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When can I file a claim for damage on my renter's policy?
A friend was visiting me at my apartment. When they were backing out of the driveway, they damaged the gutter. Should I let my landlord handle this or file a claim on my renter's policy?
Sophie Newman · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Your renter’s policy can help you, but since your friend was driving the car, their car insurance should pay for the damage under their
property damage coverage
. If the landlord files a claim and knows who hit the gutter, their insurance company would pay the claim, but then they would collect money from your friend’s policy through
subrogation
. Since you are responsible for your guest’s actions, if you file a claim on your renter’s policy, your insurance provider would most likely pay the claim and then subrogate against your friend.
Keep in mind that your premiums could go up if you file a claim, so it may be worth paying out of pocket for the repairs.
The best course of action is to have your friend file a claim with his
car insurance
company directly. If your friend sees the rate of their insurance increase after the claim, have them download the
Jerry
app. Jerry will shop for new insurance policies for free and bring the lowest prices directly to their phone.”View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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