Column · Apartment-hunting tips · No.9

How to choose fire insurance for rentals

Fire insurance is nearly mandatory in a rental contract. Knowing what it covers — and whether you can choose your own — lets you prepare without waste.

Despite the name “fire insurance,” it actually covers not just fire but water leaks, theft, and liability to others — a comprehensive policy. Understand what’s inside.

Three main coverages

  • Household goods: covers damage to your own furniture, appliances, etc.
  • Tenant liability: covers compensating the landlord if fire or leak damages the room (especially important in rentals)
  • Personal liability: covers compensating others, e.g. a leak to the unit below

Do you have to take the designated policy?

It’s common to take the policy the agency recommends, but if the necessary coverage is met, you can sometimes choose your own. If you’re concerned, check before signing.

Points for choosing

  • Whether tenant and personal liability are included at sufficient amounts
  • Whether the household-goods coverage fits your belongings (not too much or little)
  • Judge by the balance of coverage and riders, not premium alone

Summary

Fire insurance isn’t just for fires — tenant and personal liability are the parts that really matter in a rental. Check the coverage, not only the price, and you can prepare with confidence. Ask us anything you’re unsure about.

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