Yes, renters’ insurance in Florida typically covers personal injury under the liability portion of the policy. This means if someone else is injured on your rental property, your renters’ insurance may cover their medical expenses and any legal costs if you are found liable. However, it does not cover personal injuries that you or other residents of your household may sustain on the property. It’s important to check the specifics of your policy for exact coverage details and limitations.
It’s important to connect with a skilled Orlando personal injury lawyer if you or a guest has been injured in your apartment. We’ll protect your rights and work toward getting the compensation you deserve.
What does renters’ insurance usually cover?
Renters’ insurance policies generally provide coverage in three main areas:
- Personal property, to replace your belongings in case of damage or theft
- Medical payments to others, paying or minor medical expenses if someone is injured on your property (regardless of whose fault the injury is)
- General liability, protecting you if someone is injured in your home and holds you liable for negligence
Whether your renters’ insurance policy covers you in a personal injury case depends largely on the type of injury, who was hurt, and the identity of the negligent party.
Let’s look at a couple of common scenarios in which renters’ insurance coverage may apply:
When a guest is injured on your property
If a visitor is injured on your property, your renters’ insurance policy usually covers medical expenses, like a hospital trip or surgery. Your policy may also cover your legal fees if that person files a lawsuit, although your coverage will only be up to your policy’s limits.
Most renters’ insurance policies have a liability limit of $100,000, but it’s best to check your policy carefully, as each carrier offers different terms.
You or your roommates are injured
Most policies do not cover personal injury on the property for people listed on the renters’ insurance policy. Liability coverage in renters’ insurance generally only extends to third parties—guests and visitors—who do not live in the rental unit full-time.
If you or your roommate gets hurt, you’ll have to rely on your own medical insurance to pay for your treatment.
When renters’ insurance does not apply in personal injury claims
Your policy should stipulate what is and is not covered, although most policies exclude coverage when:
- The policyholder and immediate family members living in the rental unit get hurt
- Tenants are injured due to the landlord’s negligence or failure to provide safe living conditions (in these cases, you can initiate legal action against the landlord)
When do I need a lawyer for a personal injury on a rental property?
If someone is severely injured and their damages exceed your policy limits, it’s important to act fast, as the injured party may attempt to collect damages from you directly, not just through the insurance company.
Another occasion in which it’s critical to secure equal representation is when there are disputes over liability. If a guest is injured due to unsafe conditions on the property, you, for failing to address them, or the landlord, for failing to repair the damage, could be held liable.
Protecting your interests when someone is injured on your rental property can quickly get complicated. The attorneys at DWK Law can cut through the disputed issues and protect your rights. Contact us today at (407) 244-3000 for a free consultation.
