Best Renters Insurance Companies of December 2023

Renters insurance protects tenants and their personal belongings from loss, destruction, or damage caused by unforeseen incidents like fires, water damage, burglary, vandalism, and more.

House Method evaluated more than 50 top-rated renters insurance companies across the United States, hand-picking providers with superior financial strength ratings, affordable premiums, and competitive coverage.

9 Best Renters Insurance Companies of 2023

Here are the nine best renters insurance companies of 2023.

• Lemonade: Quickest Claims Process
• Geico: Most Accessible Customer Service Representatives
• Liberty Mutual: Most Affordable Premiums
• Amica: Best for Stacked Discounts
• Nationwide: Best for Coverage Perks
• Travelers: Best for Customizable Coverage
• State Farm: Most Comprehensive Personal Property Coverage
• Allstate: Best for Bundling
• USAA: Best for Military Members and Veterans

Compare the Best Renters Insurance Providers

We collected averages from each company’s website to provide the following comparison figures:

Company	Average Monthly Premium	Average Annual Premium	AM Best Rating*	J.D. Power Score †	House Method Rating
Lemonade	$12	$144	Not rated	853	3.7 out of 5
Geico	$14	$168	A++	Not rated	4.5 out of 5
Liberty Mutual	$14	$168	A	834	4.5 out of 5
Amica	$13	$156	A+	849	4.5 out of 5
Nationwide	$14	$168	A+	859	4.2 out of 5
Travelers	$15	$180	A++	801	4 out of 5
State Farm	$15	$180	A++	836	3.9 out of 5
Allstate	$16	$192	A+	837	3.6 out of 5
USAA	$12	$145	A++	886	3.5 out of 5

Lemonade: Quickest Claims Process

Why We Chose Lemonade Renters Insurance

Lemonade is the superior renters insurance option for tenants seeking quick coverage. We scored Lemonade with 3.7 out of 5 stars, primarily for its prompt claim turnaround times, quality coverage options, and easy-to-navigate online experience. Though the company lost some points for not being accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we feel confident recommending it.

As the first fully digital renters insurance provider, Lemonade’s artificial intelligence-powered (AI) business model has allowed it to shave down its claims payout time to as little as three seconds.

Average Annual Cost

Though Lemonade’s most basic renters insurance starts at just $5 per month, your premium will depend on your ZIP code, the level of coverage you select, and whether you opt for any plan add-ons.

We generated a sample renters insurance quote for an alias tenant in Raleigh, N.C. Our sample profile selected a single residency in a local apartment complex with no pets. Based on these specifications, Lemonade quoted our tenant basic coverage for $16.34 per month or $196 per year.

Get a quote: For a free quote from Lemonade, fill out this online form.

Geico: Most Accessible Customer Service Representatives

Why We Chose Geico Renters Insurance

Renters who prefer live interaction with a real insurance agent will find responsive, solutions-oriented assistance through Geico. House Method scored Geico with 4.5 out of 5 for its broad access to customer care via live chat, phone, email, or mobile app.

It’s worth noting that third-party agencies administer Geico’s renters insurance policies. Tenants who enroll for coverage aren’t through Geico allowed to choose the company they’re matched with. Additionally, Geico policyholders are responsible for filing claims with their third-party provider, which can make getting in touch with the right customer service department a bit more complicated.

Average Annual Cost

Geico’s website states that its standard renters insurance plans start at $12 monthly. House Method’s research team generated a sample estimate for a tenant residing in a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, N.C. We were quoted $28.39 per month or $170.29 per year for basic renters insurance coverage.

Get a quote: For a free quote from Geico, fill out this online form.

Liberty Mutual: Most Affordable

Why We Chose Liberty Mutual Renters Insurance

Despite its large industry presence, Liberty Mutual offers some of the most affordable renters insurance rates. In addition to already competitively low pricing, Liberty Mutual offers exclusive discounts for new and long-time policyholders.

Liberty Mutual’s below-average pricing does seem to come at the expense of quality customer service. We discovered low customer ratings for prompt customer service and short wait times when reviewing feedback on verified platforms, including Trustpilot and the BBB.

Average Annual Cost

On its website, Liberty Mutual says its premiums for renters insurance start at just $5 per month. We generated a custom quote for a hypothetical tenant living in a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, N.C. Selecting only the recommended coverage options, Liberty Mutual quoted us coverage for $14.50 per month or $174 per year.

Get a quote: For a free quote from Liberty Mutual, fill out this online form.

Amica: Best for Stacked Discounts

Why We Chose Amica Renters Insurance

Renters insurance through Amica includes fairly run-of-the-mill coverage items like personal property coverage, personal liability coverage, and loss of use coverage. Amica, however, sets itself apart from other insurers with several specialty discounts for renters, including:

• Auto-pay discount when you enroll in automatic deductions
• Claim-free discounts for customers who don’t file claims for three consecutive years
• E-discount when you sign up to receive bills electronically
• Loyalty discounts for policyholders of two years or more
• Up to 15% off when you bundle your renters coverage with car insurance

Average Annual Cost

Amica states its average premium for standard renters insurance costs around $13 per month. We ran a quote for a single tenant occupying a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, N.C. Based on these specifications, Amica quoted us coverage for $18 per month or $205 per year.

Get a quote: For a free quote from Amica, fill out this online form.

Nationwide: Best for Coverage Perks

Why We Chose Nationwide Renters Insurance

As one of the biggest insurance companies in the United States, Nationwide offers comprehensive renters insurance to an impressive customer base of nearly 9.2 million. Nationwide made our list of top-rated renters insurance companies specifically for its unique coverage items and optional policy riders.

Unlike many competing providers, Nationwide’s standard policies include coverage for stolen credit cards and building alterations. As for add-ons, Nationwide policyholders can add the following to their plan:

• Earthquake protection
• Theft extension (covers property stolen from vehicle, watercraft, or trailer)
• Water backups
• Valuables Plus (covers jewelry, collectibles, antiques, electronics, etc.)

Average Annual Cost

The average cost of renters insurance through Nationwide is $14 per month. For a more personalized point of view, we generated a quote for a single tenant occupying a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, N.C. Nationwide calculated a monthly estimate of $19.83 per month or $238 per year.

Get a quote: For a free quote from Nationwide, fill out this online form.

Travelers: Best for Customizable Coverage

Why We Chose Travelers Renters Insurance

With 160 years of industry experience, Travelers is one of the oldest multi-line insurers on the market. Travelers’ expertise in the renters insurance category is reflected in its spread of coverage options and made-to-order policy features.

At sign-up, tenants can personalize their deductible, medical payment, liability, and loss-of-use coverage preferences. Policyholders can also add a la carte riders for replacement cost coverage and protection for big-ticket belongings like jewelry, electronics, collectibles, etc.

Travelers Renters Insurance Cost

According to its website, standard renters insurance coverage through Travelers costs an average of $15 per month. Travelers quoted a premium of $17.83 per month or $214 per year for a single tenant occupying a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, N.C. Travelers offers 15 discounts, some of which include bundling incentives, loss-free discounts, protective device discounts, and a green home discount.

Get a quote: For a free quote from Travelers, fill out this online form.

State Farm: Most Comprehensive Personal Property Coverage

Why We Chose State Farm Renters Insurance

State Farm is our top recommendation for robust personal property coverage for tenants. We scored State Farm 3.9 out of 5, earned specifically for having no annual coverage limits on personal property or loss-of-use claims and for its generous spread of policy add-ons.

When signing up, renters can tack on an endorsement for replacement cost coverage, which covers the entire cost to replace personal belongings lost to an eligible scenario.

Average Annual Cost

State Farm advertises renters insurance policies as low as $7 per month. We generated a sample estimate for a renters policy at a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, N.C., and were quoted $13.07 per month or $156.84 per year.

Get a quote: For a free quote from State Farm, fill out this online form.

Allstate: Best for Additional Coverage

Why We Chose Allstate Renters Insurance

As a household name in the insurance sector, Allstate’s renters insurance stands up to its strong industry reputation. House Method rated Allstate 3.6 out of 5 for its versatile policy options and generous spread of optional coverage add-ons.

Beyond standard inclusions, policyholders can add several extra endorsements to their plan, including coverage for:

• Extended coverage for jewelry, computers, fur, watches, etc.
• Identity theft protection
• Increased coverage for business property
• Scheduled personal property
• Uninsured & underinsured motorists

Average Annual Cost

A standard renters insurance policy through Allstate starts at just $4 per month. For a more accurate picture of what the average renter might pay, we requested a sample quote for a single tenant occupying a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, N.C. Allstate estimated a premium of $12 per month or $143 per year for the Basic policy. Allstate’s Standard plan level would cost $14 per month or $26 for its Enhanced variation.

Get a quote: For a free quote from Allstate, fill out this online form.

USAA: Best for Military Members and Veterans

Why We Chose USAA Renters Insurance

Exclusively available to active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate family members, USAA is a great option for any tenants occupying military dorms, barracks, or rental property on base.

USAA’s renters insurance includes basic personal property and liability protections plus a few bonus features like flood and earthquake insurance coverage. USAA also throws in up to 28% off for active-duty military members.

Average Annual Cost

Renters insurance through USAA starts at $10 per month, but premiums are subject to change based on your plan customizations, residence type, and location, among other factors.

For a single tenant residing in a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, N.C., USAA estimated a monthly premium of $16.32 per month or $196 per year. Additional discounts include 10% when you bundle with auto, up to 20% when you don’t file any claims for three years, 5% off for homes with protective devices and alarms, and up to 45% for policyholders who reside at a U.S. Military Service Academy.

Get a quote: For a free quote from USAA, fill out this online form.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Basic renters insurance is split into three primary types of coverage: personal property, personal liability protection, and additional living expenses/loss of use.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage includes furniture, clothing, electronics, and other household items and will pay to replace them if they’re even stolen or damaged by a covered risk. Personal property coverage typically doesn’t extend to more valuable items such as jewelry, collectibles, antiques, etc. You’ll need to purchase an additional policy endorsement to secure protection for high-value items like these.

Liability Coverage

Liability protection offers coverage for potential legal fees or medical bills if a guest is injured on the rental property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property.

Injury and Medical for Guests

Included under standard liability protection is coverage for personal injury to others. Remember that this injury coverage only extends to third parties, whether a delivery person or a guest staying with you. Liability protection will not cover personal injuries to you, the policyholder. If you have roommates listed on the same policy, they also can’t use coverage benefits to cover medical expenses arising from personal injury.

Loss of Use Coverage

Loss of use/additional living expense (ALE) coverage will help offset costs if the property you’re renting becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril, like a house fire or excessive water damage. This coverage clause will help with hotel fees and other living expenses until you can return to the rental property or relocate.

Who Needs Renters Insurance?

Technically, you only need renters insurance if your landlord, property management company, or complex requires it in your leasing agreement. Renters insurance isn’t legally required in any state.

Still, anyone who rents a home for an extended period, whether an apartment or a single-family house, should consider getting renters insurance as a form of financial protection, even if it is not required by law.

Renters Insurance for College Students

If you’re living off campus, your landlord might require renters insurance in the terms and conditions of your lease. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to take advantage of your roommate’s renters insurance coverage unless your name is listed on it.

If you’re living on campus, you probably won’t need renters insurance for your dorm. Your family’s homeowners insurance policy should often cover all your belongings, including clothes, laptops, and other personal belongings.

Average Cost of Renters Insurance in Every State

In addition to how you customize your coverage, the cost of your renters insurance policy will depend on a handful of identifying details about you, such as your geographic location. Here is an overview of how average premiums vary from state to state:

State	Average Annual Premium	Average Monthly Premium
Alabama	$219	$18
Alaska	$182	$15
Arizona	$164	$14
Arkansas	$208	$17
California	$175	$15
Colorado	$159	$13
Connecticut	$183	$15
Delaware	$153	$13
District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)	$158	$13
Florida	$180	$15
Georgia	$209	$17
Hawaii	$174	$15
Idaho	$148	$12
Illinois	$157	$13
Indiana	$164	$14
Iowa	$132	$11
Kansas	$167	$14
Kentucky	$162	$14
Louisiana	$236	$20
Maine	$149	$12
Maryland	$157	$13
Massachusetts	$186	$16
Michigan	$182	$15
Minnesota	$135	$11
Mississippi	$252	$21
Missouri	$173	$14
Montana	$149	$12
Nebraska	$144	$12
Nevada	$179	$15
New Hampshire	$146	$12
New Jersey	$156	$13
New Mexico	$186	$16
New York	$185	$15
North Carolina	$159	$13
North Dakota	$115	$10
Ohio	$163	$14
Oklahoma	$235	$20
Oregon	$158	$13
Pennsylvania	$153	$13
Rhode Island	$182	$15
South Carolina	$182	$15
South Dakota	$117	$10
Tennessee	$189	$16
Texas	$220	$18
Utah	$149	$12
Vermont	$151	$13
Virginia	$149	$12
Washington	$157	$13
West Virginia	$185	$15
Wisconsin	$127	$11
Wyoming	$147	$12

The Most Affordable Renters Insurance

If you’re looking for the best cheap renters insurance, here are our top picks:

Company	Lemonade	Geico	State Farm	Allstate
Monthly Premium	$12	$14	$15	$16
House Method Rating	3.7 out of 5	4.5 out of 5	3.9 out of 5	3.6 out of 10
AM Best Score*	Not rated	A++	A++	A+

* AM Best scores are accurate as of December 2022.

How To File a Renters Insurance Claim

To find out what sort of documentation you’ll need to provide to file a claim, visit the website of your renters insurance provider. Any supporting evidence of covered losses, including photos and videos, can be uploaded and submitted through your designated claims portal. More complex claims might require assistance from an agent.

When filing your claim, be as specific as possible about the cause of the loss or damage. If this is your first time filing a claim with your provider, have a copy of your contract on hand, as you’ll likely be asked to provide identifying details like your policy number.

How To Choose the Best Renters Insurance Policy

Choosing the right renters insurance is not as complicated as it looks. Here’s how to get started.

Decide on the Coverage You Want

The amount of coverage you purchase should be enough to cover all your personal belongings in the event of unexpected loss. Some providers, like Geico, offer personal property calculators to help you determine the monetary value of all items within your home. Most standard policy frameworks automatically include personal property coverage, liability coverage, and loss-of-use coverage. Consider any available coverage add-ons if you’re interested in taking your renters insurance policy to the next level.

Cost vs. Cash Value Policies

Property insurance, whether it be renters or homeowners, is typically categorized into two types: Replacement cost value (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV). Replacement cost value describes the cost of replacing an item with a brand-new version at its current retail price. So, if your flatscreen TV is stolen during a break-in, replacement cost value guarantees the latest brand and model of the same TV.

Actual cash value describes the estimated price of the item, considering how much it has depreciated in value over time. For a policyholder with an ACV policy, should their flatscreen TV get stolen, they’ll be compensated for the value of that specific TV.

The key differentiator between these two policy types is that though RCV may pay more in the event of a cover peril, it also costs more in premiums. ACV may not pay as much when you need to file a claim, but it’s the more affordable option monthly.

Compare Companies: Quotes, Reviews, etc.

The best way to weigh your options as you compare different renters insurance options is to generate a handful of quotes with several top-rated providers. Terms and conditions will vary between insurers, so make sure you’re also paying attention to the fine print and not just premiums.

We also recommend skimmer customer feedback from current policyholders on public review platforms like Trustpilot, the BBB, Google Reviews, etc. The best way to predict your future experience with any company is through the eyes of customers who are already enrolled in service. Watch out for review trends regarding unreasonable claim denial, delays in investigation, poor communication, or failed payouts.

Look for Bundles and Discounts

The majority of reputable renters insurance companies offer multiple discounts for new and returning policyholders, often including:

• Auto-pay discount
• Claims-free discounts (usually offered after three consecutive years of enrollment)
• Discounts for senior citizens and members of the military
• Home safety device discounts
• Non-smoking discounts
• Paperless billing discount

Car and Renters Insurance Bundles

Nearly all companies offering renters insurance are multi-line providers. For that reason, they’ll offer a bundling incentive when you opt to purchase property coverage and auto insurance from the same insurer. In addition to securing coverage at a discounted rate, bundling your renters and auto insurance can make policy management easier, with all your coverage details saved in one place.

How To Purchase Renters Insurance

Renters insurance can be easily purchased online through any provider’s main website. If you need additional guidance while navigating different coverage options, you can purchase a policy through a live customer service representative.

Click below to be connected with one of our top renters insurance providers.

Final Thoughts: Best Renters Insurance Companies

More often than not, landlords require tenants to be covered by a renters insurance policy before even signing the lease. Having coverage in place reduces the likelihood of you or your landlord having to cover any damages to the property out-of-pocket. Beyond that, whether renters insurance is worth it is really up to you and your living situation. If you’re renting a property in a neighborhood with high crime rates or strong seasonal weather changes, it’s probably worth the small monthly fee.

Renters Insurance Ranking and Review Methodology

To ensure that all content published on House Method is rooted in objectivity, editorial integrity, and strategic data collection, we’ve crafted a proprietary composite rating system specifically for our renters insurance category to vet each provider featured across the segment effectively.

Our review standards follow a conventional 10-point scale to measure a company’s insurance product for five overarching criteria points as listed below. From there, those numeric totals are translated into star ratings, partial and whole-star increments, between one and five.

Here are the five major categories that frame our independent review process and their maximum point values:

• Coverage (3.0): This category evaluates the standard coverage items included in each provider’s policy framework. We looked closely at the breadth of customization options, standout inclusions, cash-out claim types, and more.
• Monthly Cost (1.5): Our ratings around monthly premiums consider standard policy pricing relative to the current national average ($15 per month). This category also factors in the number, quality, and range of discounts each provider offers.
• Customer Service (2.0): Scores in the category take into account customer satisfaction and experience based on the following:
  • Consumer feedback published on verified review platforms (Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, etc.)
  • Complaints submitted to state insurance boards as recorded and measured by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
  • Customer satisfaction in the renters insurance segment as indexed by the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study.
  • The extent of basic accessibility, as exemplified through customer support business hours, expedited emergency services, ease of claims, convenient quote generation, and bonus digital tools.
• Endorsements (0.5): This category looks at optional or elective coverage add-ons and riders offered by each featured provider. We gave providers between 0.03 and 0.1 additional points depending on the value of each available add-on.
• Company Reputation (3.0): Evaluation of each company’s reputation across the renters insurance industry is largely based on ratings issued by the Better Business Bureau, financial strength ratings from AM Best, and NAIC annual complaint indexes.

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