5 myths about tenant insurance

To help you decide what kind of coverage is right for you, we’re breaking down five common tenant insurance myths:

Myth #1 – My landlord’s policy will cover my belongings

Many people assume that, in the event their belongings are damaged or stolen, they will be covered by their landlord’s insurance policy. Your landlord’s policy will cover the rental unit in which you live but not your personal belongings.

Myth #2 – I don’t own much, so I don’t need insurance

Many people underestimate the number of items they own and the cost of replacing them. If you’re an average Canadian, you likely own a television, a laptop, and other electronics. When you add this to the cost of replacing furniture or a wardrobe full of clothing, you can see how things can add up quickly.

To help determine how much coverage you need, take an inventory of your belongings, list their estimated value and consider whether you have any proof of ownership on hand, like receipts. You can use a notebook, build it all into an electronic spreadsheet, or download an app to create a digital inventory where you store photos and video online.

Myth #3 – It’s too expensive and I can’t afford it

No one wants to add another item to their monthly budget, but tenant insurance can be surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider the cost of replacing belongings or the cost of a potential lawsuit. In most provinces, the majority of tenant insurance policies will typically cost between $15 and $50 per month.¹

Myth #4 – My roommate has insurance, so we’re good

Most tenant insurance policies only cover the personal belongings of the person named on the policy. If you’re unsure whether you may be covered, ask your roommate to confirm who is listed on the policy before deciding if you need your own coverage.

Myth #5 – Tenant Insurance only protects my stuff, and nothing else

Besides protecting your belongings, a tenant insurance policy can also protect you if you’re sued because someone is injured in your home or you damage someone else’s property. For example, if you accidentally leave a tap running, the sink overflows, and water seeps into the apartment below, your tenant insurance may help cover the damage to your neighbour’s property. It may also help cover medical expenses if, for example, one of your friends slipped and hurt herself in your kitchen as a result of the overflow.

Bottom line: tenant insurance is essential to help protect yourself and your belongings when you rent your home. If you’d like to learn more, contact your local Desjardins Agent or check out these other helpful links:

Do I need tenant insurance?

Ways to save on your tenant insurance

Notes

¹ https://www.moneysense.ca/spend/insurance/how-much-is-tenant-insurance/