Renters insurance covers your personal property, your liability to others, and your cost of living somewhere else if your rental becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss. Your landlord carries insurance on the structure itself, but that policy stops at the walls. Everything inside, your furniture, electronics, clothing, cookware, and everything else you own, is your responsibility to insure.

A standard renters policy bundles three protections: personal property coverage, liability coverage, and loss-of-use coverage. Bittick shops these policies across multiple carriers so you get the right limits for what you own, not just the cheapest number on a quote sheet.

Your belongings and your liability deserve protection.

Renters insurance shields what you own and protects you if someone gets hurt in your place—and we'll help you find the right coverage.

Illustrated scene depicting the risks Renters Insurance protects against, with hotspot markers highlighting each scenario.

The risk

How this coverage helps

What this coverage includes

Personal property coverage

This is the part of your policy that replaces your belongings if they are stolen, destroyed by fire, damaged by a burst pipe, or lost to another covered peril. Common covered events include fire, smoke, lightning, theft, vandalism, windstorm, and water backup from a drain or sump pump. Note that flood damage from rising water and earthquake damage are not included in a standard policy and require separate coverage. The limit you carry should reflect what it would actually cost to replace what you own, so a quick home inventory before you quote is worth the ten minutes it takes.

Liability coverage

If a guest slips on your wet kitchen floor or you accidentally start a small fire that spreads to a neighboring unit, liability coverage pays for the resulting medical bills, property damage, and legal costs up to your policy limit. Most policies also offer a no-fault medical payments option, which covers a visitor's minor medical bills regardless of who was at fault, and can resolve small incidents before they become claims. Your liability limit is a number worth discussing with us, because the default on a basic policy is often lower than what makes sense for your situation.

Loss-of-use coverage

If a covered event makes your rental uninhabitable, this portion of your policy covers the extra cost of living somewhere else while repairs happen. That means hotel stays, short-term rentals, restaurant meals you would not otherwise be spending, and similar out-of-pocket costs above your normal budget. Loss-of-use coverage pays the difference between what you were spending and what you are forced to spend, up to your policy's limit and time period, so understanding those caps before you need them matters.

What renters insurance does not cover

A few gaps are worth knowing upfront. Flood and earthquake damage each require a separate policy. Your car parked in the driveway or a shared lot is not covered by renters insurance; that protection lives on your auto policy. Roommates not listed on your policy are not covered, so if you share a place, each person typically needs to be named or should carry their own policy. High-value items like jewelry, musical instruments, or camera gear may have sub-limits that fall short of full replacement value; a scheduled personal property endorsement can close that gap.

Pairs well with

Flood Insurance

Standard renters policies exclude rising water. If your rental sits in a low-lying area near the Boise or Snake River drainages, a separate flood policy through the NFIP or a private carrier fills that gap.

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Personal Auto Insurance

Your renters policy does not cover your vehicle. Auto insurance handles theft, collision, and liability tied to your car, including while it is parked at your rental.

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Umbrella Insurance

If your liability exposure is higher than a standard renters limit, a personal umbrella policy layers additional coverage on top, protecting your wages and savings from a large judgment.

Learn more ›

Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement

Jewelry, camera equipment, musical instruments, and collectibles often hit policy sub-limits fast. A scheduled endorsement individually lists and covers those items at their appraised value.

Frequently asked questions

How much does renters insurance cost in Idaho?
Most renters in the Treasure Valley pay somewhere between $12 and $25 per month for a standard policy, depending on coverage limits, the deductible they choose, and whether they bundle with an auto policy. The exact number depends on the value of what you own and your liability limit. A quick inventory of your belongings before you quote makes it easier to choose a limit that actually reflects your exposure.
Does renters insurance cover my stuff if it's stolen from my car?
Yes, in most cases. Personal property coverage on a renters policy usually extends to belongings stolen from your vehicle, up to your policy limit and subject to your deductible. Your auto policy covers the car itself, but a renters policy typically covers what was inside it. Check your specific policy language, since some carriers impose a sub-limit for off-premises theft.
Do I need separate flood insurance even if I rent?
If there is any meaningful flood risk where you live, yes. Standard renters policies exclude damage from flooding caused by rising water. Properties near the Boise River, the Snake River, or irrigation canal systems in the Treasure Valley can carry real flood exposure that most renters overlook. Bittick can help you determine whether a separate flood policy through the NFIP or a private carrier makes sense for your address.
Does my landlord's insurance cover my personal belongings?
No. Your landlord's policy covers the building structure, and in most cases their liability as property owner. It does not cover your furniture, electronics, clothing, or any other personal property inside the unit. A renters policy is the only way to insure what you own.
Can my roommate be covered under my renters policy?
It depends on the carrier and policy terms. Some policies allow a roommate to be added as a named insured, while others require each person to carry a separate policy. If your roommate is not listed, their belongings are not covered. When you call Bittick to set up a policy, mention that you have a roommate so we can confirm how the carrier handles it.
Does Bittick write renters insurance outside of Idaho?
Yes. Bittick is licensed in CA, CO, ID, NV, OR, TX, VA, and WA. If you are renting in Texas, including in the San Antonio metro, we can help you there as well. Coverage requirements and carrier options vary by state, so we shop accordingly.

Get a renters insurance quote from Bittick

Tell us where you rent and what you own, and we will find a policy that covers it properly.

Don't like forms? Contact us at 208-609-3511 or email us.