Why Your Landlord’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover Your Belongings—or Your Liability
Quick Summary:
Renters insurance protects your personal belongings, covers your liability if someone gets hurt in your space, and pays for temporary living costs if your rental becomes uninhabitable. Most policies in Tennessee cost between $12–$25 per month, making it one of the most affordable types of insurance. Landlords often require renters insurance because their
policy only protects the building—not your stuff or your personal risk. At The Bill Yon Agency in Hendersonville, TN, we help renters across the Nashville area get the right protection without overpaying.
Doesn’t My Landlord’s Insurance Cover Me?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions renters have. Your landlord’s policy only covers the structure of the building—the walls, roof, and anything they own. It does not
cover your clothes, furniture, electronics, jewelry, or other belongings. It also doesn’t protect you if someone gets hurt in your space or if you accidentally cause damage to the property.
That’s why renters insurance exists and why many landlords now require it before handing over the keys.
What Renters Insurance Actually Covers
1. Personal Property Coverage
This protects everything you own inside your rental: furniture, clothing, electronics, décor, and more. If a fire, burst pipe, tornado, theft, or other covered event damages your belongings, renters insurance pays to repair or replace them.
Your landlord’s policy will repair the building—but replacing your possessions is entirely up to you unless you have renters insurance. You can learn more about coverage options here: Renters Insurance.
2. Personal Liability Coverage
If someone slips in your apartment, your dog bites a guest, or you accidentally cause fire or water damage to the property, you
can be held financially responsible. Renters insurance provides liability protection and can cover medical bills, legal fees, and property damage you’re legally responsible for.
3. Loss of Use (Temporary Living Expenses)
If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss—such as fire or severe storm damage—renters insurance helps pay for temporary housing, meals, and other additional living expenses.
4. Theft Off-Premises
Your renters insurance doesn’t just protect your belongings at home. If your laptop is stolen from your car or your luggage goes missing while traveling, your personal property coverage can still apply. (Though for car-related losses, bundling renters with Auto Insurance
can strengthen protection.)
5. Roommates Are Not Automatically Covered
Renters insurance is individual. Your roommate’s belongings are not
covered under your policy unless they’re listed on it. Each roommate typically needs their own policy for full protection.
Why Landlords Require Renters Insurance
Landlords want to avoid responsibility for tenants’ belongings and personal liability. By requiring renters insurance, they ensure:
- Your belongings are protected
- They aren’t sued for accidents caused by tenants
- Repairs caused by tenant accidents are handled through your policy
It protects both you and them—which is why it’s becoming a standard requirement across the Nashville area.
Save More by Bundling Renters and Auto
One of the easiest ways to lower your insurance bill is to bundle your renters insurance with your auto insurance. In many cases, this discount makes renters insurance cost only a few extra dollars per month. You can explore your auto coverage options here: Auto Insurance.
Protect Your Stuff. Protect Yourself. Protect Your Wallet.
The Bill Yon Agency in Hendersonville, TN helps renters across Middle Tennessee—including Nashville, Goodlettsville, Gallatin, and beyond—find affordable, reliable renters insurance tailored to their needs. Whether you’re renting an apartment, condo, townhouse, or single-family home, we’ll help you get covered in minutes.
Ready for peace of mind?
Request a quick renters quote
today—we’ll take care of the rest.







