Renters Insurance Near Me: what it covers and what it costs

How renters insurance works

1. Set your contents number. Add up what it would cost to replace your things: furniture, electronics, clothes. Many policies start around $15,000 to $30,000 of personal property cover, and that number drives the premium more than anything else.
2. Pick replacement cost or actual cash value. Replacement cost pays what new items cost; actual cash value deducts depreciation and runs cheaper. The NAIC's averages span both; an agent can quote each.
3. Compare quotes through a licensed agent. Premiums for the same cover vary by carrier, state and building. A licensed local agent can quote several carriers at once; the state averages here tell you what typical looks like before you start.

What it covers, and what it does not

An HO-4 policy typically covers named perils such as fire, theft, vandalism and water damage from burst pipes, plus personal liability. Flood and earthquake are separate policies almost everywhere, and business property in a rented home usually needs its own cover. The policy documents control; nothing here is advice or a quote.

Common questions

How much does renters insurance cost?

The NAIC's countrywide average is on this page, and the state tables show the published average where you live. Your own premium depends on carrier, location, coverage amount and deductible.

Is renters insurance required?

No state requires it, but many landlords require proof of a policy in the lease. It is priced month to month and can usually start the same week.

Does my landlord's insurance cover my belongings?

No. The landlord's policy covers the building and the landlord's liability. Your belongings and your liability need your own HO-4 policy.

Rates data by state