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Getting Renters Insurance: Pets Could Be a Problem

There's one more good reason to get renters insurance: pets could be a liability. They may cause significant hassle and trouble for the other tenants of the building, not to mention damage to property that is owned not by you, but by your landlord, or by the other tenants. Pets can be a joy to have, but can also be a problem, especially where lawsuits are concerned.

Not surprisingly, for those who are getting renters insurance, pets may even be a complication. Simply put: having pets around is interpreted by some insurance companies to mean exposing oneself and one's household to liability charges. But not all companies will make it a disadvantage for you to own a pet. You should make it a point to clarify it to your agent if having a pet will complicate your policy application.

If you don't own a pet, but are worried about being bitten by someone else's pet, renters insurance could be a boon for you. Sometimes renters insurance for injuries inflicted upon the client could also include canine-inflicted injuries; this is especially useful for people who rent homes in residential areas with a lot of dogs. However, some companies may choose not to include this clause; make sure "canine-inflicted injuries" is included in your renters insurance if dog bites are a particular concern.

Such a clause may be included in a "personal umbrella limit policy" which provides coverage for various liabilities incurred outside already existing policies, such as homeowner and auto liability insurance. There is no standard form for this sort of policy. The important thing is that you ascertain from your agent that you are able to avail of canine-inflicted injuries, or any other form of pet-related injury that you may be prone to.

For a person seeking to get renters insurance, pets could pose complications during the policy application process. But this is no reason for a pet-owner NOT to start canvassing for a renters policy! Take a good look around at the insurance companies that provide renters policies to residents in your locality, and negotiate for a good deal - both for yourself, and for your pet!