Does Renters Insurance Cover Pet Damage?
What Does Renters Insurance Usually Cover?
Renters insurance is designed to protect your belongings (like furniture, clothes, and electronics) and cover you if you accidentally damage someone else’s property or cause injury.
Most policies include:
Personal property coverage: Covers your things if they’re damaged or stolen.
Liability coverage: Pays if you’re legally responsible for someone else’s injuries or property damage.
Additional living expenses: Helps with costs if you can’t stay in your rental after a covered loss.
But when it comes to damage caused by your pet, the coverage depends on what was damaged — and who was affected.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage to Your Own Place?
Here’s the tough news: Most renters policies won’t pay for damage your pet does to your own unit.
For example:
If your dog scratches up the doors or baseboards
If your cat tears up the carpet
If your puppy chews up the blinds
In these situations, you’re usually on the hook for repairs — and your landlord may deduct the costs from your security deposit or send you a bill.
When Pet Damage Is Covered
Your renters insurance liability coverage kicks in when your pet causes damage or injury to someone else — not your own unit.
Examples:
Your dog bites a neighbor or visitor and they need medical care.
Your pet damages a guest’s expensive purse or phone while they’re in your home.
Your dog gets loose and damages a neighbor’s fence.
In these cases, your liability coverage helps pay for injuries, legal fees, or property damage you’re responsible for.
What About Breed Restrictions?
Many insurance companies have breed restrictions for liability coverage. If you own certain dog breeds (like pit bulls, rottweilers, or Dobermans), your policy might exclude dog bites or other incidents. Always check your policy’s fine print and talk to your agent — you don’t want a surprise gap in coverage if something goes wrong.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Pet Theft or Vet Bills?
Standard renters insurance doesn’t cover vet bills or routine pet care. Pets are generally considered property, but they’re not protected like your laptop or TV.
If your pet is stolen, your renters policy usually won’t help — although some specialty pet insurance plans may cover theft or lost-pet advertising costs.
Tips to Protect Yourself (and Your Deposit)
While renters insurance can help with big liability claims, you’re still responsible for everyday wear and tear your pet might cause. A few smart tips:
Do regular maintenance and repairs before they get worse.
Invest in scratching posts, chew toys, or gates to protect walls and floors.
Keep your pet properly trained and supervised.
Document your unit’s condition with photos when you move in and out.
When to Consider Extra Protection
If you have a higher-risk pet or want more coverage, talk to your agent about:
Higher liability limits: Medical bills and lawsuits can add up quickly.
Umbrella insurance: Adds extra liability protection above your renters policy limits.
Pet liability endorsements: Some insurers offer separate riders or policies for excluded dog breeds.
How Hixson & Malinowski Insurance Can Help
As an independent agency in Parma, we help renters protect themselves and their furry family members. We’ll:
Explain what’s covered and what’s not
Shop multiple carriers to find the best fit for your situation
Recommend any extra liability protection if needed
Answer all your “what ifs” about pets and renters insurance
Renters insurance is an affordable way to protect your stuff and your wallet — but when it comes to your pet, don’t assume everything is covered. Before your four-legged friend leaves you with a surprise repair bill or liability risk, talk to Hixson & Malinowski Insurance. We’ll help you understand your options and stay covered with confidence.
