Is renters insurance required?
Renters insurance isn’t legally required by state or federal law, but landlords can make it a lease condition in most states. While this may seem like an extra expense, having a policy protects your belongings from theft, fire, and unexpected damage—not just your landlord’s property.
Many policies also include liability coverage, which helps cover costs if you accidentally cause damage or someone is injured in your home. If you're a college student living on campus, you may even be covered under a parent’s homeowners policy.
Even if your landlord doesn’t require it, renters insurance is often a smart investment for peace of mind—and it’s more affordable than you might think.
Why do landlords require renters insurance?
There are several reasons a landlord might require renters insurance. Having a policy means:
- You’re more likely to pay your rent in full and on time if you don’t have to pay out of pocket to replace your damaged personal property.
- You’re less likely to sue them to replace your belongings. (They’re not legally responsible, and neither is their landlord insurance policy. But litigation is a hassle.)
- They’re less likely to get sued by an injured third party because your liability coverage will kick in.
- They might also be able to get some property damage covered by your policy if your negligence caused the damage.
In the unfortunate event of a fire, theft, or other covered perils, renters insurance ensures that tenants can recover the value of their belongings, including electronics, furniture, and other belongings. The landlord's policy covers damage to the rented dwelling, not the tenant's property.
Landlords face various financial risks associated with renting their properties. Requiring renters insurance mitigates some of these risks. For instance, if a tenant is held liable for injuries sustained on the property, the insurance coverage can handle these expenses, protecting both the tenant and the landlord's financial interests.
Requiring renters insurance promotes tenant responsibility as it motivates them to take better care of their belongings, understanding they are financially accountable for any losses or damages to their own property.
How do landlords calculate renters insurance amounts?
Like everyone, landlords want to protect themselves from potential financial loss, so their renters insurance calculations depend on the risk involved. For example, if you own a dog, the landlord may want to see higher personal liability coverage since the average dog bite claim comes to around $49,000 (including legal costs and medical payments).
At the end of the day, though, how much insurance you get is entirely up to you. This is because your landlord is in no way responsible for what happens to your stuff. To figure out how much insurance to get, do a quick inventory of your belongings and figure out how much you own, financially speaking. Don’t forget to take pictures, which can prove useful if you ever have to make a claim.
Do students and roommates need renters insurance?
How much coverage should I have?
As a rule of thumb, a landlord will likely require you to have enough personal property coverage to replace your belongings. While it may seem like just a pile of Ikea furniture and old socks, you might be surprised to own $20,000 to $30,000 worth of stuff.
They may also require personal liability coverage to protect both you and them from guest injuries or property damage. A standard renters insurance policy typically includes $100,000 in liability coverage, which is sufficient for most renters.
Landlords can request proof of insurance and may ask to be listed as aan additional insured party. Always check your lease for specific insurance requirements before signing.
To buy or not to buy, that is the question. Purchasing additional insurance depends on your circumstances and budget. If you happen to own a lot of fancy electronics, masterpieces by Monet, or other collectibles, obtaining extra personal property protection for those items is a smart idea. A basic renter's insurance policy may have limited coverage for big-ticket items. So if your two-carat diamond ring was stolen, you might not receive a payout that covers the full loss. Additional insurance or a rider can help bridge that gap.
Likewise, while $100,000 in liability insurance may sound like a lot, it won’t cover everything. Given the state of healthcare in the United States, specific medical bills may exceed your policy’s limit. All insurance comes with restrictions, so if buying additional policies brings you peace of mind, by all means, go for it. As for the cost of renters insurance itself, don’t worry too much as the average premium is relatively inexpensive.
Should I get renters insurance even if it isn’t required?
The Zebra strongly encourages renters to secure an insurance policy, especially considering it costs an average of only $19 per month. Even if you don't own valuable possessions, renters insurance provides crucial liability protection. It covers medical bills for injuries caused by your pet or within your rental unit, legal expenses, and even additional living expenses if you're temporarily displaced due to a covered event.
To compare quotes and get the best price, contact one of our friendly licensed insurance agents. As an independent agency, our agents have access to policies from big names like Liberty Mutual and regional companies like Plymouth Rock, ensuring you get the best price and coverage for your unique needs.
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About The Zebra
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