Does Renters Insurance Cover Food Loss?

MoneyGeek’s analysis of various renters insurance policies shows that standard renters insurance covers food loss under personal property coverage. However, this coverage only applies if a power outage causes it due to a covered peril, like a windstorm, lightning strike, tornado or another covered event.

A standard renters insurance policy covers food loss or spoilage under personal property coverage. It’s essential to buy sufficient personal property coverage because it helps you repair or replace your personal items in case of damage due to a covered event, like theft, fire or a hurricane. Items commonly covered by personal property coverage include furniture, appliances and electronics.

If you need more information on how much coverage you should buy and what it covers, you can read MoneyGeek’s guide on personal property coverage.

Since food loss is already covered under a standard renters insurance policy, you don’t have to buy extra coverage. Read MoneyGeek’s guide on renters insurance to understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover.

In this article:

When Food Loss Is Covered
When Food Loss Is Not Covered
How to Protect Yourself From Food Loss
Where to Buy Renters Insurance

When Does Renters Insurance Cover Food Loss?

If you have a standard renters insurance policy, the insurance company will cover food loss under personal property coverage. MoneyGeek explained the following instances below in which your policy will cover food loss.

If a hurricane causes the power to go out, resulting in the food in your refrigerator going bad.

If a lightning strike causes a power outage and shuts down your refrigerator.

If a tree falls down on your power line and causes a power outage, resulting in damage to the refrigerator.

Most renters insurance policies generally do not cover damage caused by a power surge. However, the food loss will be covered if the power surge is caused by a covered peril, like lightning. Also, the policy will only pay for the spoiled food you purchased. If anyone else lives with you and doesn't have a renters policy, their food won't be covered.

When Doesn’t Renters Insurance Cover Food Loss?

There are many instances when a renters insurance policy won’t cover food loss, like if your refrigerator breaks down due to failing to complete regular maintenance or normal wear and tear. Your insurance company also won’t reimburse you for the cost of spoiled food if natural disasters like floods or earthquakes cause a power outage or any damage to your refrigerator.

How to Protect Yourself From Food Loss

While a renters insurance policy covers the cost of food loss, preventing your food from getting spoiled will help you avoid unnecessary hassle. MoneyGeek found that placing an ice block in your refrigerator, keeping its doors closed and throwing out rotten food will help keep your food safe.

Keep appliance thermometer in your refrigerator
Keep an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and monitor its temperature regularly. It should be at 40°F or below.
Place an ice block in your refrigerator
If your power is out for a long time, buying ice blocks to keep in your refrigerator will help keep your food cool.
Keep the refrigerator’s door closed
It’s important to keep your refrigerator’s door closed and not open it unnecessarily during a power outage. Doing so may help keep your food safe for four hours.

Where to Buy Renters Insurance

If you’re looking for a renters insurance policy, you can get it from major insurance companies, like State Farm and American Family, or regional ones, like Lemonade and Toggle. Before buying a policy, it’s important to compare insurance quotes to help you understand which insurer is the best fit for your needs.

On average, it costs $13 per month for a renters insurance policy. However, you may have to pay a different price depending on how much stuff you own. MoneyGeek’s personal property calculator below can help you estimate your renters insurance costs based on the value of your personal property.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

sources

Insurance Information Institute. "Renters Insurance." Accessed May 15, 2022.
Insurance Information Institute. "Your Renters Insurance Guide." Accessed May 15, 2022.
CDC. "Food Safety for Power Outages." Accessed May 16, 2022.

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