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Cornell University

Housing & Residential Life

Renters Insurance

At this stage of your life, you’re likely to be a renter. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners encourages all renters to consider purchasing renter’s insurance. Why? Because insurance offers important protection. 

Protection against what? 

  • Loss or damage to your personal property (i.e., in case of fire)
  • Accidents on “your” property that injure other people (someone slips in your shower and gets hurt)
  • Damage to other people’s property (e.g., Pretend you borrowed your friend’s sewing machine. It is sitting on a table near a window with a lovely view. A tree falls, crashes through the window and crushes the sewing machine. Now what?)  

A closer look 

Loss or damage to your personal property: It’s a good idea to create an inventory of all of your personal property, including a photograph or video of your assigned on-campus space. Saving your receipts for major items and keeping them in a safe place separate from your assigned space, as this will make it easier if you ever need to file a claim.  

Accidents on “your” property that injure other people and damage to other people’s property: In maintaining your own residence, you are liable for things that happen in your space. Cornell University insurance only protects the building. Make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not covered by your policy.  

For example, what if you have a few people over and someone slips in water on your floor, requiring 29 stitches in their arm? Additionally, keep in mind that in many states, you could be held legally responsible for the actions of anyone who drinks in your space and then is in an accident while in your space or after leaving it. Your renter’s policy should protect you against lawsuits due to these types of liability issues.

More Information 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) maintains a great website with lots of information about all types of insurance services. Much of the information provided to you in this fact sheet can be found on Insure U Online. 

Cornell University’s preferred provider for on-campus housing insurance is GradGuard. More information is available at GradGuard.com.