Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Do I have to file a claim with my renters insurance company if my apartment was flooded by an upstairs neighbor?

My neighbor's washer flooded my apartment while I was out of town. It was a slow leak from the ceiling for several days, and it damaged my apartment unit and some of my belongings. What should I do?

Mar 13, 2017 Naperville, IL

Answer
Author profile picture

The Zebra

The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

For the purpose of getting your belongings replaced as quickly as possible, I would definitely recommend contacting your renters insurance provider immediately. While your neighbor will likely be considered liable for the water leak, your insurance company should be able to act quickly to replace your items and even provide a temporary place to stay while your apartment is being repaired. Your insurance company will likely subrogate with your neighbor's company for your personal items, but that should have no affect on your ability to receive compensation for your loss.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

If I use my parents' house as my permanent address but live in an apartment, can I get renters insurance?

You would need to use the address of the apartment you are planning on renting. In the event of a claim, let's say a fire, your renters insurance provider will notice that the address listed on your claim doesn't match your policy paperwork. It's important to use the address where yo…
Jun 19, 2017 Lansing, MI

What is the difference between personal property and building property?

Greetings!Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra. This is a great question that can go in a few different directions. But first, let's address how these are different. Personal property coverage will provide coverage to any personal belongings in the home. Basically, if you were to take the r…
Mar 6, 2023 Chicago, IL

Can I get a refund if I was double insured?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra! I can see how this is confusing for you.Now, it's normal for other drivers to be listed on a policy if they live in the same house as the insured and could possibly drive their car, but insurance laws prohibit someone from having duplicate car insurance co…
Jul 19, 2023 Joliet, IL

Can I sue if a ceiling collapsed on me after repairs?

First off, I'm sorry to hear that happened and I hope your brother is okay. In that situation, you would want to seek legal advice given there are several variables at play. The fault might be shared by both the landlord and the repair company but an insurance adjuster would be the one to dete…
Jan 27, 2019 Richmond, VA