Does Renters Insurance Cover Broken Stoves?

Your policy covers a variety of items and events, but if you’re wondering if renters insurance covers a broken stove, the answer is no. However, purchasing additional coverage for equipment breakdown is one possible solution to cover the cost of a malfunctioning stove or oven.

Several insurance companies offer this endorsement as part of their product portfolio. For instance, you can explore offerings from Lemonade, Toggle or Gallagher. Travelers — one of the best renters insurance companies MoneyGeek identified — also offers it.

Adding equipment breakdown insurance can come in handy because it extends to various appliances and electronic devices. Besides ovens, these include air conditioners and television sets. MoneyGeek’s guide on renters insurance can give you a better idea of what it does and doesn’t cover.

Whether renters insurance covers costs related to a broken stove depends on the cause of damage. With most renters insurance policies, you’re protected if your stove is damaged by fire, theft or vandalism. However, if it stops working because of an electrical or mechanical failure, you’ll only get coverage if you purchased an endorsement, specifically for equipment breakdown.

Remember that even if your landlord has homeowners insurance, their protection applies to the home’s structure and your landlord’s property, not to yours.

Renters insurance coverage generally extends beyond broken stoves, helping pay for damages to your belongings up to your policy’s limits. For example, if an explosion damages your rented property and some of your belongings (including your oven), renters insurance can help pay for general repairs or replacement.

If your stove breaks down due to electrical or mechanical failure, your renters insurance policy won’t cover it. Instead, an equipment breakdown endorsement can help you with the repair or replacement expenses.

Like all appliances, stoves wear and tear over time. If it stops working due to extended use or poor maintenance, not even an endorsement will cover it. This includes damages from mold or pests that result from neglect.

Extending your renters insurance coverage to include a broken stove can come in handy — you never know when an unexpected power surge could strike. Repairs for major appliances can be costly and buying a replacement even more so. Below, MoneyGeek details other reasons why having coverage for broken stoves is advantageous.

It’s easy to find providers offering renters insurance. You can purchase it from most major companies, such as State Farm and Travelers. Smaller companies like Toggle and Lemonade carry it, as well. The average cost of renters insurance is around $13 per month, but several factors affect the actual cost.

Rates often vary between insurance companies, so it’s best to compare renters insurance quotes to ensure you get the best deal possible. An important factor is the amount of personal property you own. MoneyGeek’s personal property calculator can help you determine how much coverage you need based on your possessions.