Personal property coverage is a fundamental aspect of renters insurance policies. It typically protects belongings against various causes of damage and loss, including theft. However, theft by roommates is often not covered.
Exclusion of Roommate Theft
Many renters insurance policies explicitly exclude theft by roommates from their personal property coverage. While theft by those not living with you is usually covered, any theft by roommates, housemates, or partners is unlikely to be covered.
Policies exclude roommate theft for two clear reasons. First, roommates have much more access to your belongings than anyone else. Second, proving that someone living with you stole your belongings can be extremely challenging. Confirming that they took your dinner leftovers can be difficult, let alone proving they took your laptop.
Minimizing the Risk of Roommate Theft
This leaves renters with limited ways to protect themselves against potential roommate theft. However, you can take a few steps to reduce the risk.
Try to find roommates whom you personally know and trust. If no friends or coworkers are living in Ankeny, IA needs a roommate, so look for someone who knows someone looking for a place to live. A friend of a friend is better than someone randomly found online.
Ensure your place has locked bedroom doors. This will allow you to secure many belongings when you aren’t around the house or apartment.
Consider locking them up for particularly expensive items when you aren’t using them. You might use a bike lock for expensive sports equipment (not just a bike) or a locking filing cabinet for smaller valuables. Some desks have locking or hidden drawers, too.
The Importance of Renters Insurance in Iowa
While renters insurance typically doesn’t protect against roommate theft, it does provide many other essential protections. We at Maschoff Insurance strongly recommend that anyone renting in Ankeny, IA have a policy. Our agents here at Maschoff Insurance can help you find one.
