Renters insurance covers some pet-related costs but not others. It usually covers your liability if your pet injures someone or damages their property. It doesn’t cover your pet’s vet bills (that’s pet insurance) or damage your pet does to your rental or your own belongings.
What renters insurance covers
- Bites and injuries to other people: liability coverage pays their medical bills and your legal costs if you’re responsible. Dog bites explained.
- Damage to other people’s property: your dog chews a guest’s shoes, or your cat’s knocked-over aquarium floods the unit below.
- Minor guest injuries regardless of fault: through medical payments coverage. Medical payments explained.
What it doesn’t cover
- Vet bills for illness or injury
- Damage to your rental, such as scratched floors or chewed door frames; that’s typically deducted from your security deposit
- Damage to your own belongings caused by your pet
- Your pet’s death or injury, in most policies
Renters insurance vs. pet insurance
| Renters insurance | Pet insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Protects | You, from claims by others | Your pet’s health |
| Pays for | Injuries and damage your pet causes to others | Vet bills for accidents and illness |
| Required by landlords? | Often, especially with pets | Rarely |
Many pet owners carry both: renters insurance for liability, pet insurance for vet costs.
Tell your insurer about your pets
Some insurers exclude certain dog breeds or animals with a bite history, and some limit coverage for exotic pets. Disclose your pets when you buy so you don’t discover a gap after an incident.
New to this? Start with What is renters insurance?
This site offers general information, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage, prices and rules vary by insurer, policy and state, so always read your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about your situation.