How Does Renters Insurance Protect Me From the Texas Freeze?

Your renter's insurance won't protect you against the cold in the traditional sense. We have things like coats, gloves, and boots for situations like this. However, your insurance coverage will cover any damages that result from things freezing when they shouldn't have been able to do so.

You are covered under your renter's insurance policy in the event that your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or fire sprinkler system freezes and causes damage to your property as a result. The possibility of water fleeing the system as a result of frozen pipes, plumbing, or heating systems is present here, just as it is in other potential dangers related to pipes, plumbing, or heating systems. Because you do not own the pipes, any damage to them is not covered by your insurance policy. That is something that would fall under the purview of the landlord.

In the event that you do find frozen pipes, please exercise caution while thawing them. When thawing frozen pipes, never use a torch. Torches used in plumbing start flames. In any case, you should report an issue like that to your landlord so that they can remedy it.

There are some obligations you must fulfill in order to be covered in the event that your pipes or other systems freeze. You must either keep the building heated, turn off the water supply, and empty the plumbing. Either one of these options is acceptable. If you are living there, you are likely responsible for keeping the heat on in the building. If not, you will be pretty cold.

A policy enables you to continue living your life as you choose, even if your irresponsibility results in a loss. Without insurance, the six-figure debt from a single claim can follow you, your income, and your assets for the remainder of your life. You would be subject to what the judge deemed to be an acceptable amount of discretionary income.