Renters Insurance, or what I would refer to as a Tenant-homeowner's policy, would cover any personal property you own except that which is specifically listed as "Property not covered". Some of the specific types of property not covered include autos, aircraft, animals, birds and fish. Since cell phones are not on that list, they would be covered property.
Specific limits apply to certain types of property, money, theft of jewelry or silver, etc. Cell phones are not on that list either.
While a cell phone may be "covered property", the damage it sustains must be caused by one of the covered perils. The perils are listed and include fire, lightning, wind, hail, theft, vehicle damage, etc. You will note water damage is not a covered peril, nor is dropping the phone or breaking the screen.
These policies have, in addition, a number of exclusions including earthquake, flood, intentional damage, etc.
So cell phones would be covered as long as they were damaged by a covered peril and the damage exceeded the deductible which is commonly $250 or more.
If you meet all those tests, the basic policy would then reimburse you for the actual value of the phone, not what it costs to replace it. Optional replacement cost coverage is generally available, if you have it the cost of a new phone would be the basis for your claim.
Then the question will be what is the value of the phone? Is it the actual phone or the two year service agreement you have committed yourself to?
Bottom line, I wouldn't depend on Renter's Insurance to cover damage to my cell phone. It seems to me one of those non-catastrophic risks you may be better off assuming.
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Specific limits apply to certain types of property, money, theft of jewelry or silver, etc. Cell phones are not on that list either.
While a cell phone may be "covered property", the damage it sustains must be caused by one of the covered perils. The perils are listed and include fire, lightning, wind, hail, theft, vehicle damage, etc. You will note water damage is not a covered peril, nor is dropping the phone or breaking the screen.
These policies have, in addition, a number of exclusions including earthquake, flood, intentional damage, etc.
So cell phones would be covered as long as they were damaged by a covered peril and the damage exceeded the deductible which is commonly $250 or more.
If you meet all those tests, the basic policy would then reimburse you for the actual value of the phone, not what it costs to replace it. Optional replacement cost coverage is generally available, if you have it the cost of a new phone would be the basis for your claim.
Then the question will be what is the value of the phone? Is it the actual phone or the two year service agreement you have committed yourself to?
Bottom line, I wouldn't depend on Renter's Insurance to cover damage to my cell phone. It seems to me one of those non-catastrophic risks you may be better off assuming.