dishes, and other personal items is probably much higher than you realize. For example, replacing a laptop, smartphone, and furniture set alone could run into thousands of dollars. Tenant insurance covers the cost of replacing your items if you suffer a break-in, fire, or water damage. 

Common tenant mistakes to avoid 

Avoid these common tenant mistakes that could result in major damage to your rental and huge expenses for you: 

  • Kitchen fires: Did you know most house fires are started in the kitchen? Never leave cooking unattended and always remember to turn off your appliances. Simple habits like keeping flammable items away from the stove and using a timer can prevent accidents. 
  • Water damage: Turn off your taps. Water overflows due to tenant negligence are a major source of tenant insurance claims. Even a small overflow can lead to significant damage to floors, ceilings, and walls. Regularly check your faucets and plumbing for leaks or drips. 
  • Frozen pipes: Frozen pipes are a common issue once winter temperatures set in and can cause major damage to your rental unit when they burst. To avoid this, keep your thermostat on during cold weather. If you’re going away, ask someone to check on your unit or leave the heat on low to prevent freezing. 

What does tenant insurance cover? 

Tenant insurance offers a range of benefits beyond replacing your belongings. Here’s what a typical policy can include: 

  • Personal property coverage: Protection for your belongings against theft, fire, and water damage. 
  • Additional living expenses: If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered incident, tenant insurance helps cover costs like hotel stays or temporary rentals. 
  • Liability coverage: Protection if you’re found responsible for causing damage to the building or if someone is injured in your home. 
  • Optional add-ons: Depending on your needs, you can add coverage for high-value items like jewellery or specialized electronics. 

Why is tenant insurance important? 

Many renters underestimate the importance of tenant insurance until they face an unexpected event. For example, if a small kitchen fire damages not only your unit but also neighbouring units, you could be held liable for repair costs. Similarly, if a visitor slips and falls in your home, the medical and legal expenses could quickly escalate. Tenant insurance acts as a safety net, protecting you from these financial burdens. 

Why choose Westland Express for tenant insurance? 

Westland Express makes insurance easy by providing quick, seamless quoting with transparent coverage and price options for tenants. It’s available online anytime, so you can get insured in minutes. 

Here’s what sets our platform apart: 

  • A streamlined insurance experience: Our platform makes purchasing tenant insurance simple, quick, and accessible—anytime, anywhere. We’ve designed it with your busy lifestyle in mind. 
  • Built with you in mind: A user-friendly design ensures a hassle-free process, guiding you every step of the way. Whether you’re a first-time renter or an experienced tenant, the platform is intuitive and straightforward. 
  • Coverage that fits your life: Flexible tenant insurance options tailored to your unique needs, offering protection for your belongings and personal liability. No matter your living situation, you can find a policy that works for you. 
  • Always within reach: Enjoy 24/7 access to your account—view your policy, make updates, or purchase new coverage whenever it suits you. Need to file a claim or ask a question? Support is always just a click away. 

The cost of tenant insurance 

Tenant insurance is surprisingly affordable, often costing less than a few dollars a day. For the price of a coffee, you can protect thousands of dollars’ worth of belongings and avoid potential financial hardship. Investing in tenant insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind. 

Getting started with Westland Express 

Getting started with Westland Express is simple, and our transparent pricing ensures you know exactly what you’re getting. Get a quote today to protect yourself and your belongings with tenant insurance! 

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