Contents insurance for renters: 11 FAQs answered

Do I need contents insurance if I am renting?

Rugs, electronics, furniture, white goods including your washing machine and dryer, surfboards, paddleboards and canoes are just some items that could be covered by a renters insurance policy (also known as a contents insurance policy).

But you need to be mindful of the things that won’t be covered if the unexpected happens, so you can take the necessary precautions.

“We’ve compiled the answers to some of the most common things people want to know about renters or contents insurance and explain what is and isn’t covered,” said QBE Head of Product, Retail, Larissa Medway.

1. Will renters insurance cover stolen items?

Renters insurance could cover belongings stolen from your home, depending on the item and what happened.

If you want cover for eligible belongings that you take away from home, you’ll usually need optional Portable Contents cover. Cover can vary for things like bikes and laptops, so here’s a few common examples.

2. Will renters insurance cover a stolen bicycle?

Yes, but there are some limitations.

“A standard renters insurance will cover a stolen bike only if it’s been stolen from your home. If you’d like to cover your bike away from home, you can ask us to cover it as portable contents.”

It’s important to note that we won’t cover a stolen bicycle if it’s left unattended in a public place without being chained with a secure bicycle or D-lock.

3. Will renters insurance cover a stolen laptop?

Renters insurance can cover a stolen laptop whether it’s stolen from your home or away from your home – such as your local café – if you’ve insured it under the additional option for portable contents on your policy.

Related article: Portable contents insurance for when you are away from home

4. Will renters insurance cover a stolen motorcycle?

A stolen motorcycle may be covered under QBE Contents Insurance if its engine capacity is up to 125cc and it isn’t required by law to be registered. For most motorcycles, however, you’ll need a separate motorcycle insurance policy to be covered for theft or damage.

Related article: Motorcycle insurance for Australian riders

5. Will renters insurance cover a bed bugs and mould?

No, we don’t cover damages or removal of bed bugs.

“Unfortunately, renters insurance won’t cover damage caused by bed bugs and other pests such as insects, mice, termites or other animals considered as vermin,” Medway added.

It’s important to note that damage from mould or mildew rot won’t be covered by your contents insurance either.

6. Will renters insurance pay for a hotel?

If your home is damaged after an insured incident, such as flooding after a storm or after a kitchen fire and it’s unsafe or uninhabitable, renters insurance can cover the cost of temporary accommodation up to a maximum of six weeks from the time of damage.

“We’ll also look after your pets too. We can put them up in a professional animal boarding home at the same time if they’re not allowed in your temporary accommodation,” she said.

7. Will renters insurance cover a broken TV?

“A broken TV screen may be covered under QBE renters insurance if the damage is accidental and you’ve selected Accidental Damage cover as part of your contents policy. This optional cover also applies to other household items such as glassware, crockery or vases.”

Related article: Accidental damage insurance explained

8. Will renters insurance cover water damage?

Renters insurance can cover water damage.

“We can pay for the costs to cover damage to your belongings in your home that’s caused by water which suddenly escapes from you or your neighbour’s plumbing system, bath or sink, roof gutter, tank, toilet system, white goods, or rain tanks,” said Medway.

9. Will renters insurance cover damage caused by your pet?

“If you take your dog over to another person’s house and they wreak havoc, for example, if they tear up the lounge, the cost of the damage could be claimed on your contents insurance under your liability cover.”

10. Will renters insurance cover dog bites?

“If your dog bites someone, the medical bills may be claimed as part of your renters or contents insurance,” Medway said.

That’s because renters insurance also includes a largely little-known type of cover called liability insurance, which dog bites or pet damage to another person’s property falls under.

“Liability insurance also can protect you from liability if a person is accidentally injured in your home or if you or a family member accidentally injure someone outside your home. Plus, it provides protection if you, a family member, or your pet, causes loss or damage to another person’s property,” she added.

This insurance also extends to accidental injury to others outside your home, whether in Australia or overseas, so if you accidentally injure a person on holidays and you’re found liable, associated medical costs up to $30 million may be covered.

Related article: Liability cover – the little known benefit included in your home insurance

11. Will renters insurance cover food loss?

“If your fridge or freezer breaks, or if it’s affected by a loss of electricity supply and your food or medicine spoils and needs to be thrown out, we’ll cover up to $500 towards the cost to replace these,” Medway said.

If your belongings are important to you, it’s worth considering contents insurance to cover them. With over 140 years’ experience, QBE is at the heart of protecting what matters most.

QBE Contents Insurance Get a quote