The Texas Department of Insurance offers tips to renters who lost personal items due to winter storm damage.
- Your landlord is responsible for most structural repairs, such as damage to floors and walls from a burst pipe.
- If you have renters insurance, many policies will pay for damage to your belongings caused by a frozen pipe that burst, but there may be limits. Take pictures of damage and talk to your insurance company before you throw away damaged items.
- Some renters policies include additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily while repairs are made. If you have this coverage, you’ll need hotel and food receipts to file a claim.
- Some renters policies cover food spoilage up to $500, and often there’s no deductible. Take pictures and keep a list of spoiled food.
If you’re a dependent, your parents’ homeowners policy may cover your items even if you don’t live at home. It’s usually limited to 10% of the personal property coverage of the homeowner policy.
If you don’t have renters insurance, you can apply for federal aid to cover your losses at DisasterAssistance.gov.