How to get renters insurance

How do you qualify for renters insurance?

Anyone can qualify for renters insurance. There are no universal eligibility requirements. Insurers evaluate applicants based on claims history and location, and both factors affect the premium. Renters with a clean claims history in low-risk areas pay the lowest rates.

Some renters insurance companies will decline to cover applicants with extensive claims histories or properties in high-risk locations.

Renters insurance companies devise premiums based on risk. If they view you as not being risky and likely not to file many claims, you’ll pay less for renters insurance than if you’re considered risky to insure.

Renters insurance calculator

Average renters insurance rates in Texas

Most & least expensive ZIP codes for renters insurance in Texas

Most expensive
Least expensive

ZIP code	City	Highest rate
78368	Mathis	$264
77014	Houston	$264
77444	Guy	$263
77374	Thicket	$262

ZIP code	City	Lowest rate
75070	McKinney	$183
78132	New Braunfels	$183
75072	McKinney	$183
75013	Allen	$183

Read our methodology

What do you need to get a renters insurance quote?

To get a renters insurance quote, you'll need personal information and information about the property, your claims history and the occupants of the house, including dogs.

For an accurate renters insurance quote, be prepared to provide:

Your personal information, including your full name and birthdate
The address of the property
Type of structure, such as whether it’s an apartment building or a house
Your claims history
Whether you have dogs and their breed
The apartment’s safety and security features, including burglar and fire alarms

Before getting quotes from a renters insurance company, you’ll want to jot down your possessions and figure out what they’re worth. The list will help you figure out how much coverage you need and help you file an insurance claim later.

Store your home inventory in a safe place outside of your rental unit, such as with a friend or a cloud storage service, so it can be accessed after a loss.

How long does it take to get renters insurance?

Renters insurance can be purchased the same day; the application process can be completed in a matter of minutes. As long as you're prepared with all of the required information and a method of payment, you should have your policy in place quickly.

Can you get renters insurance online?

Yes, you can buy renters insurance online from most major carriers, although some companies only offer coverage through agents. To buy a renters insurance policy online, first compare quotes from multiple carriers. Then, when you have chosen a carrier, enter the required information, provide a payment online, and get confirmation of your coverage.

Purchase method	How it works	Best for
Online	Enter your information on an insurer's website, receive a quote and buy in one session	Renters who know what coverage they need and want fast coverage
Through an agent	Speak with a licensed agent by phone or in person to get quotes and guidance	First-time renters or those with questions about coverage amounts

Types of renters insurance coverage

Renters insurance covers personal property, personal liability, and additional living expenses in case you have to live elsewhere due to a covered claim.

Here are the coverages in a renters insurance policy:

Personal property. Personal property protection covers your belongings if they’re damaged or stolen. These items include clothing, furniture, appliances and electronics. A deductible applies to this coverage, which you must pay when you file a claim.
Personal liability. Personal liability handles legal costs associated with damage or injuries in your apartment. That may include a friend falling in your apartment or your dog biting a visitor.
Additional living expenses. Additional living expenses is coverage to help you live elsewhere if your apartment gets damaged, such as in a fire. This coverage is sometimes called loss of use.
Optional coverage. You can add endorsements, including scheduled personal property for high-value items, to your renters policy depending on your needs.

How much renters insurance do I need?

The right amount of renters insurance depends on the value of your belongings and your liability exposure, but you should have enough to replace all of your personal property. Follow these three steps to choose your coverage:

Estimate your personal property coverage. Walk through your home and add up the replacement cost of your belongings, including furniture, electronics, clothing and appliances.
Set your liability coverage. Most insurance professionals recommend a minimum of $100,000 in personal liability coverage. If you have significant assets or a dog, consider increasing it to $300,000
Choose your deductible. A $500 deductible results in a higher monthly premium than a $1,000 deductible. Choose the highest deductible you could pay out of pocket after a loss without financial hardship.

FAQ: Getting renters insurance

How much does a typical renters insurance policy cost per month?

The average cost of renters insurance is $24 a month for a policy with $40,000 personal property coverage, $1,000 deductible, and $300,000 liability protection.

Do I need renters insurance?

Yes, you need renters insurance to protect your personal property, because your landlord's insurance doesn't cover anything you own. Renters insurance will cover your belongings, provide personal liability insurance if you're responsible for injuries or damage to someone else, and cover living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

Does renters insurance start immediately?

Yes, renters insurance can start the same day you purchase a policy. Most insurers allow you to choose your coverage start date at the time of purchase, including the current date.

Can roommates share a renters insurance policy?

Some insurers allow roommates to share a renters insurance policy, but coverage for each person's belongings may be limited. Most insurance professionals recommend that each roommate purchase a separate policy to ensure full personal property and liability protection.

Can college students get renters insurance?

Yes, college students can get renters insurance. Students living off campus in their own apartment should purchase their own policy. Students living in a dorm may be covered under a parent's homeowners or renters insurance policy, depending on the insurer's terms.

Can I get renters insurance month-to-month?

No, renters insurance policies are not sold on a month-to-month basis; policy terms are usually for 12 months. You can cancel your renters insurance policy at any time, but in some cases, early cancellation may result in penalties.

Can I get renters insurance without a Social Security number?

Some insurers offer renters insurance to applicants without a Social Security number using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Availability varies by insurer and state.