The HO-4 renters policy is a combination of property and liability coverages. The HO-4 policy is tailored
to meet the needs of a tenant. The following is a basic outline of the HO-4 Renters Policy and the
endorsements most widely used on the HO-4 policy.
The HO-4 policy provides coverage for a tenant of a single family residence or a tenant of an apartment.
The policy focuses on loss to personal property and loss to additions. Coverage for legal liability is also
included. The HO-4 policy does not include coverage for the dwelling and other structures because a
tenant does not have an insurable interest in the building. However, the HO-4 policy provides coverage
for building additions and alterations made by the tenant. Personal Property is covered against direct
physical loss caused by a specified peril. In addition to the coverages provided under Section I of the
policy, additional coverages are included for debris removal, fire department service charges, loss
assessment charges, reasonable repair charges, and property removal charges. Payment is also made for
loss involving credit cards, forgery, and counterfeit money. The additional coverages are included to
provide additional protection in the event of certain peril losses. All additional coverages are subject to
certain limitations and conditions.
Personal Property
This is the primary limit of insurance coverage for the H0-4 policy. Coverage C provides worldwide
coverage for personal property of the insured. Special limits apply to some types of property, and some
types of property are excluded from coverage. The insured selects the limit of coverage which is
determined by the value of personal property owned.
Loss of Use
Coverage D applies if a peril insured against under Coverage C makes the residence unsuitable for living.
Payment would be made for expenses incurred to live elsewhere following the loss. The limit for
Coverage D is 20% of Coverage C.
Personal Liability
Section II of the renters policy provides liability coverage for personal loss exposures. The insuring
agreement under Coverage E provides liability coverage if a claim is made or suit is brought against an
insured because of bodily injury or property damage. Coverage is provided for the named insured and
members of the insured's household who are relatives. Personal Liability has a basic limit of $100,000 per
occurrence. The insured may increase this limit for an additional premium. In addition to the basic limit,
Coverage E also provides additional coverage for expenses such as defense cost, expenses incurred
providing first aid to others, damage to property of others and loss assessment charges.
Medical Payments
This coverage will pay the necessary medical expense for bodily injury of others. Coverage applies to
accidents that occur on the insured premises or any location when caused by action of the insured. This
coverage has a basic limit of $1,000 per person. The insured may select higher limits for an additional
premium.
Endorsements
- Inflation Guard Endorsement
When this endorsement is added to the policy it increases the limit of Coverage C and D. The
insured selects the percentage of increase for the year and limits are automatically increased at
certain dates throughout the year.
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Earthquake Coverage Endorsement
Earthquake coverage is excluded under Section I of the policy. Adding this endorsement removes
the exclusion and adds earthquake coverage which is subject to a deductible for each coverage
under
Section I.
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Scheduled Personal Property
The scheduled personal property endorsement is used to provide coverage for risk of direct loss for
such items as jewelry, furs, cameras, musical instruments, silverware, golfer's equipment, fine arts,
postage stamps and rare coins. Scheduled property can be insured for any amount the insured
requires.
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Increase Special Limits
Certain types of personal property under Coverage C has special limits of liability. Adding this
endorsement increases the special limit.
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Building Additions/Alterations
The policy provides additional coverage for building improvements or installations, made or
acquired at the tenants expense. The basic limit is 10% of Coverage C limit, adding this
endorsement increases the basic limit.
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Water Bed Liability
This endorsement provides coverage for liability arising out of an insured's ownership or use of a
water bed on the residence premises.
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Deductible
The renter's policy has a standard deductible of $250. The insured may reduce the deductible to
$100 or increase it to $500, $1,000 or $2,500.