How does Renters' Insurance Protect Landlords?

[Jason Morris]

Won't my tenants' renters insurance company just go after me/my insurance?

Example: Tenant experiences a loss due to some house issue. Let's say that a pipe bursts and destroys their laptop. Or they trip and fall because the snow wasn't cleared on time. They sue their renters insurance, which approves their claim and furnishes some money. But now the renters insurance sues me.

[Greg M.]

A pipe bursts and your insurance fixes your place. The laptop was not insured by you and (depending on local laws) without negligence on your part (ex. pipes were properly maintained by you, but one randomly burst), your insurance company is not going to pay to fix it. Your renter would be on the hook to fix it. That's where their renters insurance comes in. 

You mention snow clearing. What does the lease say about who is responsible? If you are, you're getting sued. If the lease says the tenant is, tenant is getting sued. The renters insurance won't go after you/your insurance because the liability was on the tenant.

Now assume your tenants leave the tub running and cause $100K in water damage. Instead of filing a claim against your insurance and having it cancelled or your premiums raised, it goes against the renters insurance.