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What exactly will my policy cover—and what won't it? Personal Property M ost standard renter's insurance policies offer protection for your belongings in case of power surg- es, water damage, fire, vandalism, theft, and other events out of your control. However, most do not cover damage caused by flood water, earthquakes, mudslides, or nuclear hazards. If you live near a fault line or the water or are concerned about these haz- ards, talk with your insurance agent about getting a separate policy. Also keep in mind that certain types of property will only be covered up to a limit set by your insurance company—$2,500 for electronics and $1,500 for jewelry and furs, for example. So, if you have an engage- ment ring, a customized computer, or even an expensive set of golf clubs, you should consider purchasing an additional person- al articles policy. These add-ons to your renter's insurance are typically inexpensive (we're talking a few dollars every month), but protect those really important items that would be costly to replace. Loss of Use Y our policy may also cover your liv- ing expenses in case you must leave your home after an accident. Say a tree crashes through your roof and the place needs repairs before you can live there again—loss of use will cover a hotel, food, and any other expenses you incur during that time. Keep in mind this is often an add on coverage and you will have a stipend—which is usually small. You will not be going to the Four Seasons and dining on Lobster every night, but you should have enough to cover a modest motel and basic food needs. Be sure to ask about this type of coverage though—it is not automatic. Liability our liability coverage pays for bodily injury and prop- erty damage caused by negligence—like if your dog gets loose and bites the neighbor's kid and he has to get stitches. You're not, however, covered for negligence for expected or in- tended bodily injury (you throw a baseball in a parking lot trying to hit your neighbor), business pursuits (the cupcakes you bake in your apartment make some- one sick with food poisoning— you would need a business own- er's policy), or vehicle-related damage or injury (your emergen- cy brake fails and your parked car hits someone—auto insurance covers this).