Does renters insurance cover appliances? What you need to know

💡 Need to know

• Renters insurance may cover appliances you own. Think microwaves, mini fridges, washers, and other personal property.
• What caused the damage matters. Coverage may apply after events like fire, theft, or certain types of water damage.
• Your deductible still applies. You’ll typically pay that amount before insurance helps with repair or replacement.
• Wear and tear usually isn’t covered. Mechanical failures and appliances owned by your landlord are generally excluded.

When an appliance breaks, the repair bill can be painful enough without wondering whether renters insurance will help cover it. The answer depends on who owns the appliance and, just as importantly, what caused the damage. Here’s when renters insurance may step in—and when the cost is likely yours.

What is renters insurance?

Renters insurance is coverage designed to help protect your personal belongings if you’re renting a house or apartment. It might not cover the physical structure of the home (that’s the landlord’s job), but it can help protect the things you own inside it from damage, theft, or loss. 

When does renters insurance cover appliances?

Renters insurance policies generally cover the appliances you bought in the same way they cover your other belongings. You'd file a claim, and the insurance company would get to work.

Coverage can vary and depends on circumstances, so make sure you read the terms and conditions of your plan to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Some common instances where your renters insurance may protect appliances include: 

• Fires
• Water damage
• Vandalism or theft
• Natural disasters 

When does renters insurance not cover appliances?

While renters insurance covers appliances in many instances, the world of insurance is filled with fine print and caveats. For example, if your washer leaks, the items destroyed by the water are eligible for an insurance claim. The washer, however, isn’t. 

Renters insurance typically doesn't cover appliances when the damage or loss is a result of any of the following:

• Normal wear and tear
• Mechanical breakdowns
• Intentional physical damage
• Negligence
• Wasn’t included in the policy

To avoid surprises, it’s essential to read through all of the terms and conditions of your policy.

What appliances will renters insurance cover?

Typically, renters insurance covers most major home appliances—think refrigerators and stoves. Some policies also cover devices you might not consider to be appliances, like:

• Television sets
• Video game consoles 
• Computers and laptops
• Washers and dryers
• Mini refrigerators 
• Small cooking appliances
• Coffee makers and espresso machines
• Fans and portable heaters
• Air-conditioning units
• Vacuums

Does renters insurance cover broken appliances?

Renters insurance policies don't often cover appliance breakdowns or malfunctioning appliances. That’s‌ where protection plans and extended warranties come in. They bridge the gap between disasters or theft and everyday occurrences like electrical failure.