Guides

Renters insurance claim: making your personal property list

Renters insurance is mostly personal property coverage, so your inventory is the whole claim. Many renters underestimate what they own. A typical one-bedroom apartment holds $20,000–$40,000 of belongings at replacement cost.

What's covered

Your belongings anywhere in the apartment, and often away from home too (car break-ins, storage units, travel), subject to the deductible. Your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your things.

Build the list

1. Go through each room using a checklist.
2. Record brand/model, age and today's replacement price.
3. Check if your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value. See ACV vs RCV.
4. Submit the itemized list with photos and any receipts you can find.