As a renter, you will need to deal with the additional headache of having landlords, but you still need to know what your renters insurance policy covers.
And the truth is that:
No one wants to find bed bugs in their apartment and trying to get rid of them can be a major hassle.
In this post we will answer the question, does renters insurance cover bed bugs or a bed bug infestation and if (You or the Landlord) are responsible for getting them removed.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Bed Bugs?
Unfortunately, most renters insurance policies do not explicitly cover bed bugs. Insurers consider bed bugs not as an essential peril—like hail or fire—but a failure of the owner to properly maintain their property.
Can I Use the Loss of Use Provision?
Many home or renters insurance policies include a loss of use provision if you cannot use your home due to damages. In this case, the insurer would provide financial assistance for temporary relocation and repairs. But, this provision would likely not apply to bed bugs as an insured loss under renters insurance. However, if you believe you have a claim under a loss of use provision, contact a bedbug infestation attorney for specialized assistance.
Is There Any Coverage for Home-Sharing Services?
Whether you’re renting out your home to a guest or staying in a stranger’s home through a short-term rental site like VRBO or Airbnb, you’d be right to worry about the risk of bedbugs.
If you do end up dealing with such a nightmarish scenario, can you turn to insurance coverage for financial assistance with pest control and to cover any damages? It depends entirely on the home-sharing service in question.
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What Renters Insurance Companies Cover Bed Bugs?
While standard renters insurance policies for your apartment typically exclude coverage for bed bug infestations, certain insurers offer specialized options:
Does Lemonade Renters Insurance Cover Bed Bugs?
Lemonade's renters insurance policies do not cover bed bug infestations or related expenses. Such infestations are generally considered maintenance issues and are not classified as "covered perils" under standard renters insurance policies.
Does State Farm Renters Insurance Cover Bed Bugs?
State Farm's renters insurance policies do not cover bed bug infestations. These policies typically exclude damage caused by insects, considering such infestations as maintenance issues rather than sudden, unexpected events.
Does Geico Renters Insurance Cover Bed Bugs?
Unfortunately, standard renters insurance policies offered by GEICO, typically do not cover damages or expenses related to bed bug infestations. Such issues are generally considered maintenance concerns rather than sudden, unexpected events.
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Can I Get A Stand-Alone Bedbug Insurance Policy?
As a renter, standard renters insurance policies typically exclude coverage for bed bug infestations, there are a few specialized options available:
Proper Insurance: Specializes in coverage for short-term rental properties, offering protection against bed bug-related liabilities, extermination costs, and lost business income.
Assurant: In select states, Assurant includes coverage in its renters policies for extermination and other bed bug-related costs.
However; if you’re a landlord, the situation looks a little different, Landlords can and should acquire bed bug insurance due to the ever-present threat of these parasites, particularly in densely-crowded housing units.
How Much Does A Bed Bug Insurance Policy Cost?
The cost of a stand-alone bed bug insurance policy varies based on factors such as coverage limits, property size, and location. With it being such a smaller requested policy exact rates aren't really available.
Does My Policy Exclude BedBugs?
Some rental insurance programs explicitly exclude bed bugs in their coverage policies. Check the fine print before purchasing your renters insurance or have an attorney review the document.
Will Any Policy Cover Bed Bugs?
Except for specific bedbug insurance (see the section below), there are very few standard renters insurance policies covering bed bugs. However, rare programs like Jetty’s Renters Insurance do exist. If you hire a professional exterminator who confirms that you have bed bugs, Jetty will offer $300 to offset the cost of treatment.
Is My Landlord Responsible For My Bed Bugs?
Yes, and No, Landlords are usually responsible for bed bug infestations if the pests were present before the tenant moved in or if other units are affected. Tenants may be responsible if they caused the infestation. Local laws vary, so check your state’s landlord-tenant laws for specific obligations.
Can I Sue My Landlord For Bed Bugs?
Yes, you can sue your landlord if they have failed to create a safe living environment for you. You’ll need to document any injuries such as bite marks, as well as any photographic evidence of the actual bed bugs.
You’ll ideally want to contact a bedbug infestation attorney (yes, that is a real occupation) to assist you with a lawsuit. Make sure to get a copy of your lease for your attorney to review.
Steps To Take If You Have Bed Bugs
1. Confirm You Have Bed Bugs
First, confirm that you have bed bugs by looking out for the key identifying features:
- Round, reddish-brown bugs around bedding and soft furniture that crawl very fast
- Bites on your arms, shoulders, neck, and legs that may appear in clusters
2. Consult Your Doctor
Second, you may need to go to a hospital in case you suffer from any unusual allergic reactions or infections. Monitor any bite marks and consult a doctor if you experience discomfort or develop severe skin reactions.
3. Notify Your Landlord
Next, following up on the section regarding landlords, you should notify your landlord immediately. If your landlord does not promptly take care of the situation, you must handle it yourself. You’ll need to determine whether you want to treat the bedbugs alone or consult a professional.
4. Take Pictures
Take pictures as evidence or collect samples of the pest to show the exterminator. Just keep in mind that even after eliminating the parasites, you’ll need to monitor the situation for a week to ensure that they’re truly gone.
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Taking Action
With or without renters insurance, bed bugs can leave a trail of problems for you in their wake. However, it’s always a good idea to have insurance to safeguard against unexpected issues. If you need renters insurance click on any of the above buttons to get started today.
FAQs
1. Does renters insurance cover the cost of exterminating bed bugs?
Generally, standard renters insurance policies do not cover bed bug extermination or related damages. Insurers typically view bed bug infestations as maintenance issues rather than sudden, unexpected events.
2. Is my landlord responsible for addressing a bed bug infestation in my rental unit?
In many cases, landlords are responsible for ensuring rental units are habitable, which includes addressing pest infestations like bed bugs. However, this responsibility can vary based on local laws and the specifics of your lease agreement.
3. Can I obtain renters insurance that includes coverage for bed bug infestations?
While most standard renters insurance policies exclude coverage for bed bugs, some insurers offer optional endorsements or riders that provide limited coverage for pest-related issues.