Is Bed Bugs Covered by Renters Insurance?
WouterIf you rent your apartment, you should check if your renters insurance policy covers bed bugs. Bed bugs can be a major problem in rental apartments. These bugs lay hundreds of eggs and can leave behind their exoskeletons in your furniture and other possessions. If your tenant leaves bed bugs behind in his apartment, you should contact your insurance provider.
Most renters insurance policies do not cover damage caused by bed bugs. However, if you do find an infestation, you can make a claim for the cost of the infestation. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of your insurance policy before filing a claim. You should also be aware of the exclusions in the policy, so you know what is not covered.
The landlord may be responsible for exterminating bedbugs, depending on the state. If the landlord was negligent in allowing the bedbugs to infest the apartment, they will likely have to pay for the extermination costs. A landlord may also be responsible for preventing infestations in common areas.
Although bed bugs are not considered an essential peril, most renters insurance policies do not specifically list them as an excluded peril. This means that virtually every type of pest problem won’t be covered. It’s best to consult an attorney before making a claim to be sure you’ll be protected.
