Some commonly asked questions from apartment residents who want to know more about renters insurance and the ResidentShield policy.

Why do I need liability insurance?
Liability insurance provides coverage if you accidentally cause damage to your apartment, the common building where you reside, or another resident's property. It also provides coverage if you are held responsible for injury to another person. Without liability insurance to protect you against unforeseen accidents, you could lose your apartment and be responsible for thousands of dollars in damage.

My landlord is requiring liability insurance as a condition of my apartment lease. Does this renters policy satisfy that requirement?
Check with your landlord regarding any insurance requirements that may be necessary. ResidentShield offers both a voluntary basic renters policy and a voluntary stand-alone liability policy. The basic renters policy provides both liability coverage and personal property coverage. The stand-alone liability provides coverage for accidental bodily injury to another person or property damage caused by the insured policy holder. It does not provide coverage for your personal contents should they be destroyed in a fire or other accident. We suggest you carefully consider your individual coverage needs.

How much liability and optional personal contents coverage will I need?
Click here to go to our 'Personal Contents Calculator' to see how much contents coverage may be right for you.

Is my apartment roommate also covered under the ResidentShield policy?
Yes, up to two adult roommates or a spouse (over 18 Yrs age) can be added to the ‘named insured’ on the policy.

What does the ResidentShield Renters Policy Cover?*
Your renters policy provides coverage on a 'named perils' basis including loss due to fire, lightening, windstorm, explosion, smoke, glass breakage, forced-entry theft, hail, and more. The renters policy also includes liability coverage for accidental bodily injury or property damage caused by the insured.
Liability 'only' insurance option provides coverage against accidental bodily injury and/or property damage caused by the insured. This option does not provide for any contents coverage.

What are my payment options?
Monthly or annual premiums can be paid by credit card or debit card. Monthly automatic deductions can be paid from a savings account or checking account as well.

*This is a general description of coverages for informational purposes only. Please refer to the actual policy for terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations.

Already a ResidentShield policy holder?

Need more info?
The following is a handy list of questions and answers you may have regarding some specifics of your ResidentShield Renters Insurance Policy.

While I am renting, can I cancel my liability coverage?
You have the right to cancel your policy, but you should check with your landlord to see whether it requires you to maintain liability insurance as a condition of your lease.

What do I do if I have a claim?
Simply call Balboa's 24/7 claims desk at 1-800-323-7466.

If I have a claim, how do I prove that I own the items that have been stolen or destroyed?
Your claim adjuster will ask you to provide records and documents that substantiate ownership of the personal property. These can include but are not limited to receipts of purchase, credit card statements, owner's manuals, photographs or a video inventory of your personal property. We encourage all policyholders to store photographs or a video inventory of their personal property at an off-site location.

What if I move, what happens to my policy?
If you move to a new location within the same state, your policy remains in force. Simply provide us with the new address location.

If I have a claim will my premium go up?
No, your premium rates will not increase.

Still have questions?
Please click here for more policy-related questions, or phone us at 1-800-566-1186 to speak to a licensed insurance representative during normal business hours. Email us 24/7 by clicking here.