Renters Insurance

Geo depth: Class A

Renters insurance covers a tenant's personal belongings against covered losses like fire or theft and provides liability protection, even though the landlord's own policy covers only the building structure itself. It's generally inexpensive relative to homeowners coverage because it doesn't insure the dwelling.

Compare Renters Insurance rates

What is renters insurance?

A renters policy generally covers three things: your personal belongings against covered perils like fire, theft, and certain water damage; liability protection if someone is injured in your rental or you accidentally damage someone else's property; and loss-of-use coverage for additional living expenses if your rental becomes temporarily uninhabitable.

Renters insurance doesn't cover the building structure itself — that's the landlord's responsibility under their own policy. Many leases require tenants to carry a minimum amount of renters insurance and to list the landlord as an interested party on the policy.

What affects your renters insurance cost

Typical costs vary significantly by state, provider, and personal factors — {{VERIFY: national average renters insurance premium not yet sourced}}. Rather than a single number, the factors below are what actually move your quote up or down.

Amount of personal property coverage selected
Liability coverage limit chosen
Location and local claims/crime rates
Deductible amount
Optional add-ons for high-value items (jewelry, electronics, collectibles)
Claims history

How to compare renters insurance providers

Price is only one part of the decision. Before choosing a provider, compare each of the following side by side:

Coverage limits, and exactly what's included or excluded
Deductible options and how a higher or lower deductible changes the premium
Financial strength ratings from an independent rating agency (e.g., AM Best, S&P, Moody's) — an indicator of an insurer's ability to pay future claims
Customer service and claims-handling reputation, including complaint-ratio data where a state Department of Insurance publishes it
Available discounts and bundling options
Confirmation that the carrier is licensed to write this coverage in your state
Ask whether personal property is covered at actual cash value or replacement cost
Check whether belongings are covered while traveling or in off-site storage

Related calculators

Renters Insurance Coverage Calculator

Explore renters insurance by state

Coverage requirements and licensed carriers for renters insurance vary by state. Here are a few popular starting points, or browse the full state directory below.

Renters Insurance FAQ

Is renters insurance required by law?

No, but many landlords and property managers require tenants to carry a minimum amount of renters insurance as a lease condition. {{VERIFY: whether a specific lease or local ordinance requirement applies to you}}.

Does renters insurance cover my roommate's belongings?

Generally no — a renters policy typically covers only the named policyholder (and sometimes relatives living with them), not an unrelated roommate, who would usually need their own separate policy.

What isn't covered by renters insurance?

Common exclusions include flood and earthquake damage, damage from long-term neglect or pest infestation, and, in most cases, a roommate's separately owned property. Always review a specific policy's exclusions list before assuming something is covered.

Ready to see renters insurance options?

Compare providers side by side using the factors above, then see options tailored to your state and situation.