Do I need contents insurance as a renter?

Renting a home is something millions of Australians do – in some cases for their entire lives. While you may not own the physical property, it makes sense you’d want to protect what’s inside and that’s where insurance comes in. So, is it worth getting contents insurance as a renter? Here’s what you need to know about renters’ content insurance and why it’s something worth considering.

Understanding insurance needs for renters

As a renter, you don’t need to worry about mortgages, quarterly rates or paying for repairs to the property. You only need to concern yourself with what you own. Whether it’s due to theft, fire or anything in between, having contents insurance may give you peace of mind against any potential risks to your personal belongings while living in a rental property. Bear in mind that standard landlord’s insurance covers the structure itself, but not the contents inside – hence the need for renters’ contents insurance.

Getting the right contents insurance policy will ensure all your belongings – from furniture to electronics, appliances, clothing and more – are financially protected. If you’ve decided this is the right decision for your needs, the best place to start is by calculating the value of your belongings so you know how much cover to take out.

Benefits of contents insurance

Think of contents insurance like a security blanket for your stuff. In the unfortunate event that they are stolen or destroyed, it eliminates the financial burden of having to replace or repair whatever’s been damaged or lost due to covered events.

Imagine returning to your property to find it’s been broken into or there’s been flooding or a fire. As long as those events are covered under your policy, contents insurance can help you to get your things back – or a replacement – without you having to foot the bill.

Here are five of the biggest benefits of taking out contents insurance for renters:

  1. Protection against unforeseen events: Contents insurance protects your personal belongings from unexpected risks like theft, fire, vandalism and certain natural disasters.
  2. Financial security for your things: Contents insurance steps in to replace or repair your damaged or stolen items.
  3. Peace of mind in bad situations: Distressing situations like a break-in or natural disaster are made slightly easier when you know that insurance will cover the cost of your lost belongings.
  4. Flexible liability coverage: Many renters’ contents insurance policies include liability coverage. This protects you if your landlord’s physical property is accidentally damaged.
  5. Temporary accommodation: Some contents insurance for renters will include provisions for temporary accommodation in case your rental property becomes unliveable due to covered events.

Coverage details and considerations

As with any type of insurance, it’s always a good idea to compare different policies to see which one is right for your specific needs. With Choosi, you can do all that and more when you are in search of the ideal contents insurance policy.

Take the time to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of each policy to find out about their level of cover, insured events, exclusions and terms. Once you’re sure it meets your needs, it’s time to see whether the policy fits into your budget.

Look for cover that protects against potential risks commonly associated with renting, such as theft, break-ins, accidental damage or loss due to natural disasters. Also look into the policy’s limits, deductibles and any optional cover available.

Renter-specific insurance benefits

Contents insurance that’s been specifically designed for renters often includes provisions like accidental property damage and temporary accommodation assistance and might also include liability coverage. This protects you in scenarios where you may inadvertently cause damage to the property, which would otherwise result in a substantial bill.

Protect your belongings

Getting contents insurance as a renter is an easy way to protect your personal belongings and have a financial safety net against unexpected dangers. Remember to carefully calculate the value of your things, read the policy’s PDS and be aware of any exclusions or special terms.

You can start comparing contents insurance with Choosi online or by calling 13 55 55.


8 Feb 2024