Best Renters Insurance Companies

When you are renting a home or an apartment, it is important to protect your personal belongings in case of unexpected events like theft, fire, or water damage. Renters insurance provides coverage for your personal property and liability protection for accidents that occur within your rental unit. However, with so many insurance companies available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one that suits your needs and budget. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best renters insurance companies based on affordability, coverage options, customer service, and financial stability.

Top 5 Renters Insurance Companies of 2021

After evaluating several renters insurance providers, we have identified the following companies as the top performers for 2021:

Company
Rating
Pros
Cons
Lemonade
4.9/5
Low premiums
Easy online claims process
Fast payout
Limited coverage options
Not available in all states
State Farm
4.7/5
Wide coverage options
Discounts available
Good customer service
Higher premiums than some competitors
Progressive
4.6/5
Flexible coverage options
Discounts available
Bundling options
Slightly more expensive than some competitors
Nationwide
4.5/5
Flexible coverage options
Good discounts and features
Easy online account management
Slightly higher premiums for some customers
GEICO
4.4/5
Low premiums
Discounts available
User-friendly online tools
Limited coverage options
Not available in all states

Lemonade

Lemonade is an innovative renters insurance provider that offers low premiums, simplified policy language, and a hassle-free online claims process. The company uses artificial intelligence to quickly process claims and it donates any unclaimed money to charity. Lemonade offers only two coverage options: standard and extra, but you can customize your policy by choosing the limits and deductible that fit your needs. Lemonade is available in select states, and the company has received an A rating for financial stability from AM Best, the leading insurance rating agency in the country.

One of the major advantages of Lemonade is its focus on technology and transparency. The company’s mobile app allows you to easily manage your policy, file a claim, and get in touch with customer support. Lemonade offers a variety of discounts, including bundling options and a referral program, which can help you save even more money on your policy.

However, Lemonade may not be the best choice if you need specific coverage options or if you live in an area where the company does not operate. The company also does not offer coverage for high-value items such as jewelry, antiques, or fine art.

Overall, if you are looking for a simple, affordable, and user-friendly renters insurance policy, Lemonade is definitely worth considering.

State Farm

State Farm is one of the largest insurance companies in the country, and it has been in business for nearly 100 years. The company offers a wide range of renters insurance coverage options, including personal property, liability, and additional living expenses. State Farm also offers discounts for bundling policies, home security systems, and good credit scores.

One of the key benefits of State Farm is its excellent customer service. The company has a large network of agents and representatives who are available to answer your questions, help you customize your policy, and file a claim. State Farm also offers online tools and resources, including a mobile app and a customer portal, which make it easy to manage your policy on the go.

However, State Farm may not be the cheapest option for renters insurance, and its premiums may vary depending on where you live and the coverage options you choose. Additionally, some customers have reported difficulty in filing claims or resolving disputes with the company. Despite these potential drawbacks, State Farm is a solid choice for renters insurance if you value comprehensive coverage and reliable customer support.

Progressive

Progressive is a well-known insurance provider that offers a wide range of coverage options for renters, homeowners, and drivers. The company’s renters insurance policies include personal property coverage, liability protection, and additional living expenses. Progressive also offers discounts for bundling policies, setting up automatic payments, and having a smoke detector or fire extinguisher in your rental unit.

One of the biggest features of Progressive is its flexibility. The company allows you to customize your policy by choosing the limits and deductible that fit your needs and budget. You can also add optional coverages such as water damage, earthquake, or identity theft protection.

However, some customers have reported issues with the claims process, and Progressive’s premiums may be slightly higher than some competitors. Additionally, the company’s coverage options may vary depending on your location, and it may not be available in all states. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a renters insurance policy that offers a lot of customization options and discounts, Progressive is definitely worth checking out.

Nationwide

Nationwide is a large insurance company that offers a variety of coverage options for renters, homeowners, and other types of insurance. The company’s renters insurance policies include personal property coverage, liability protection, and additional living expenses. Nationwide also offers discounts for bundling policies, setting up automatic payments, and having a home security system or fire extinguisher in your rental unit.

One of the key benefits of Nationwide is its easy online account management. The company’s website and mobile app allow you to view and manage your policy, file a claim, and access helpful resources and tools. Nationwide also provides excellent customer service, with a large network of agents and representatives available to assist you with your policy and claims.

However, Nationwide’s premiums may be slightly higher than some competitors, and the company’s coverage options may vary depending on your location. Additionally, some customers have reported delays or complications in the claims process. Despite these minor drawbacks, Nationwide is a reliable choice for renters insurance if you value comprehensive coverage options and user-friendly technology.

GEICO

GEICO is a well-known insurance provider that offers coverage for renters, homeowners, and drivers. The company’s renters insurance policies include personal property coverage, liability protection, and additional living expenses. GEICO also offers discounts for bundling policies, setting up automatic payments, and having a home security system or fire extinguisher in your rental unit.

One of the key advantages of GEICO is its low premiums. The company’s renters insurance policies are some of the most affordable in the market, and they offer a variety of discounts that can help you save even more money. GEICO also provides helpful online tools and resources, including a mobile app and a customer portal, which make it easy to manage your policy and file a claim.

However, GEICO’s coverage options may be limited, and the company may not be available in all states. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the claims process, especially when it comes to higher-value items or damage caused by natural disasters. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a budget-friendly renters insurance policy, GEICO is definitely worth considering.

Renters Insurance FAQ

What does renters insurance cover?

Renters insurance typically covers your personal property, liability protection, and additional living expenses. Personal property coverage pays for the repair or replacement of your belongings if they are stolen, damaged, or destroyed by a covered peril such as fire, theft, or water damage. Liability protection covers you if someone is injured or their property is damaged while they are in your rental unit, and you are found to be at fault. Additional living expenses cover the costs of temporary housing and other expenses if you are forced to move out of your rental unit due to a covered peril.

How much renters insurance do I need?

The amount of renters insurance you need depends on the value of your personal property and your liability risks. To determine the value of your personal property, you should make an inventory of all your belongings and estimate their worth. You can also use online tools and calculators to get an idea of how much coverage you need. For liability protection, you should consider your assets and the likelihood of a lawsuit against you. Most insurance experts recommend at least $100,000 of liability coverage.

How much does renters insurance cost?

The cost of renters insurance varies depending on several factors, including your location, the value of your personal property, your deductible, and the coverage options you choose. On average, renters insurance costs about $15 to $20 per month. However, you can find cheaper or more expensive options depending on your needs and budget.

Do I need renters insurance if my landlord has insurance?

Even if your landlord has insurance, it may not cover your personal property or liability risks. Landlord insurance typically covers the building and any fixtures or appliances provided by the landlord. It does not cover your personal belongings or your liability if someone is injured or their property is damaged while they are in your rental unit. Renters insurance provides protection for your personal property and liability risks, so it is wise to have a policy even if your landlord has insurance.

How can I file a renters insurance claim?

To file a renters insurance claim, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident occurs. You will need to provide details about the event, including the date, time, and location of the incident, and the extent of the damage or loss. You may also need to provide pictures, videos, or receipts of the damaged or stolen items. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate your claim and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. You can track the progress of your claim online or through the company’s mobile app.

Conclusion

Choosing the right renters insurance company can be a daunting task, but it is essential to protect your personal belongings and liability risks. Our top-rated companies – Lemonade, State Farm, Progressive, Nationwide, and GEICO – offer a variety of coverage options, user-friendly technology, and helpful discounts that can help you find the right policy for your needs and budget. By using our guide and doing your own research, you can be confident that you are getting the best renters insurance coverage possible.