How to Get Renters Insurance

You can get renters insurance directly from an insurer's website, through a comparison site, or through an independent insurance agent like Zillow Insurance Services. Most online applications take a few minutes to complete, with coverage beginning the same day or the next day (depending on time of day you apply). Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process.

1. Understand what renters insurance covers — and what it doesn’t cover

Before you start shopping for renters insurance, you need to understand exactly what it covers and what it doesn’t. Once you get a handle on that, you’ll be able to gauge how much coverage you actually need.

What renters insurance typically covers

• Personal property: Your belongings (like clothing, electronics, furniture, etc.) are covered if they are stolen or damaged by a covered event (like a fire).
• Personal liability: If someone is injured in your rental and you are sued, it can help cover costs like legal fees or settlements.
• Medical payments: Similarly, it may cover medical bills for a guest who is injured in your home.
• Loss of use: If your rental becomes uninhabitable after a covered event, for example due to fire damage, it helps cover the cost of a hotel or temporary housing and additional living expenses (often abbreviated as ALE).

What renters insurance does not typically cover

• Flood and earthquake damage: These events are not covered by a standard renters insurance policy; they typically require riders or separate policies.
• Pest and rodent damage: Termite and pest damage are not covered by a renters policy.
• A roommate’s belongings: Your insurance won’t cover the belongings of any roommates not listed on the policy.
• Items valued above the policy limit: Costly jewelry, antiques, and other items whose value exceeds your policy limits won’t be fully covered. (However, riders may be available to increase your policy limits.)
• Intentional damage: Any damage you caused to the property on purpose, which could include things like renovations or paint, won’t be covered.

2. Take inventory of your home

This step might be the most important, because it tells you how much property coverage you need. You don’t want to pay more than you have to, but you also don’t want to be unpleasantly surprised if your policy doesn’t cover something crucial.

To start your inventory, walk through your home room by room and list your belongings, with estimated replacement costs. You don’t necessarily need to list every item individually — it’s fine to group things together, like “bedroom furniture” or “coats in hall closet.” It’s a good idea to take photos of the more valuable items and maintain a file of relevant receipts, warranties, or appraisals.

Many insurers offer apps or tools that can help make your inventory easier, but a simple spreadsheet can also do the trick. Be sure to back it up electronically or keep a hard copy somewhere other than in your home, just in case.

3. Decide how much coverage you want

Once your home inventory is complete, use it to inform your renter insurance coverage. You’ll need to set 3 amounts: 

• Personal property: Set your coverage amount more or less equal to the total replacement value of your home inventory. This can run $15,000–$30,000 for most renters, or more if you have high-value items. Your loss of use/additional living expenses are typically set automatically as a percentage of this amount.
• Liability: Liability claims can be large, so try to set the highest amount you can comfortably afford. A typical policy usually includes a minimum of $100,000, but you might opt for more if you entertain frequently.  
• Deductible: Choose an amount you can comfortably pay out-of-pocket in an emergency — $500 is common, but deductible amounts can range much more widely. Keep in mind that lower deductibles will mean higher premiums. 

Coverage needs can vary widely from one individual to another, so if you have questions or need specific advice, consult a licensed insurance professional.

4. Choose between actual cash value or replacement cost coverage

Actual cash value (ACV) is standard for renters insurance coverage and pays what your item was worth at the time of the loss. Depreciation is incorporated into the amount. For example, a ruined sofa that was a few years old may only pay out a few hundred dollars, even if it cost $1,000 when you bought it. 

Many renters don’t realize there’s actually another option: replacement cost coverage, which pays out what it would cost to buy a new, equivalent item with no deduction for depreciation. In this case, you’d get a payout for a comparable new sofa. This option typically costs about 10% more, but may be worth it for renters with newer belongings. If you go this route, be sure to value items at what they would cost to replace today, not what they cost when you originally bought them — that way you won’t underestimate if you need to make a claim.

5. Gather the info you’ll need to get a quote

Compile the information you'll need to fill out your application, so that once you’re ready it’ll all be easy to find.

When you apply for a quote through Zillow Insurance Services, you’ll be asked to provide: 

• Rental property address
• Renter policy start date
• First and last name
• Date of birth
• Email
• Phone number of policy holder (optional)

Some insurance companies may require additional information, such as:

• Social Security number or ITIN (usually to check your credit)
• Unit type (e.g., apartment, condo, townhouse)
• Number and names of occupants
• Estimated value of personal property (your belongings inside)
• Pet information, if applicable (some dog breeds, for example, can affect your rate)
• Any prior claims over the past several years

6. Shop around and compare quotes

Shop directly on insurers’ websites, through comparison sites, or through an independent insurance agent like Zillow Insurance Services. Rates can vary widely, so be sure to get quotes from at least 3 different companies to get a good idea of who offers the best price for renters insurance. Confirm that the coverage limits and deductibles are the same across insurers before comparing premiums. Take into consideration the following:

• Premium: Your monthly or annual cost is the most obvious factor, but it’s not the only one.
• Coverage: Ensure each quote offers the same personal property and liability limits.
• Deductible: This becomes very important when you have to make a claim: A lower premium with a much higher deductible may not be the better deal.
• ACV vs. replacement cost: Confirm which type of coverage the quote includes.
• Sub-limits for valuables: Check coverage limits for jewelry, electronics, and other high-value categories.
• Bundling discounts: If you have auto insurance, check whether bundling renters insurance with the same company saves you more.
• Customer service ratings and claims reviews: Read what other customers have to say — you want an insurer who is easy to work with and pays claims efficiently. Remember, this is who you’ll be dealing with in the event of an emergency, so quality of service and trust matter.

7. Consider riders and add-ons

Most companies allow you to purchase riders (also called “endorsements” or “floaters”) that add extra coverage or extend coverage beyond certain standards. For example:

• A jewelry and valuables rider can increase coverage for pieces whose value exceeds the standard limit.
• A scheduled personal property rider covers specific high-value items, like an engagement ring, individually.
• Some policies offer a rider to protect against identity theft.
• Earthquake riders are available, and may be required, in quake-prone locations like California.
• Flood-prone locations typically require a separate flood insurance policy.
• A water-backup rider protects against damage from a sewer or drain backup.

8. Apply and activate your policy

When you’re ready to buy the policy, you can complete the online application process in as little as 10–15 minutes. Going through the final setup with an insurance agent shouldn’t take much longer. 

Review your policy documents carefully once you’ve made the purchase, to make sure your coverage and deductible are as expected. Most insurers will also provide a digital certificate of insurance, which you may need to share with your landlord if proof of insurance is a requirement of your lease. 

If you prefer, you can set up autopay to make sure you don’t miss a payment. Schedule a calendar reminder before it’s set to renew. (Many policies renew automatically, but rates can change at renewal, so take a look first.) Finally, store your policy number and the phone number for claims somewhere safe, so you can access them in an emergency if you need to.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?

Even though getting renters insurance is straightforward, a few missteps can leave you underprotected or overpaying. Here's what to watch for:

• Underinsuring your belongings: If you lowball your home inventory to save on premiums, you could end up with a payout that doesn't cover replacing your things. Use your inventory to set a realistic coverage amount.
• Choosing actual cash value vs. replacement cost: Actual cash value factors in depreciation. A several-year-old sofa might only pay out a few hundred dollars but with replacement cost coverage, you get paid what it would cost to get a new sofa.
• Assuming your roommate is covered: Only occupants listed on the policy are covered. If your roommate's name isn't on the policy, their belongings aren't protected. They'll need their own policy.
• Overlooking limits on valuables: Standard policies cap coverage for jewelry, electronics, and other high-value categories. If you have valuable items, check the sub-limits and consider a rider.
• Letting your policy lapse: A lapsed policy means no coverage when you need it most. Set up autopay and add a renewal reminder to your calendar so you don't lose protection.
• Not reading the policy documents: Review your policy carefully after purchase to confirm your coverage limits, deductible, and coverage type match what you selected. Errors are easier to fix early.

Tips for getting the right renters insurance

A little preparation goes a long way toward making sure your policy fits your life and your budget. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your coverage.

1. Reassess your coverage annually

Your belongings change over time, and so do replacement costs. Once a year, update your home inventory and check whether your coverage limits still make sense — especially after major purchases or life changes. A policy that was right when you first signed up may no longer be enough.

2. Keep your home inventory backed up

Store your inventory electronically or keep a hard copy somewhere outside your home. If your rental is damaged, you don't want your only record of your belongings destroyed along with them. Cloud storage or a simple email to yourself works well.

3. Bundle for discounts

If you already have auto insurance, check whether bundling renters insurance with the same company saves you money. Many insurers offer discounts that can significantly reduce your premium, and the convenience of a single bill doesn't hurt either.

4. Document damage immediately after a loss

If you need to file a claim, take photos and videos of the damage as soon as it's safe to do so. The more documentation you have, the smoother the claim process will be — and the faster you can get back on your feet.

5. Shop around at renewal

Rates can change when your policy renews. Before automatically renewing, get a few new quotes to make sure you're still getting the best deal for your coverage. A few minutes of comparison shopping each year can add up to real savings.

Frequently asked questions