How Small Apartment Habits Can Help Renters Avoid Big Insurance Claims

Simple everyday steps can help renters reduce the risk of fire, water damage, theft and liability losses

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Renters may not control the roof, plumbing system or electrical wiring in their apartment building, but what happens inside their unit can make a big difference. Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) says a handful of simple habits can help renters prevent common accidents from becoming costly insurance claims.

"Living in an apartment means your home is connected to other homes, so a problem in one unit can quickly affect several others," said Lauren Lewis, Director, HO Underwriting at Mercury Insurance. "Renters can't control everything about the property, but paying attention to everyday risks inside their apartment can help protect their belongings, their neighbors and the building itself."

Mercury recommends renters pay particular attention to these everyday habits:

Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
Unattended cooking can turn a small mistake into a serious fire quickly. Stay nearby when using the stove or oven, keep towels, packaging and other combustible materials away from burners, and make sure appliances are turned off when you're finished.

Give lithium-ion batteries room to charge safely.
Phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters and other rechargeable devices are increasingly common in apartments. Use the charger designed for the device, avoid charging on beds, couches or other soft surfaces, and stop using batteries that are swollen, damaged, unusually hot or producing an odor. Larger batteries, including those used in e-bikes and scooters, should never block an apartment's exit path.

Don't overload electrical outlets.
Limited outlets can make extension cords and power strips tempting, particularly in older apartments. Avoid connecting multiple power strips together or using extension cords as permanent wiring. Appliances that produce heat should generally be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

Treat small leaks like big warnings.
A slow drip under a sink, moisture around a toilet or water collecting near an appliance may seem minor, but water can travel through floors and walls and affect neighboring units. Report leaks and signs of moisture to property management promptly rather than waiting to see if they get worse.

Use candles and other open flames carefully.
Keep candles away from curtains, bedding, paper and other combustible materials, and never leave them burning unattended. Flameless candles can provide the same atmosphere without an open flame.

Keep doors and windows secure.
Lock doors and accessible windows whenever you leave, even for a short time. Renters should also avoid allowing unfamiliar people into secured buildings behind them and follow their property's procedures for visitors and deliveries.

Keep walkways and exits clear.
Boxes, shoes, furniture and other belongings can create tripping hazards and make it harder to leave quickly during an emergency. Apartment entrances, hallways and paths to windows or other exits should remain unobstructed.

Think about your neighbors before leaving something running.
Dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances that use water can leak or malfunction. When possible, avoid starting them immediately before leaving home for an extended period. The same principle applies to appliances that generate significant heat.

"Apartment living adds a shared-risk element that renters sometimes overlook," Lewis said. "A leaking appliance or kitchen fire doesn't necessarily stop at your front door. Small preventive habits can make a meaningful difference in keeping an incident from becoming a much larger loss."

Renters insurance can provide financial protection when the unexpected does happen. Depending on the policy and circumstances, coverage may help replace personal belongings after a covered loss, provide liability protection if the renter is responsible for injury or property damage, and help with additional living expenses if a covered loss makes the apartment temporarily uninhabitable.

Renters should review their coverage periodically and speak with their insurance agent about their individual needs, coverage limits and deductibles.

For information about renters insurance, visit the Mercury Insurance Resource Center.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance