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Renters insurance helps protect you from the financial impact of unexpected events such as theft, fire, certain types of water damage, or injuries that occur in your home. While a landlord’s insurance generally covers the building, it usually does not cover your personal belongings. Depending on the policy, renters insurance may also provide liability protection and help with temporary living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable.
What to Know About Renters Insurance
​Before choosing a policy, it is important to understand what renters insurance may cover and what costs you may still be responsible for.
  • Personal property coverage: Helps replace belongings damaged or stolen during a covered event.
  • Liability protection: May help with expenses if someone is injured in your home or you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
  • Additional living expenses: May help pay for temporary housing, meals, or other costs if your rental becomes uninhabitable after a covered event.
  • Deductible: The amount you must pay before the insurance company contributes to a covered claim.
  • Coverage limits: The maximum amount the policy will pay. Valuable items may require additional coverage.
  • Exclusions: Flooding, pests, normal wear, and certain other events may not be included in a standard policy.
  • Documentation: A home inventory with pictures, receipts, and estimated values can make filing a claim easier.
  • Rental requirements: Some landlords require proof of renters insurance before move-in or throughout the lease.
​Coverage and costs vary, so compare policies carefully and ask questions before enrolling.

Fast Forward Renter Insurance Video 

Watch the video below to learn how renters insurance works, what it may cover, and what to consider when comparing policies. Then, complete the quiz to review what you learned.

​Questions to Ask About Renters Insurance in SC

When comparing renters insurance policies, ask the insurance agent or company:
  • What events are covered, including fire, theft, smoke, wind, hail, and water damage?
  • Does the policy have a separate deductible for windstorm or hail damage?
  • Does the policy cover the replacement cost of my belongings, or only their depreciated actual cash value?
  • What is the deductible, and how much would I pay before coverage begins?
  • How much personal property coverage do I need based on the value of my belongings?
  • Are electronics, jewelry, tools, collectibles, or other valuable items subject to special limits?
  • How much liability coverage is included? 
  • Does liability coverage apply to injuries or damage caused by my pet?
  • Will the policy pay for temporary housing and other living expenses if my rental becomes uninhabitable?
  • Are my belongings covered when they are outside my home, such as items stolen from a vehicle?
  • Does the policy cover water backup or damage from a burst pipe?
  • Would a roommate’s belongings be covered under the policy, or would they need a separate policy?
  • Does my landlord need to be listed as an interested party on the policy?
  • ​How do I file a claim, and what documentation would I need?
​South Carolina renters should specifically ask about flood coverage. Standard renters insurance generally does not cover flooding caused by heavy rain, overflowing waterways, or storm surge. Separate contents, only flood insurance may be available to protect a renter’s belongings. The South Carolina Department of Insurance also recommends comparing actual cash value with replacement-cost coverage and creating a home inventory.

South Carolina-Specific Considerations

South Carolina renters should ask how their policy handles wind, hail, hurricanes, and different types of water damage. Standard renters insurance generally does not cover flooding caused by heavy rain, overflowing waterways, or storm surge, so separate flood coverage may be needed. Review your deductible, exclusions, and coverage limits carefully, and check your lease to determine whether your landlord requires proof of renters' insurance.
Resources for More Information About Renters Insurance
South Carolina Renters Insurance Guidance
​The South Carolina Department of Insurance explains common renters insurance coverage, including personal property, liability, replacement cost, and home inventories. It also provides state-specific consumer guidance.
​Flood Insurance for Renters
​FloodSmart explains why standard renters insurance typically does not cover flooding and how separate contents-only flood insurance can protect your belongings.
Protecting Your Belongings with Renters Insurance
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners provides practical information about personal property coverage, liability protection, policy limits, and questions to consider when comparing policies.
Understanding Renters Insurance Coverage
​The Insurance Information Institute explains the main parts of renters insurance, including personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses. It also discusses common exclusions and determining how much coverage you may need.