Contract Terms & Conditions

What is Personal Belongings Insurance?

Personal Belongings Insurance — often called Tenant Insurance — helps protect you and your belongings while living in residence.
It provides financial protection if your items are damaged, stolen, or lost, and it can also cover you if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property or injure another person.

Think of it as a safety net for your belongings — and your peace of mind.

Why is it important?

Even though you don’t own your residence room, you’re still responsible for your personal belongings and for any accidental damage you may cause. Without insurance, you’d have to pay out of pocket to replace your belongings or to cover repair or liability costs if something goes wrong.

Having this coverage ensures that:

• You don’t face unexpected costs due to accidents or theft.
• Your belongings are protected against fire, water damage, or other risks.
• You’re covered if you’re found legally responsible for damaging property or injuring someone.

Insurance provides both you and your university peace of mind knowing you’re protected from common risks while living away from home.

What does it usually cover?

While specific details vary by provider, most tenant insurance policies for students include:

• Contents Coverage: Protection for personal items like clothing, electronics, furniture, and books — typically between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on your plan.
• All-Risks Protection: Covers many types of accidental loss or damage, such as fire, water, or theft.
• Additional Living Expenses: Helps pay for temporary housing or meals if your room becomes unlivable after a covered event.
• Personal Liability: Covers you (often up to $1 million or more) if you accidentally damage someone else’s property or cause injury.
• Deductible: The amount you’ll pay out of pocket if you make a claim — usually between $250 and $500.

Examples of when you might need Personal Belongings Insurance

• Water Damage: A pipe bursts and damages your clothes and electronics.
• Fire or Smoke Damage: A small kitchen fire affects your belongings.
• Theft: Your laptop or backpack is stolen from your room.
• Accidental Damage: You accidentally cause damage to university property.
• Liability Claim: A visitor trips and gets injured in your room — you’re covered for their medical and legal costs.

How to Get Personal Belongings/Tenants Insurance

1. Compare Providers: Search online or contact insurance companies or brokers that offer student or tenant insurance.
   • Common providers include major insurance companies and specialty insurers with student plans.
   • You can also check if your parents’ or guardians’ insurance policy can extend coverage to you while at school.
2. Check What’s Included: Review coverage amounts, deductibles, and whether liability and additional living expenses are included.
3. Get a Quote: Most companies allow you to get an instant quote online.
   • You’ll need your residence address and an idea of how much your belongings are worth.
4. Purchase and Keep Proof: Once you buy your policy, save your policy number and insurance documents in a safe place (digital or paper).

How to Use Your Insurance

If something happens:

1. Report the Incident Promptly — Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
2. Provide Details — Be ready to explain what happened, when it occurred, and what was lost or damaged.
   • If there was a theft, file a police report and keep a copy.
3. Work With the Adjuster — Your insurance provider will assign a claims adjuster who will guide you through next steps.
4. Repair or Replace Items — Once approved, your items will be repaired, replaced, or reimbursed (minus your deductible).

Quick tips

• Keep an inventory or photos of your belongings.
• Store receipts for expensive items like laptops or musical instruments.
• Report losses or damage right away to prevent delays.
• Keep receipts for any temporary housing or meal expenses if you’re displaced — they may be reimbursed.