Does Renters Insurance Cover Holes in Walls? (2024)

Table of Contents

Does renters insurance cover holes in walls?
Will renters insurance cover holes in walls put there intentionally?
Does a landlord insurance policy cover holes in the wall?
Is there an additional policy I can purchase to cover holes in the walls?

Does renters insurance cover holes in walls?

I had to purchase a renters insurance policy as part of my lease, and as someone who has never held a renters insurance policy before, I'm curious about the extent of damage it covers.

For example, what if there is damage to the unit like a hole in the wall? Does it matter whether the accident was intentional or accidental? Do I need to purchase an additional policy if I'm worried about this kind of damage?

This is a great question, especially because a lot of insureds under renters policies are unsure of the extent of their coverage. Plus when it comes to damage to the unit itself, it's important to distinguish between what you're responsible for as a tenant and what your landlord is responsible for.

Let's start at the ground level. A renters insurance policy protects your personal property and provides liability coverage. The liability coverage matters if you're sued because someone was hurt while they were visiting your home or if you accidentally injure someone or cause property damage to others.

What you'll notice from this description is that damage to the structure of your unit is not included in this definition. The reason is that your landlord is responsible for damage to the unit, not you.

That being said, your landlord's policy will cover any accidental damage to your unit. This would provide coverage if you accidentally put a hole in the wall moving furniture.

However, intentional damage is likely excluded. So if you get mad and punch a hole in the wall, your renters insurance isn't going to help and neither is your landlord's policy. All that means is that you're going to be on the hook for the cost of repairs.

If you're confused about why your renters insurance policy doesn't help cover wall damage — including holes in the wall — your independent insurance agent can help explain the coverage in greater detail.

Will renters insurance cover holes in walls that were put there intentionally?

Again, the answer is no. I bring this up separately from the answer above because it's important to note that intentional damage is virtually never covered under your renters insurance policy or by your landlord's insurance policy.

So while your landlord's policy would cover negligent damage (i.e., you put a hole in the wall moving furniture) it won't cover damage if you punched the wall on purpose.

The lesson here is to remember that negligent or accidental damage will almost always be covered, at least in part, by your landlord's policy, whereas intentional damage is going to leave you on the hook for the full cost of the damage.

If you'd like to discuss this distinction in greater detail to better understand your renters insurance policy, your independent insurance agent can help.

Does a landlord insurance policy cover holes in the walls?

As I briefly mentioned above the answer is yes, provided that the damage was accidental. The best example of this is that you damaged the wall while moving a new couch into your unit. Your renters insurance won't cover this, but your landlord's insurance policy likely will.

If you're still unclear on the distinction between your renters insurance policy and your landlord's policy, talk to your independent insurance agent.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Holes in Walls? (1)

Ready to Save on Renters Insurance?

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Is there an additional policy I can purchase to cover holes in the walls?

Because renters insurance isn't designed to cover damage to your unit, it isn't going to help you out with structural damage to the unit.

If you're concerned about other potential sources of damage or liability that aren't covered by a standard renters insurance policy, you can speak with your independent insurance agent to discuss potential riders you may want to purchase.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Holes in Walls? (2024)

FAQs

Does Renters Insurance Cover Holes in Walls? ›

So if you get mad and punch a hole in the wall, your renters insurance isn't going to help and neither is your landlord's policy. All that means is that you're going to be on the hook for the cost of repairs.

Does insurance cover holes in walls? ›

Your home insurance policy will pay for repairs to the foundation and basic structure of your home including its frame, walls, and roof when it's damaged due to a covered peril. Lightning, fire, and theft are all examples of perils.

What is typically not covered by renters insurance? ›

Flooding, earthquakes and sinkholes are all examples of natural disasters that are not covered by a typical renters insurance policy. All three of these events can easily damage your personal property, so you should buy additional coverage if you think you're at risk.

Which one of the following is not covered by renter's insurance? ›

Items not covered with renters insurance include: Personal property loss that exceeds the coverage limits on your renters insurance policy. Liability situations that exceed the limits on your policy. Damages caused to the structure of the building you are renting (which is covered by your landlord's homeowners policy).

Does renters insurance cover pest damage? ›

Renters insurance typically excludes damage from rats, co*ckroaches, termites, and other pests considering it the tenant's responsibility to maintain their rental unit.

Will renters insurance cover a hole in the wall? ›

Damage to the structure of your rental home or unit won't be covered under a renters policy. Your landlord's insurance policy typically covers damage to the dwelling's roof, ceiling, and walls, caused by things like bursting pipes and vandalism.

How much does it cost to cover a hole in the wall? ›

Drywall repair cost by type of damage
Type of DamageCost
Ceiling$230-$1,400
Small holes$10-$135
Large holes$60-$225
Dents$10-$160
4 more rows

What are three ways that renters insurance protects a renter? ›

Your personal property, personal liability, additional living expenses, and guest medical expenses are usually covered under your renters insurance. It typically does not cover earthquakes, floods, bedbugs, mold, or damage to the exterior of the building.

What are the three major parts of a renters insurance policy? ›

Renters insurance has three basic coverage components: personal possessions, liability, and additional living expenses.

Does renters insurance cover damage to flooring? ›

Does renters insurance cover carpet and floor damage? Renters insurance won't cover the physical structure of the apartment, condo, or house you're renting. Your landlord's policy may cover damage to the floors or carpet from a covered peril.

What perils are typically not covered by renters or homeowners insurance? ›

Earthquake, flood, mold, earth movement, and “wear and tear” are some of the perils that are usually excluded.

Which is not true about renters insurance? ›

Final answer: The statement 'Renter's insurance covers the building and other structures on the site' is incorrect. Renter's insurance covers the renter's personal belongings, liabilities, and possibly living expenses, not the physical building. The actual building is typically insured by the landlord.

Does renters insurance cover broken windows? ›

Broken Windows in Your Home

Renters insurance will not cover a broken window in your own residence. Renters insurance only covers your personal property, not the home. Damage to the physical structure of the building you live in, which includes a broken window, is covered by your landlord insurance.

Is carpenter ant damage covered by insurance? ›

Carpenter ant damage follows the same rule of thumb as termite damage. Insurance companies view it as a matter of general home maintenance. Even if you didn't know you had an infestation, insurance companies typically won't cover damage resulting from the ants, such as damaged walls, floors, or ceilings.

Does renters insurance cover structure damage? ›

While renters insurance helps protect you and your belongings, keep in mind that it typically does not cover the physical building you're living in. Landlord insurance is designed to help protect the owner's dwelling, while you, the renter, are usually responsible for protecting the belongings you keep inside.

Are roaches covered under renters insurance? ›

Like bed bugs, renters insurance typically won't cover rodent infestations or damage from termites or co*ckroaches. If you think that you have mice, rats, or other pests in your residence, act as quickly as possible to mitigate costly damage and potential health risks.

Does insurance cover wall damage? ›

Fences and walls are generally considered to be a structure and thus are covered much like a garage or other outbuilding. Most standard homeowners policies include repairs or replacement due to storm damage, fire, wind, or other causes included in your policy.

Does building insurance cover wall damage? ›

Buildings insurance covers the cost to repair damage to or rebuild the structure of your home. This includes its windows, walls roof, outbuildings, and fitted kitchens and bathrooms.

What home repairs do most insurance cover? ›

Home warranty plans, sometimes referred to as home repair insurance, typically cover:
  • Appliances.
  • Electrical systems.
  • Plumbing.
  • Air conditioning.
  • Furnaces.

Are cracks in walls covered by insurance? ›

In most cases yes, your home insurance will cover cracks in interior and exterior walls. As with most things to do with insurance, it all depends on the underlying cause. Cracks in the fabric of your house are most often caused by subsidence or ground heave. However, these aren't the only causes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carmelo Roob

Last Updated:

Views: 5983

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carmelo Roob

Birthday: 1995-01-09

Address: Apt. 915 481 Sipes Cliff, New Gonzalobury, CO 80176

Phone: +6773780339780

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Gaming, Jogging, Rugby, Video gaming, Handball, Ice skating, Web surfing

Introduction: My name is Carmelo Roob, I am a modern, handsome, delightful, comfortable, attractive, vast, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.