Renters insurance guides
Every guide opens with the short answer, then the detail: what a policy covers, what it costs, and what to do in the situations renters actually face. Start with cost and coverage if you're new to this.
The basics
Is renters insurance required? What the law and leases say
No state law makes renters insurance required, but landlords can require it in the lease, and most large apartment commu…
Do I need renters insurance? An honest look at who should buy it
Do I need renters insurance? Almost every tenant does: about $14–$23 a month covers your things, $100,000 of liability a…
Can a landlord require renters insurance? What leases can and cannot demand
Can a landlord require renters insurance? Yes, in every state, as a lease condition. What they can ask for ($100,000 lia…
Cost and coverage amounts
How much is renters insurance? Average cost in 2026
Renters insurance costs about $14–$23 a month on average in 2026, or $165–$276 a year. See the average cost by state, wh…
How much renters insurance do I need? A room-by-room calculator
How much renters insurance do I need? Most renters need $20,000–$30,000 of property coverage and $100,000–$300,000 of li…
What is and isn't covered
What does renters insurance cover? The full list
Renters insurance covers your belongings against 16 named perils, your liability if you hurt someone or damage their pro…
Does renters insurance cover theft? At home, from your car and away
Yes, renters insurance covers theft of your belongings at home and away, including items stolen from your car. Here are …
Does renters insurance cover flood damage? No, and here is what does
No, renters insurance never covers flood damage. A separate contents-only NFIP or private flood policy does, with a 30-d…
Personal liability insurance for renters: what it pays and how much to buy
Personal liability insurance for renters pays when you injure someone or damage their property, including legal defense.…
Your situation
Renters insurance for pets: dog bites, breed lists and pet damage
Renters insurance for pets covers dog bites and injuries your pet causes others, up to your liability limit. Pet damage …
Renters insurance for storage units: what's covered and the 10% cap
Renters insurance for storage units covers stored items against theft, fire and similar perils, usually up to 10% of you…
Does renters insurance cover roommates? Shared vs separate policies
Renters insurance with roommates: your policy does not cover a roommate's belongings unless they are named on it. Why se…