So, you are sharing a cozy apartment with a roommate, splitting the bills, the fridge space, and maybe even that ancient couch neither of you remembers buying. But when it comes to Renters insurance – can you split that too?

Not unless they are immediate family (like a spouse or child) or officially listed on your Renters insurance policy. Just living together doesn’t cut it when it comes to coverage. If they are not named on your policy, their stuff isn’t protected under your coverage. That means if there’s a fire, theft, or water leak – your clothes and gadgets are covered, but their collection of vintage vinyl? Not so much.

And Renters insurance isn’t just for your stuff. It also offers personal liability coverage. That means if someone slips on your freshly mopped floor and decides to sue, your policy can help cover legal expenses. Handy, right?

Here’s another bonus: if a covered disaster makes your place unlivable (think fire or major water damage), your Renters insurance can pay for temporary living expenses (learn more about Additional Living Expenses coverage here) – like a hotel stay or extra meal costs while your home is being fixed.

Learn what else is covered by Renters insurance here.

• Clear Ownership: Separate policies make it clear who’s covered for what. No confusion over whose gaming console or vintage record collection got damaged.
• Individual Liability: If your roommate causes an accident, you don’t want to be on the hook for their mistake. Separate policies keep your liability coverage… well, yours.
• Separate Claims Histories: If your roommate files a claim, it won’t follow you around or raise your rates later. A clean history = better premiums.
• Budget-Friendly: Renters insurance is one of the most affordable types of coverage out there. Often less than the cost of a pizza night.