Clever Logo

RENTERS INSURANCE 101

Got two minutes? That's all it takes to learn about our renters insurance offerings. No, seriously.

Clever Renters Coverage Options
PERSONAL PROPERTY LIABILITY EXTRA EXPENSE MEDICAL PAYMENTS TO OTHERS MORE OPTIONS

Personal Property

Personal Property


Simply put, your stuff. From the tools in your garage to the furniture and electronics in your home, personal property coverage is pretty essential.

Liability

Liability


This coverage protects you against damages arising from an accident that results in the bodily injury or property damage to others, for which you are held liable. It also includes covering court costs and the cost of defending yourself for covered claims.

Extra Expense

Extra Expense


Also known as loss of use or temporary living expenses, this coverage is all about helping out. Extra expense coverage assists with necessary increased living expenses when an insured dwelling is uninhabitable as a result of damage by a covered cause of loss.

Medical Payments to Others

Medical Payments to Others


This coverage provides payments for medical, surgical, dental, ambulance and hospital expenses to those injured on your property as a result of an accident.

More Options

More Options


Clever offers tons of other types of coverage, from scheduled personal property coverage to personal injury coverage, identity theft expense coverage and beyond. Want to learn more about these selections? Click here to view the whole list of coverage options and read more about them.

Here are some frequently asked questions from renters like you.

FILTER BY:
General Coverage Claims All
Standard coverages offered by Clever include:
  • Personal property or contents coverage
    • Simply put, your stuff. From furniture to electronics to your clothing, personal property coverage is pretty essential. It's important to know your personal property limits as there are typically limits on the coverage provided for certain types of personal property, such as jewelry and firearms. Also, you may want the option of selecting a lower deductible and/or a higher level of coverage on certain items. So, if you have the latest smartphone or a fancy camera, it would be a good idea to visit with your insurer to make sure you have the right coverage.
  • Extra expense
    • Also known as loss of use or temporary living expenses, this coverage is all about helping out. Extra expense coverage assists with necessary increased living expenses when an insured's rented home or apartment is uninhabitable as a result of damage by a covered cause of loss. Clever covers you automatically at up to 20% of your personal property value. How is that for value?
  • Liability
    • This coverage protects you against damages arising from an accident that results in the bodily injury or property damage to others, for which you are held liable. It also includes covering court costs and the cost of defending yourself for covered claims. Clever offers a variety of coverage limits and you can pick the limit that is most appropriate for you.
  • Medical payments to others
    • This coverage provides payments for medical, surgical, dental, ambulance and hospital expenses to those injured on your property as a result of an accident. For instance, if you have a visitor at your home and they trip and fall on your front steps resulting in a visit to the doctor and a minor injury, your medical payments to others coverage would apply. Similar to your liability coverage, Clever offers a variety of coverage limits and you can pick the limit that is most appropriate for you.
Renters insurance is an optional coverage, which means it is not legally required. However, if you would have a hard time coming up with the funds to replace the contents of your apartment or money for bodily injury or personal property claims for which you are found at fault, the answer is: yes. Renters insurance is a financial tool. Also, many landlords do require renters insurance to enter into a lease agreement.
The easiest way to start figuring this out is to inventory your goods. Clever has a nifty personal property calculator to help you. When you look around your place think about how much it would take to replace or repair everything in your home or apartment if damaged or stolen. Next, ask yourself how much liability you could afford out of pocket if someone got hurt at your place and sued you. Could you cover their medical bills or legal fees connected with the suit? Get the amount of coverage you need to feel good about these potential situations.
Certainly! Renters insurance provides protection for college students. This is a busy time in your life and you have plenty of other stressors to worry about. Check insurance off the list! We can provide coverage for your stuff in your dorm room, along with liability for you while at school. You can hit the books with peace of mind.
Premiums are based on many factors including:
  • Personal property value
  • Fire protection (miles to closest fire station, water access/hydrants)
  • Type of building housing the personal property
  • Claims history
  • Coverages and deductible(s) selected
You bet. The bundling discount is available for both your auto and renters insurance policies if you bundle the two. This credit is applied to each renewal of your policies if you maintain both the auto and renters policies with Clever. Want to save even more? Get even deeper discounts when you bundle an auto, renters and life policy with us. All the coverage you need, all in one place with deeper discounts. That's Clever.
Yes, property coverages have deductibles. For example: There was damage to your personal property in the amount of $6,250. You carry a $1,000 deductible on your personal property. Therefore, your claim payment would be for $5,250. ($6,250 - $1,000 = $5,250) Check your policy declaration page to see what deductible(s) you have.
This is what your medical payments coverage and potentially liability coverage is for! If someone gets hurt on your property, your medical payments coverage is designed to pay the injured person's medical bills up to your medical payments limit. If the injured party brings suit against you due to the injury, then your liability coverage kicks in both to provide you with a defense and to settle the lawsuit and act on your behalf. We are here for you!
Perils refer to hazards and events that are a source of loss or damage. If a peril is "insured" it means it is covered. If a peril is excluded, then you would not have coverage for it. Perils covered by your insurance vary between insurance companies and policy types. Feel free to reach out to a Clever expert for specifics on your policy.

Some commonly covered perils include:
  • Hail
  • Windstorm
  • Tornado
  • Lightning
  • Fire and smoke
  • Theft and vandalism
  • Falling trees or other objects
  • Water damage (think leaks not floods)
Actual Cash Value or ACV is a method of valuing insured property. Actual Cash Value is not equal to replacement cost value. ACV is computed by subtracting depreciation from replacement cost. Depreciation is the decrease in the value of property over a period of time, usually as a result of age, wear and tear or economic obsolescence. For example, if you have a flat screen TV that is five years old and it is struck by lightning, then depreciation is deducted from your claim payment due to the age and condition of your TV at the time of the loss. Another way to think about Actual Cash Value is that it is typically the amount for which property could be sold, which is generally less than what it would cost to replace it.
  • Personal Property Replacement Cost Coverage
  • Increased Limits for Property Away from Premises
  • Increased Coverage for Theft of Credit Cards
  • Scheduled Personal Property
  • Personal Injury Coverage
  • Identify Theft Expense Coverage and Resolution Service
  • Additional Insured Coverage
Want to know more about each type? Recline and relax, read more below.
Replacement cost loss settlement on personal property considers the initial price tag paid for the items, regardless of any potential depreciation due to age or condition. Replacement cost on personal property is generally the most recommended option, since it gets renters or homeowners closest to their living situation before the covered loss occurred. For example, if your five-year-old flat screen TV gets damaged in a loss, your policy will pay for you to get a new flat screen, similar to what you had. It will not deduct depreciation due to its age of being 5 years old.
If you experience a covered loss, you automatically receive up to 10% of your personal property value for your personal property that is located away from the insured premises. As an example, if you have $100,000 in personal property coverage with Clever, you would have up to $10,000 for your stuff that is stored somewhere else, like maybe in your parent's basement or in a storage unit. If this value is not enough and you would like to purchase more, you may do so under this option. Clever offers additional limits in the amounts of $2,000, $3,000 or $5,000.
Your Clever renters policy automatically includes $2,500 coverage for loss due to the theft of credit cards, fund transfer cards or loss due to check forgery. If you would like to purchase more coverage than that, you can increase up to $10,000 under this option.
Your renters policy provides a certain level of coverage and a deductible for your personal property. There are coverage limits in place for certain types of personal property such as jewelry and firearms. Some renters choose to schedule or list out items to ensure they are properly covered. For instance, maybe you have a very nice wedding ring that you want to schedule on your policy with a specific value, lower deductible and additional covered causes of loss. Also, maybe you would like to see that item insured separately and listed out on your declaration pages just for your peace of mind. We get that. Clever offers several personal property classifications for you to schedule your "big ticket" items. Minimum and maximum values apply.
Personal injury coverage is an optional add-on, which provides liability coverage for the policy holder from lawsuits filed over issues like defamation, libel and slander. It also protects against lawsuits involving false arrest, unlawful imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Any illegal invasion of a person's home, possessions or privacy is also covered.
This is an option available under the renters policy to insure a criminal event in which an imposter obtains key pieces of your personal information, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers, in order to impersonate you, the insured. This option provides up to $25,000 coverage for a variety of expenses related to the identity theft, such as the costs involved for certified mail sent to law enforcement and financial institutions, loan re-application fees due to incorrect credit information, reasonable attorney fees, we even provide coverage for your lost income due to having to take off work to take care of all of this. We also provide resolution services from a professional that has experience with identity theft and can help you through step by step. How is that for peace of mind?
Additional insured is a type of status associated with general liability insurance policies that provides coverage to other individuals/groups that the named insured wants to extend coverage to. By adding this additional insured option, the additional insured will then be protected under the named insured's policy and can file a claim in the event that they are sued. As an example of how the additional insured concept works, your subdivision association or condo association may ask to be listed on your policy to protect them in the event of legal claims that may arise as a result of your property. You can satisfy this request by adding the association as an additional insured to your policy.
Yes! You have up to 10% of your personal property limit for your stuff that is away from your insured premises. (for example: in your car while at school, located in your locker at the gym or at your parents' house) If that's not enough, you can buy more under the increased limits for property away from premises coverage option.
Yes, our liability coverage is designed to include potential liability if your dog bit someone causing an injury.
Yes, your bike would be considered personal property or your "stuff" and would be covered under personal property, subject to your personal property limit. (See your declaration page for your limits of coverage).
Nope! Your roommate would need to get their own renters policy. Your policy only covers you and any relatives that live with you
Most coverages stay in force and follow you. However, it is important that you keep your insured premises address up to date so that your full coverages always extend. There may be some limitations if your insured premises are not correct. Also, part of your rate is based on your property location so that's another good reason to keep it all current.
  • Notify the police within 24 hours of discovery
  • Notify credit card or fund transfer card company in case of loss of a credit card
  • Notify a Clever expert immediately and report a claim
Standard coverages offered by Clever include:
  • Personal property or contents coverage
    • Simply put, your stuff. From furniture to electronics to your clothing, personal property coverage is pretty essential. It's important to know your personal property limits as there are typically limits on the coverage provided for certain types of personal property, such as jewelry and firearms. Also, you may want the option of selecting a lower deductible and/or a higher level of coverage on certain items. So, if you have the latest smartphone or a fancy camera, it would be a good idea to visit with your insurer to make sure you have the right coverage.
  • Extra expense
    • Also known as loss of use or temporary living expenses, this coverage is all about helping out. Extra expense coverage assists with necessary increased living expenses when an insured's rented home or apartment is uninhabitable as a result of damage by a covered cause of loss. Clever covers you automatically at up to 20% of your personal property value. How is that for value?
  • Liability
    • This coverage protects you against damages arising from an accident that results in the bodily injury or property damage to others, for which you are held liable. It also includes covering court costs and the cost of defending yourself for covered claims. Clever offers a variety of coverage limits and you can pick the limit that is most appropriate for you.
  • Medical payments to others
    • This coverage provides payments for medical, surgical, dental, ambulance and hospital expenses to those injured on your property as a result of an accident. For instance, if you have a visitor at your home and they trip and fall on your front steps resulting in a visit to the doctor and a minor injury, your medical payments to others coverage would apply. Similar to your liability coverage, Clever offers a variety of coverage limits and you can pick the limit that is most appropriate for you.
Renters insurance is an optional coverage, which means it is not legally required. However, if you would have a hard time coming up with the funds to replace the contents of your apartment or money for bodily injury or personal property claims for which you are found at fault, the answer is: yes. Renters insurance is a financial tool. Also, many landlords do require renters insurance to enter into a lease agreement.
The easiest way to start figuring this out is to inventory your goods. Clever has a nifty personal property calculator to help you. When you look around your place think about how much it would take to replace or repair everything in your home or apartment if damaged or stolen. Next, ask yourself how much liability you could afford out of pocket if someone got hurt at your place and sued you. Could you cover their medical bills or legal fees connected with the suit? Get the amount of coverage you need to feel good about these potential situations.
Certainly! Renters insurance provides protection for college students. This is a busy time in your life and you have plenty of other stressors to worry about. Check insurance off the list! We can provide coverage for your stuff in your dorm room, along with liability for you while at school. You can hit the books with peace of mind.
Premiums are based on many factors including:
  • Personal property value
  • Fire protection (miles to closest fire station, water access/hydrants)
  • Type of building housing the personal property
  • Claims history
  • Coverages and deductible(s) selected
You bet. The bundling discount is available for both your auto and renters insurance policies if you bundle the two. This credit is applied to each renewal of your policies if you maintain both the auto and renters policies with Clever. Want to save even more? Get even deeper discounts when you bundle an auto, renters and life policy with us. All the coverage you need, all in one place with deeper discounts. That's Clever.
Yes, property coverages have deductibles. For example: There was damage to your personal property in the amount of $6,250. You carry a $1,000 deductible on your personal property. Therefore, your claim payment would be for $5,250. ($6,250 - $1,000 = $5,250) Check your policy declaration page to see what deductible(s) you have.
This is what your medical payments coverage and potentially liability coverage is for! If someone gets hurt on your property, your medical payments coverage is designed to pay the injured person's medical bills up to your medical payments limit. If the injured party brings suit against you due to the injury, then your liability coverage kicks in both to provide you with a defense and to settle the lawsuit and act on your behalf. We are here for you!
Perils refer to hazards and events that are a source of loss or damage. If a peril is "insured" it means it is covered. If a peril is excluded, then you would not have coverage for it. Perils covered by your insurance vary between insurance companies and policy types. Feel free to reach out to a Clever expert for specifics on your policy.

Some commonly covered perils include:
  • Hail
  • Windstorm
  • Tornado
  • Lightning
  • Fire and smoke
  • Theft and vandalism
  • Falling trees or other objects
  • Water damage (think leaks not floods)
Actual Cash Value or ACV is a method of valuing insured property. Actual Cash Value is not equal to replacement cost value. ACV is computed by subtracting depreciation from replacement cost. Depreciation is the decrease in the value of property over a period of time, usually as a result of age, wear and tear or economic obsolescence. For example, if you have a flat screen TV that is five years old and it is struck by lightning, then depreciation is deducted from your claim payment due to the age and condition of your TV at the time of the loss. Another way to think about Actual Cash Value is that it is typically the amount for which property could be sold, which is generally less than what it would cost to replace it.
  • Personal Property Replacement Cost Coverage
  • Increased Limits for Property Away from Premises
  • Increased Coverage for Theft of Credit Cards
  • Scheduled Personal Property
  • Personal Injury Coverage
  • Identify Theft Expense Coverage and Resolution Service
  • Additional Insured Coverage
Want to know more about each type? Recline and relax, read more below.
Replacement cost loss settlement on personal property considers the initial price tag paid for the items, regardless of any potential depreciation due to age or condition. Replacement cost on personal property is generally the most recommended option, since it gets renters or homeowners closest to their living situation before the covered loss occurred. For example, if your five-year-old flat screen TV gets damaged in a loss, your policy will pay for you to get a new flat screen, similar to what you had. It will not deduct depreciation due to its age of being 5 years old.
If you experience a covered loss, you automatically receive up to 10% of your personal property value for your personal property that is located away from the insured premises. As an example, if you have $100,000 in personal property coverage with Clever, you would have up to $10,000 for your stuff that is stored somewhere else, like maybe in your parent's basement or in a storage unit. If this value is not enough and you would like to purchase more, you may do so under this option. Clever offers additional limits in the amounts of $2,000, $3,000 or $5,000.
Your Clever renters policy automatically includes $2,500 coverage for loss due to the theft of credit cards, fund transfer cards or loss due to check forgery. If you would like to purchase more coverage than that, you can increase up to $10,000 under this option.
Your renters policy provides a certain level of coverage and a deductible for your personal property. There are coverage limits in place for certain types of personal property such as jewelry and firearms. Some renters choose to schedule or list out items to ensure they are properly covered. For instance, maybe you have a very nice wedding ring that you want to schedule on your policy with a specific value, lower deductible and additional covered causes of loss. Also, maybe you would like to see that item insured separately and listed out on your declaration pages just for your peace of mind. We get that. Clever offers several personal property classifications for you to schedule your "big ticket" items. Minimum and maximum values apply.
Personal injury coverage is an optional add-on, which provides liability coverage for the policy holder from lawsuits filed over issues like defamation, libel and slander. It also protects against lawsuits involving false arrest, unlawful imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Any illegal invasion of a person's home, possessions or privacy is also covered.
This is an option available under the renters policy to insure a criminal event in which an imposter obtains key pieces of your personal information, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers, in order to impersonate you, the insured. This option provides up to $25,000 coverage for a variety of expenses related to the identity theft, such as the costs involved for certified mail sent to law enforcement and financial institutions, loan re-application fees due to incorrect credit information, reasonable attorney fees, we even provide coverage for your lost income due to having to take off work to take care of all of this. We also provide resolution services from a professional that has experience with identity theft and can help you through step by step. How is that for peace of mind?
Additional insured is a type of status associated with general liability insurance policies that provides coverage to other individuals/groups that the named insured wants to extend coverage to. By adding this additional insured option, the additional insured will then be protected under the named insured's policy and can file a claim in the event that they are sued. As an example of how the additional insured concept works, your subdivision association or condo association may ask to be listed on your policy to protect them in the event of legal claims that may arise as a result of your property. You can satisfy this request by adding the association as an additional insured to your policy.
Yes! You have up to 10% of your personal property limit for your stuff that is away from your insured premises. (for example: in your car while at school, located in your locker at the gym or at your parents' house) If that's not enough, you can buy more under the increased limits for property away from premises coverage option.
Yes, our liability coverage is designed to include potential liability if your dog bit someone causing an injury.
Yes, your bike would be considered personal property or your "stuff" and would be covered under personal property, subject to your personal property limit. (See your declaration page for your limits of coverage).
Nope! Your roommate would need to get their own renters policy. Your policy only covers you and any relatives that live with you
Most coverages stay in force and follow you. However, it is important that you keep your insured premises address up to date so that your full coverages always extend. There may be some limitations if your insured premises are not correct. Also, part of your rate is based on your property location so that's another good reason to keep it all current.
  • Notify the police within 24 hours of discovery
  • Notify credit card or fund transfer card company in case of loss of a credit card
  • Notify a Clever expert immediately and report a claim

Ready for a quote? You've made it this far.