Why is My Renters Insurance So Expensive? (2024)

FAQs

Why is My Renters Insurance So Expensive? ›

Where you live. Insurers typically charge more if you live in an area they consider risky. For example, you'll generally pay more for insurance if your neighborhood has a high crime rate or a heightened risk of wildfires.

Insurance is all about risk, so customers that live in areas with higher risks of claims usually have to pay more for coverage. Some location-based factors that impact renters insurance rates can include: The rate of crimes, especially theft, in your ZIP code.

Have Your Landlord Install Safety and Security Equipment. Some renters insurance policies may drop their price if your landlord has installed safety and security equipment such as fire and burglar alarms. The insurance company has an interest in making sure your belongings are well-protected.

Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive. According to NerdWallet, the average renters policy costs about $15 per month for up to $30,000 in personal property coverage. That's solid coverage for less than the cost of a few cups of coffee a week.

The cost of renters insurance depends on several factors like your location, policy deductible, total amount of coverage, and insurance carrier. Renters insurance not only pays for damage to or loss of your personal property, but it also includes personal liability, medical payments, and loss of use coverage.

Renters insurance coverage is almost always worth it. It is much more affordable than other policies, including home or auto insurance, and provides valuable financial protection. Even if you can save enough money to cover unexpected loss, renters insurance may be worthwhile.

Renters insurance typically covers fire, windstorms, lightning, explosions, theft, and vandalism. Your personal property, personal liability, additional living expenses, and guest medical expenses are usually covered under your renters insurance.

If you want lower out-of-pocket expenses for unexpected repairs, go with a lower deductible (and higher premium). If you prefer a lower insurance premium, choose a higher deductible, and expect to pay more when you file a claim. Learn how to get cheap homeowners insurance.

Lease violations: If your landlord requires renters insurance, canceling your policy may put you at risk of penalties for violating your lease. Higher future insurance rates: Establishing an insurance history with few or no claims often helps you qualify for lower rates on future coverage.

One of the main cons of getting renters insurance is that it can be an added expense for tenants who are already paying rent and other living expenses. This can be a deterrent for some tenants who may feel that they cannot afford the additional cost of a renters insurance policy.

How much is renters insurance ok? ›

How much is renters insurance in California? The average cost of renters insurance in California is $182 a year, or approximately $15 a month.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost? Renters insurance costs an average of $157 a year for a policy with $15,000 of personal property coverage. The average cost of renters insurance for a policy with $30,000 is $199 annually, and a $50,000 policy costs an average of $260 a year.

Whether someone considers Lemonade renters insurance as good or not likely depends on their coverage needs. If you're a renter who does not have a significant amount of valuable personal property, Lemonade's affordable premiums and easy buying process can make it a good choice.

Costs of homeowners insurance vs. renters insurance. In general, you can expect your renters insurance quote to be less than for homeowners insurance. That's because homeowners insurance includes the building structure itself, which isn't the case for renters insurance policies.

Renters insurance can help you repair or replace property after loss due to many types of damage or theft. It can also provide coverage for an accident at your residence. Policies usually have very affordable annual premiums. Note that your landlord's property insurance doesn't cover your belongings.

Unlike some other states, California landlords are allowed to require tenants to obtain and maintain renters insurance while they are under the terms of the lease. This is done in part to protect landlords from lawsuits in the event that damage to the property causes it to become uninhabitable.

Generally, your deductible shouldn't be higher than what you can afford to pay out of pocket because if you file a claim, you'll be responsible for paying your deductible.