Does Renters Insurance Cover Roommates? (2024)

If you're moving in with a friend, you may be wondering how renters insurance with roommates works. Unless your roommate's name is listed on your policy, they won't be covered under your renters insurance. If your roommate is listed as an insured on your policy and their possessions are damaged or destroyed in a covered loss, your insurer may pay to repair or replace your roommate's items up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.

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Does each roommate need renters insurance?

Many insurance companies will require roommates to have their own separate renters insurance policy rather than allowing roommates to be on a policy together. If your landlord doesn't mandate renters insurance, you and your roommates aren't required to carry a policy.

Learn if landlords can require renters insurance and what renters insurance covers.

Can I add a roommate to my renters insurance policy?

Assuming your state and insurance provider allow it, you may add a roommate to your policy. Verify that this is allowed by your insurance company as some won't add an additional insured who isn't a spouse or relative. Also, keep in mind that any claim your roommate files may appear on your insurance claims history.

For insurance purposes, unmarried couples, domestic partners, and friends may all be considered roommates. Learn more about renters insurance requirements by state.

Is there a downside to getting renters insurance with roommates?

You may want to avoid sharing renters insurance with roommates due to the following factors:

You'll have to adjust your renters insurance policy every time you change roommates.
If there's a dispute or falling out between you and your roommate(s), that may complicate any insurance claims filed or under consideration.
If your roommate(s) suffers a covered loss on your policy, you both will have the claim on your records, and your insurance rates could be higher in the future as a result.