Renters insurance offers financial protection against the medical and legal costs involved if someone gets hurt in your rental unit. This is done through two coverages: personal liability and medical payments to others
Does Renters Insurance Cover Injuries?
Updated: January 29, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Renters insurance covers guest injuries through personal liability coverage, which pays for the associated costs if you're legally responsible for someone else's injury.
Your policy won't cover injuries to you, roommates or family members living with you.
Medical payments coverage pays small bills for the injured party ($1,000 to $5,000) regardless of fault.
Will My Renters Insurance Policy Cover Injuries?
When Aren't Injuries Covered by Renters Insurance?
Your renters insurance liability coverage has limits and exclusions that prevent payment in certain injury situations.
Intentional Harm
Your policy won't cover injuries you cause deliberately or through criminal acts like assault. Renters insurance only protects against accidental injuries, not intentional violence or illegal behavior.
Injuries to Household Members
Renters insurance policies exclude injuries to you, your family members or anyone living in your rental. Only guests and visitors qualify for liability coverage under your renters insurance.
Business-Related Injuries
Injuries that occur during business activities in your rental aren't covered by standard renters insurance. You'll need separate business liability insurance if you run a home-based business with clients visiting your space.
Injuries from Excluded Perils
Your policy won't cover injuries caused by events your renters insurance excludes, like floods, earthquakes or intentional property damage. The injury must result from a covered peril to qualify for reimbursement.
Injuries Exceeding Policy Limits
Your liability coverage only pays up to your policy limit, typically $100,000 to $300,000. If injury costs exceed your limit, you're responsible for paying the difference out of pocket.
How Much Renters Insurance Do You Need to Cover Injuries?
Most renters insurance policies include $100,000 in liability coverage, but your ideal amount depends on your specific situation and risk factors.
$100,000 (standard) | Renters who rarely host guests with minimal assets | Common injuries like slip-and-fall accidents, minor burns or small dog bites |
$300,000 (recommended) | Renters who regularly entertain, own dogs or have significant savings | Stronger protection against serious injury claims and legal settlements |
$500,000 (high protection) | Frequent hosts, high-risk dog breeds or substantial assets | Maximum standard coverage for large gatherings and higher liability exposure |
$1 million+ (umbrella policy) | High net worth renters with significant liability exposure | Extra protection beyond renters insurance limits across all policies |
Does Renters Insurance Cover Bodily Injury: Bottom Line
Renters insurance covers guest injuries through personal liability coverage (which pays when you're legally responsible) and medical payments to others coverage (which pays for minor injuries regardless of fault). Your policy won't cover intentional harm, injuries to household members, business-related incidents, excluded perils or costs exceeding your policy limits. Most policies include $100,000 in standard liability coverage, though you should increase this to $300,000 or $500,000 if you frequently host guests, own dogs or have significant assets to protect.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Personal Injury: FAQ
These frequently asked questions address the most common concerns about renters insurance injury coverage, exclusions and claim scenarios.
Does renters insurance cover injuries to guests?
Yes, renters insurance covers guest injuries when you're legally responsible for the accident through your personal liability coverage.
Does it cover injuries to me or my roommates?
No, renters insurance doesn't cover injuries to you, family members or anyone living in your home. Use your health insurance for household member injuries.
What is medical payments coverage?
Medical payments coverage pays small medical bills ($1,000 to $5,000) for guest injuries regardless of who's at fault. It's optional but recommended.
Will renters insurance cover legal fees if I'm sued?
Yes, personal liability coverage includes legal defense costs and court-ordered damages if someone sues you for injuries.
Does it cover dog bites or pet-related injuries?
Yes, renters insurance usually covers dog bites and other pet-related injuries. Some insurers exclude certain breeds, so always list your pets when applying. Otherwise, your policy could be canceled.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.