Does Renters Insurance Cover Personal Injury?

Renters insurance does not cover personal injury. While it covers theft, hurricane damage, dog bites and some other incidents, personal injuries like defamation lawsuits are not covered. That said, getting supplementary coverage for personal injury is one option for covering legal fees.

This endorsement is offered by multiple insurance companies as part of their renters insurance policy lineup. Allstate, Travelers and Progressive all offer this endorsement. Moreover, MoneyGeek’s comprehensive analysis discovered that State Farm is one of the best renters insurance companies for this coverage.

Since you never know when a mishap will happen, having personal injury insurance add-ons might be advantageous. Additionally, MoneyGeek's renters insurance guide might help you understand what it does and does not cover.

Whether renters insurance covers personal injury depends on the cause of the lawsuit you are dealing with. Personal injury coverage may pay for your legal bills and damages you owe from slander or libel actions. However, in most cases, you will only get personal injury coverage if you acquire an endorsement on your renters insurance.

Having protection against libel and slander does not give you the right to make deliberately defamatory remarks. As with any coverage, there are limitations, and each claim will be separately examined. For example, if you deliberately commit libel or slander, your insurance provider may opt not to cover you. You may also be denied coverage if you engage in criminal conduct.

Personal injury coverage includes wrongful conviction, custody or incarceration, false arrest, unlawful eviction, defamation, libel, slander and breach of privacy. This claim is more psychological or emotional in nature.

In addition, if you have knowingly committed an illegal activity or committed libel or slander, your renters insurance may not cover personal injury. Importantly, personal injury coverage is always omitted from a standard renters insurance policy and must be added to the policy in order to get coverage.

Updating your renters insurance coverage to include personal injury can be advantageous since you never know when something unforeseen might occur. In addition, liability claims such as libel and slander are typically the costliest types of insurance claims.

A claim of this kind might completely wreck your future, which is why MoneyGeek recommends purchasing personal injury insurance. Below, MoneyGeek outlines when you might need personal injury coverage.

It is easy to find companies that offer renters insurance. The majority of mainstream companies, like Allstate and Farmers, offer it. Additionally, smaller companies such as Lemonade and Toggle offer coverage as well. The average cost of renters insurance is approximately $13 per month, but the exact cost can vary.

Comparing renters insurance quotes is the ideal way to ensure you get the best bargain since renters insurance rates vary. Using MoneyGeek’s personal property calculator is an ideal way to get started with your search for the best renters insurance provider.