Renting in Valencia: do you need home insurance?

Short answer: in most cases, yes. Your landlord’s insurance protects the property, but not your belongings or damage you might cause to others. Tenant home insurance covers exactly that, and it’s usually very affordable.

What your landlord covers (and what they don’t)

When you rent in Spain, the landlord usually insures the building (continente): walls, floors, ceilings and fixed installations. Sometimes also their own furniture.

What that policy does not cover:

Your belongings: clothes, laptop, TV, bike, furniture you bought.
Your personal liability: if a leak caused by you damages the flat below, or you cause damage to someone else.

What tenant insurance covers

Contents (contenido): your furniture, appliances and belongings against fire, water, theft and other damage.
Personal liability: damage you or your family cause to other people or their property, including the landlord’s.
Assistance: locksmith, plumber or electrician in an emergency.
Electrical damage to your devices from power surges.

Three very common situations

You leave a tap running and water reaches the neighbour below. Your liability cover pays for their damage.
A burglary while you’re on holiday. The policy covers what was stolen, up to the declared value.
A storm fries your fridge with a power surge. Electrical damage cover pays.

How to choose well

Work out the real value of your things. Walk through your home in your head: furniture, tech, clothes, appliances. It’s usually more than you think.
Choose replacement value if you can: you’re paid what a new item costs, not its second-hand value.
Declare valuables (jewellery, expensive equipment) if they exceed the policy limits.
Check the excess and the liability limit.

What if my contract requires it?

More and more rental contracts include a clause requiring the tenant to hold contents and liability insurance. If that’s you, ask the landlord which minimum cover they need, and I’ll find a policy that meets it, explained in English.

In short

If you rent, tenant home insurance protects your things and covers you if you damage someone else’s property, usually for a low price. It’s one of those policies you forget about until the day you need it.

Tell me about your home and what’s in it, and I’ll prepare several options to compare.

Frequently asked questions

Does my landlord’s insurance cover my things?

Usually not. Landlords typically insure the building and, at most, furniture that belongs to them. Your belongings and your liability aren’t covered.

Can my landlord require me to have insurance?

A rental contract can include a clause requiring the tenant to hold contents and liability insurance. It’s increasingly common.

Is tenant insurance expensive?

It’s usually one of the most affordable home policies, since it doesn’t include the building. The price depends on the value of your belongings and the cover you choose.

What happens when I move?

You can transfer the policy to your new home by telling the insurer and updating the address and, if it changes, the contents value.