In Japan, renters are typically required to hold 火災保険 (kasai hoken — fire insurance) as a condition of their lease. It’s not optional for most tenants. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Is Insurance Required?
Japanese landlords require tenants to hold fire insurance to cover:
- Damage to the apartment caused by fire, water leaks, and accidents
- Liability if your fire or water leak damages a neighbor’s property
Without insurance, you personally bear the full cost of these damages — which can reach millions of yen.
Types of Coverage
火災保険 (Kasai Hoken — Fire Insurance)
The standard renter’s insurance in Japan covers:
| Risk | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Fire damage | ✅ Yes |
| Water damage (typhoon, flood) | Usually yes |
| Theft | Usually yes |
| Accidental damage by tenant | Optional add-on |
| Earthquake damage | ❌ Usually NOT included (separate policy) |
地震保険 (Jishin Hoken — Earthquake Insurance)
- Sold as an add-on to fire insurance — cannot be purchased alone
- Covers earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic eruption damage
- Premium: typically 30–50% on top of fire insurance
Given Japan’s seismic risk, earthquake coverage is strongly recommended.
個人賠償責任保険 (Personal Liability Insurance)
- Covers you if you accidentally damage a neighbor’s property (e.g., your washing machine overflows)
- Often included in comprehensive fire insurance plans
- Essential for apartment living — neighbor water damage claims can reach ¥1–5 million
How Much Does It Cost?
| Coverage | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic fire insurance (1K/1DK apartment) | ¥10,000–20,000/year |
| With earthquake add-on | ¥15,000–30,000/year |
| 2-year contract (common) | ¥20,000–40,000 total |
Contracts are commonly offered in 2-year terms to align with lease periods.
How to Buy Renters Insurance
Option 1: Through Your Real Estate Agent (Most Common)
When signing your lease, the agent typically offers insurance through a specific company. This is convenient but often not the cheapest.
You are usually free to choose your own insurance — declining the agent’s offering and buying separately is allowed in most cases. Check your lease.
Option 2: Compare and Buy Online
Major providers:
- 楽天損保 (Rakuten Insurance) — competitive pricing, online application
- ソニー損保 (Sony Sonpo) — strong online presence, English support
- セコム損保 (Secom Sonpo) — well-known security company
- AIU保険 (AIG Japan) — international insurer with English support
Comparison sites:
- 保険の窓口 (Hoken no Madoguchi) — compares multiple providers
- 価格.com 保険 — price comparison
Option 3: Foreigner-Friendly Options
Jutaku Hoken (住宅保険) via GTN or Sakura House
- Some agencies serving foreigners handle insurance in English
- Simplified process; slightly higher cost for the service
What to Check Before Buying
- Is earthquake coverage included or optional? — add it
- Is personal liability included? — should be
- Coverage amount for contents (家財) — calculate the value of your belongings
- Policy language — Japanese only at most domestic providers; check if summary is available in English
Making a Claim
If something happens:
- Call your insurance company immediately
- Document damage with photos
- File a claim form (保険金請求書)
- An inspector may visit
- Settlement paid within 2–4 weeks for straightforward claims
Keep your policy documents safe — in Japanese and in your home country’s language if possible.
Earthquake Insurance: Special Considerations
Earthquake insurance in Japan pays out based on the level of damage to the structure:
- 全損 (Total loss): 100% of insured amount
- 大半損 (Major partial loss): 60%
- 小半損 (Minor partial loss): 30%
- 一部損 (Partial damage): 5%
Coverage is capped at 50% of your fire insurance coverage amount. Maximum: ¥50 million for the building (owner) or ¥10 million for contents (renter).