How to Get the Best Renters Insurance Quotes
Shop around to get the most affordable renters insurance.


Cara Carlone is a licensed P&C agent with 20 years of experience. She has her P&C license in RI and TX and holds CPCU, API, and AINS designations.

If you are a renter, you may be wondering if you need renters insurance and how much it will cost. It's important to know that your landlord’s insurance policy only covers the building and grounds, not the personal possessions in your rented home.
Renters insurance will protect your belongings if a fire, theft, or storm damages your furniture or other belongings.
Shopping for renters insurance quotes is quick and free of charge. Simply contact an independent insurance agent in your area. A local agent can help you assess your needs and can gather several free renters insurance quotes for you to compare.
How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost?
The average cost of renters insurance in the United States is around $23 per month, or $276 per year. Depending on the risk for physical damage to property, you'll find that renters insurance in your state may cost more or less than this.
But remember, renters insurance protects you from the financial devastation that a fire or a destructive storm could cause. With the help of an independent insurance agent in your area, you can shop around for the best local rates.
What factors impact renters insurance costs?
It’s important to know that your insurance premiums are calculated according to your coverage needs, rental circumstances, and risk factors. Here are some of the most important factors that impact the rates you'll see on your renters insurance quotes:
- Coverage amount: The estimated value of your personal property will help you determine the amount of coverage you need. If you have a lot of personal property, you’ll pay more for renters insurance than someone with only a small number of belongings to cover.
- Deductible: A deductible is the amount of money you’ll pay out of pocket toward the cost of a claim before your coverage kicks in. Higher deductibles help reduce the cost of renters insurance coverage.
- Your location: The crime rate and weather risks in your city or neighborhood impact your cost for renters insurance. If you live in an area with a high crime rate or that has a higher-than-average risk for severe weather or other natural disasters, you’ll likely pay a little more for your renters insurance than someone who lives in a safer area.
- Your claims history and credit score: Insurance companies use both of these factors to help them determine how likely you are to file an insurance claim. A history of filing renters claims or a low credit score might indicate you’re more likely to file a claim in the future.
You’ll also likely have opportunities to lower your renters insurance costs by qualifying for certain discounts. Be sure to discuss available discounts with your independent insurance agent.
How to Get the Best Renters Insurance Quotes
Before you purchase renters insurance or any other type of personal insurance policy, it’s best to get quotes from several insurance companies, since rates vary from one insurance company to another. And there's no reason to go it alone; an independent insurance agent is your best resource for comparing policies and rates.
Independent agents can help you obtain and compare quotes because these agents have access to multiple insurance companies and can help you make the best choice for your needs and budget. Local agents work for you, not the insurance company, so you can be sure they'll help you steer clear of pitfalls and won't leave any stone unturned when finding reliable, affordable coverage.
Finding accurate quotes from reputable insurance carriers is the key to choosing the best renters insurance policy. Here are some important tips for making sure you're getting the best rates possible:
- Decide what you want to insure and what it would cost to replace those items. Taking a detailed inventory of your personal belongings, including everything from clothing to jewelry, electronics, furniture, appliances, and cookware, can ensure that you get adequate coverage in the event of a loss such as burglary or fire.
- Determine whether you want replacement cost coverage (reimburses your items at today's costs) for your personal belongings or actual cash value coverage (reimbursed with depreciation taken into account). Replacement cost coverage will cost a bit more, but it also provides a higher level of reimbursement for damaged or destroyed items when you need it.
- You'll get better rates if your apartment unit and apartment building have certain security features, like deadbolt locks, security systems, and gated entry. Make sure you take note of any additional security features your apartment complex has and share this information with your agent.
- Maximize the discounts for which you qualify. For example, you'll likely be able to receive a discount if you're a non-smoker, if you bundle your renters insurance with another policy like car insurance, and if you have certain professional memberships or affiliations.
What Information is Needed for a Renters Insurance Quote?
You can get more accurate renters insurance quotes by working with an independent agent than by browsing online. To get the most accurate quotes for you, your agent will need to collect certain information about you, including:
- Information about you in order to run a credit report
- Information about past home or renters insurance policies you have carried
- Details about your rental home or apartment building, such as whether it has a secure entry
- The type and amount of coverage you need; for example, you will need to choose how much liability coverage as well as how much personal property coverage you want
- The deductibles you want to set for your policy
Your agent will make sure to provide the insurance companies with all of the necessary information to get you the most accurate quote.
How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Get Renters Insurance Quotes
Local independent insurance agents can help you assess your needs and obtain multiple renters insurance quotes. Independent agents work for you, not the insurance company, so you'll get the advice you need to help you choose the policy that offers the most suitable and affordable coverage.
https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-cost-renters-insurance