Insurance coverage can be confusing at times, particularly when it's possibly necessary for a personal injury situation or certain similar settings. A common question asked of personal injury attorneys within this vein: Does renter's insurance cover personal injury issues that take place on the rented property in question?
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we proudly offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo or any nearby part of Utah, handling cases ranging from car and truck accident injuries to personal injury types like dog bite injuries, property liability and much more. The short answer to the question above: Usually yes, at least to some degree. Let's dive a bit further, however, into the key factors at play in whether a personal injury you or someone close to you sustained might be covered by renter's insurance.
What is Renter's Insurance?
Firstly, for those who aren't familiar with the concept, what exactly is renter's insurance? It's a specific type of insurance coverage that tenants, or renters, take out on their rented homes or apartments. This coverage provides financial protection against losses due to several basic events such as thefts and fires.
Precisely what is covered by a given renter's insurance policy will depend on the specifics of the policy itself, including its terms and coverage limits.
Common Accident Types Often Covered
While this will again depend on the specific policy, most renter's insurance policies cover the following kinds of accidents or injuries:
Dog bite or other dog attacks: In most cases, a dog bite that takes place on the rented property will be covered by renter's insurance. Some insurance companies may have certain off-limits breeds, such as pit bulls, based on statistics on attacks by these breeds. There may also be limitations on the location of the attack on the premises.
Slip and falls: Similar to dog bites, most renter's insurance policies will cover slip and fall accidents that occur within a rented property. However, there may be exceptions if the accident was caused by negligence on part of the tenant or another person who is not covered under the policy.
Water damage: If a water leak from a rented property causes damage to a neighboring unit or other property, renter's insurance will generally cover the full cost of repairs.
Worker injury: If a worker is injured while maintaining a rental property, the property owner's renter's insurance will often cover the cost of medical expenses and lost wages.
Tree fall issues: As long as the property owner is listed as responsible for property maintenance in the lease agreement, renter's insurance will generally cover any injuries caused by a tree on the property falling onto someone.
Fires: Finally, if a fire breaks out in the rented property and causes injuries or damages due to improper wiring or other owner negligence, renter's insurance will cover these costs.
However, it's important to note that each insurance policy is different and may have varying coverage limits. It's always best to carefully review your own policy and speak with your insurance provider for specific information on your coverage. Additionally, if you are injured in a
Accidents Not Covered
While most common accidents and personal injuries sustained on rented properties are often covered by renter's insurance, there are some notable exceptions. These include:
Intentional acts: Any injury that is intentionally caused or contributed to by the tenant will not be covered by renter's insurance.
Criminal activities: If the tenant participates in any kind of criminal activity that results in personal injury, such as a fight or robbery, renter's insurance will not cover these injuries.
Motor vehicle accidents: If a motor vehicle accident occurs on rented property, it will typically fall under the driver's auto insurance policy rather than the renter's insurance policy.
Injuries caused by excluded pets: As mentioned earlier, certain breeds of dogs may be excluded from coverage under renter's insurance policies. Additionally, any other pet that is not included on the policy will not be covered in case of injury or damage.
Injuries from home businesses: If you run your own business out of your rented property, any injuries sustained while working within the home will not be covered by renter's insurance.
Injury from another rental resident: Most renter's insurance policies only cover injuries to people who do not reside on the property. If an injury is caused by another person who also lives on the same rented property, it will typically not be covered.
As always, it's crucial to carefully review your own renter's insurance policy and speak with your provider for specific details on coverage. In addition, if you sustain a personal injury on a rented property, it's important to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine your legal options and potential for compensation. Don't hesitate to contact the team at William Rawlings & Associates for experienced and knowledgeable representation today, whether you're in SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby area of Utah!