First, it's important to understand how renters insurance covers your belongings. Renters insurance generally provides protection against certain risks, often described as "perils" in a policy. For instance, renters insurance may provide coverage for your computer if it's stolen or ruined in a fire.

You'll likely find, however, that there are certain scenarios in which renters insurance won't protect your computer. For instance, renters insurance generally does not cover maintenance issues or negligence, so your computer probably won't be covered if it breaks down or is damaged when it's knocked off your desk.

Read your renters insurance policy to learn what risks it covers.