It’s the end of summer, which means it’s time for parties to kick into high gear while the weather is still nice. But after the party, when things have gotten a bit out of hand, people often wonder,
Does renters insurance cover damage from a party? I’ve got holes in the walls, a stained carpet, and an overall mess. Can I get some help from my policy?
Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage From A Party?
If you’re the one holding the party, generally the answer would be no. Neither parties nor bad judgment are covered perils. But, let’s look at some ways you might be able to get help from renters insurance after a wild party.
If My Party Gets Out Of Control, Does Renters Insurance Cover The Damage?
What happens if your party gets out of control and your apartment gets damaged? Does renters insurance cover that? Would renters insurance cover it if it were accidental?
Liability Insurance Of Guests
Does Renters Insurance Cover Damage From A Party?
If a small group of people caused most of the damage, and were acting negligently but not intentionally while causing the damage, you may be able to make a claim on their liability coverage. Although it’s not impossible, it could be a long, uphill battle to get the claim paid. Also, see our post on renters insurance and liquor liability.
You’d have to prove lack of intent, as well as prove that the individual caused the damage, and was not acting with due care. Not impossible, but a stretch.
Water Backup Coverage
If you have this type of coverage, and too many guests use the toilet in too short a time, which causes it to back up and flood your apartment, water backup on renters insurance can come to your rescue. This coverage is not on every policy, so you’ll want to read your declarations page carefully to see if it exists.
Personal Property Coverage
If you have a policy endorsed to be “open perils,” your personal property coverage could kick in. Usually the open perils wording is to the effect of “We insure against risk of direct physical loss…” meaning that open perils doesn’t keep you tied to the same list of covered events as named perils would. Even if you don’t have the all risk coverage, your policy still covers theft, vandalism, and malicious mischief. Since those are the three most likely causes of loss at a party, your policy may be able to come to your rescue.
Insure your special event beforehand, and you won’t have to worry about concerns like this. To discuss additional coverage or purchase a renters policy, contact Effective Coverage at (800)892-4308 or click above for free online renters insurance quotes.