Do I need my own household contents insurance as a tenant or is my landlord's insurance sufficient?
July 2, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Sophia Evers
Dear lawyer,
My name is Wolfgang Bittner and I am a tenant of an apartment in Munich. In my rental agreement, it is stipulated that the landlord has taken out a household insurance for the property. Now I am wondering if it is necessary for me as a tenant to additionally take out my own household insurance or if the insurance of my landlord is sufficient.
My concern is that in the event of damage or a break-in in my apartment, not all of my personal belongings may be covered by my landlord's insurance. I want to make sure that in case of emergency, I am not left with the costs and that my valuables are adequately protected.
Could you please explain to me what services the household insurance of my landlord covers and whether it also includes my personal possessions? Are there any limitations or exceptions that I should be aware of?
If it is advisable to take out my own household insurance, what type of insurance would you recommend and what should I consider when making the choice?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Wolfgang Bittner
Dear Mr. Bittner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the household insurance in your rental apartment in Munich. It is understandable that you are concerned about whether your landlord's insurance is sufficient to cover your personal belongings in case of damage or burglary.
Generally, the household insurance that your landlord has taken out usually only covers damages to the fixtures of the apartment, such as floors, ceilings, or walls. Personal belongings such as furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, or other valuables are typically not automatically covered by the landlord's insurance.
Therefore, it may be advisable to take out your own household insurance to adequately protect your personal belongings. Household insurance generally covers damages caused by fire, burglary, water damage, storm, and hail. Depending on the policy, additional risks such as vandalism or bicycle theft can also be included.
When choosing household insurance, make sure that the sum insured is sufficiently high to cover the replacement value of your personal belongings in case of an emergency. It is also important to pay attention to any exclusions or restrictions in the insurance contract to avoid unpleasant surprises in case of a claim.
I recommend seeking advice from an insurance specialist or an independent insurance advisor to find the right household insurance for you. I am also available for further questions or more detailed advice.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I am at your disposal if needed.
Best regards,
Sophia Evers
