Today’s question is from Leia who has renters insurance in Los Angeles, CA. She’s about to take a road trip with some friends and wrote us to ask,
Does renters insurance cover my personal property if I’m not at home? I’m planning on taking a road trip to Denver with a few friends, but I’d like to know if my personal property will be covered while I’m away.
Leia, that’s a question we hear often and it’s a good one. There are actually two elements to your question so let’s get right to it.
Does Renters Insurance Cover My Stuff If I’m Not At Home?
Many of our clients want to know whether renters insurance will cover their property if they’re not at home. Their main concern is often whether or not renters insurance covers their personal property during vacation.
Does Renters Insurance Cover My Stuff If I’m Not At Home?
The first part of this question is the one that comes to mind the most when people ask it. They want to know if renters insurance will still provide personal property coverage for the insured while they are away from home. Yes, of course it will. Your renters insurance policy generally covers you wherever you are in the world, and that includes personal property coverage. If you’re in Denver and someone comes up and grabs your laptop right out from under you and runs off with it, there’s coverage for that laptop.
As long as you’re using due care to protect the personal property, you’re covered. Obviously if you walk outside for some fresh air and leave your laptop out of your sight, that’s not due care. Chances are the coffee shop you’re in has cameras, but you are still somewhat negligent for just leaving it there and walking away. In general, renters insurance will cover your personal property wherever you may be.

Renters Insurance
Does Renters Insurance Cover Things Left At Home While I’m Away?
This is the flip side to Leia’s question. Does renters insurance cover things that are left at home while you’re away? If she leaves her laptop at home is it still covered while she’s away in Denver? Yes, it is. Again, provided that she takes reasonable care, personal property is protected whether you’re with it or away from it. As long as you don’t leave all your doors and windows unlocked then there will generally be coverage. You have a duty to mitigate the risk of loss, so obviously you want to lock doors and take basic precautions. But even if you’re not with the property, there’s coverage for personal property under your renters insurance policy while you’re away from home.
If you still have questions about personal property coverage on your renters insurance policy, contact the insurance experts at Effective Coverage at (800)892-4308 with questions or for a quote. You can also get a free online renters insurance quote just by clicking above!