Does Renters Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

Quote Today

Start Quote

Key Takeaways

When it comes to renters insurance, fire damage from cooking accidents, electrical fires, wildfires and other accidental events is typically covered.
With The Hartford, you can get help paying for temporary housing and meals if a fire makes your rental unlivable. You can also extend your protection to fully cover high-value items like jewelry.
If a fire breaks out, your landlord's insurance will help cover the building itself, while your renters insurance policy helps protect your personal belongings.

When Does Renters Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

Your renters insurance can help cover fire damage to your personal belongings from many different scenarios, but it won't cover structural damage to the building itself (that falls under your landlord's insurance policy). Common examples include:

Kitchen and cooking fires - if a stovetop fire damages your cookware, dishes or nearby items
Electrical fires - from faulty wiring or malfunctioning appliances you own
Heating accidents - furnace malfunctions or even candles left unattended that damage your belongings
Fires caused by children or pets - if kids or animals accidentally start a fire
Wildfires - damage to your belongings during a wildfire, including evacuation expenses in mandatory evacuation zones
Lightning strikes - if lightning hits your building and damages your personal property
Chimney fires - damage to your belongings from a chimney fire
Arson by a third party - if someone else intentionally sets fire to the property
Vehicle fires - damage to personal items stored in your car
Storage unit fires - coverage for items in storage, typically up to 10% of your policy limit

Whether it's smoke damage to your clothing or a total loss from a kitchen fire, your policy can help protect the things you own.

Learn more about what renters insurance is and what it covers.

apartment protected by renter knowing does renters insurance cover fire damage

What Does Renters Insurance Fire Coverage Include?

Your fire coverage breaks down into three key areas:

Your personal belongings
Smoke damage
Temporary housing costs

Are Personal Belongings Typically Covered?

Yes, your renters insurance can help cover fire damage to your personal property, like furniture, clothing and electronics. If a covered fire damages or destroys these items, your policy can help pay to fix or replace them, minus your deductible.

Keep in Mind:

Standard property insurance policies often have coverage limits that may not be enough to replace or repair valuable items, like jewelry. Review your policy to see how your belongings are covered. With AARP^® Home Insurance from The Hartford,¹ you can extend your protection with valuable items blanket coverage.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Smoke Damage?

Yes, most renters insurance covers smoke and soot damage, as long as the fire itself is covered. Smoke can ruin your belongings even if flames never touch them. Your policy can help pay to fix or replace clothing, furniture and electronics affected by smoke.

Does Renters Insurance Pay for Housing After a Fire?

If a fire or smoke damage makes your rental unlivable, your loss of use coverage kicks in. This helps pay for temporary housing like hotel stays, short-term rentals and meals while your home gets fixed. How much you can get depends on your policy limits, but the goal is simple — to help you protect what matters most.

Tip:

Save all your receipts and file your claim as quickly as possible.

renter's apartment protected knowing does renters insurance cover fires

When Does Renters Insurance Not Cover Fire Damage?

While renters insurance covers most fire damage, it doesn't cover everything. Your policy won't pay for:

Structural damage to the building
Fires you start on purpose
High-value items beyond certain limits

Does Renters Insurance Cover Fire Damage to the Building?

No, your renters insurance doesn't cover damage to the building itself, including walls, ceilings, floors and the roof. Structural damage is your landlord's responsibility and covered under their rental property insurance. Your renters policy only protects your personal belongings and certain liabilities. So if a fire damages the building, your landlord files the claim, not you.

Are Intentional Acts or Negligence Ever Covered?

No, fire damage from intentional acts or illegal activity isn't covered by renters insurance. Insurance protects you from accidents, not fires you start on purpose. Gross negligence or a complete lack of maintenance may also impact your claim, so it's important to review your policy. Knowing what counts as negligence helps you avoid any surprises down the road.

Are There Limits on High-Value Items?

Yes, most renters insurance policies have limits on high-value items like jewelry, artwork and collectibles. This means your valuable items might not be fully covered under your basic policy. In that case, you can easily add extra coverage for these special items. For example, if you own fine art or musical instruments, valuable items blanket coverage can be included on your policy with The Hartford to extend your protection.

How Does Renters Insurance Work With a Fire?

If you need to file a renters insurance claim after a fire, the process is straightforward:

Call your insurance company right away to report the fire.
Take photos and make a list of everything that got damaged.
Work with an adjuster who will inspect the damage and review your claim.
Get paid for covered losses minus your deductible once your claim is approved.
Save all receipts for hotels and expenses so you can get paid back.

Don't have coverage yet? Learn how to get renters insurance before you need it.

Why Would Insurance Deny a Fire Claim?

Most fire claims go through without issues, but it helps to know what could cause problems.

Lapsed policy: Make sure your premium payments are up to date so you're covered when you need it.
Excluded situations: Check your policy to know which events are covered and which aren't.
Intentional damage or gross negligence: Coverage is meant for accidents, not intentional acts.
Misrepresentation: Make sure all information on your application is accurate.
Insufficient documentation: Keep records and proof of your belongings.

The good news is that most denials are preventable. Document everything with photos and receipts, file promptly and review your policy so you know what to expect.

Fire Safety Tips

The best way to handle a fire is to prevent one from happening. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your rental safer:

Test smoke detectors regularly: Check them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy: Know where it is and learn how to use it before you need it.
Never leave cooking unattended: Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires.
Check electrical cords: Replace any that are frayed, damaged or overheating.
Blow out candles before you leave: Never leave candles burning when you're not in the room or going to sleep.
Don't overload outlets: Use power strips with surge protectors and avoid plugging in too many devices.
Create a fire escape plan: Know two ways out of every room and practice your plan with everyone in your home.

Taking these precautions now can save you a lot of stress later.

Be Prepared:

Download The Hartford’s exclusive guidebook Fire Sense: A Smart Way To Prevent, Detect and Escape Home Fires today to enjoy peace of mind tomorrow.

male customer pleased with renters insurance fire coverage

Plan Ahead With a Renters Insurance Quote From The Hartford

A fire can happen when you least expect it, but the right coverage can help you recover faster. At The Hartford, we make it easy to find a policy that fits your needs and budget, and AARP members can enjoy exclusive benefits and savings. Wondering about the price? Compare renters insurance costs to see how affordable protection can be.

For over 40 years, AARP Home Insurance from The Hartford has helped protect what matters most to AARP members through customizable coverage options. Get a renters insurance quote online today or call The Hartford at 877-422-2345.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renters Insurance for Fire Damage

What Happens If You Cause a Fire in an Apartment?

If you accidentally cause a fire, your liability coverage can help pay for damage to the building or your neighbors' property. It may also help cover legal fees if someone sues you for injuries or damages caused by the fire. Your personal property coverage can also help protect your own belongings. Just remember that the fire must be accidental, not intentional or from gross negligence.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage From Wildfires?

Yes, wildfires are typically covered in most policies, but review your coverage to be sure. If you're forced to evacuate, your loss of use coverage can help pay for temporary housing and meals while you're displaced.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Fires Caused by Cooking?

Yes, accidental cooking fires are generally covered by renters insurance. Your policy can help replace your belongings and pay for damage to your landlord's property.

Are There Coverage Limits When It Comes to Fire Damage?

Yes, fire damage coverage is subject to your personal property limits and deductibles. High-value items like jewelry or collectibles may also have limits that cap how much you can receive, but you can extend your protection to get the coverage you need. Make sure your coverage limits match the value of what you own.

Are Fires Outside the Home Covered by Renters Insurance?

Yes, your personal property may be covered even when you’re temporarily away from your rental. Most policies include off-premises coverage that protects items anywhere in the world. However, this coverage typically has limits, often around 10% of your total personal property coverage.