ResidentShield
Not yet rated
- No credit check required to get a policy.
- Your rate won’t go up if you file a claim.
- Bedbug coverage may be available.
- Animal liability coverage may be limited.
About ResidentShield
ResidentShield isn’t an insurance company. It’s an agency that works with third-party insurers to find you a renters policy.
ResidentShield partners with certain apartment communities across the U.S. If you live in one of them, the company may prefill certain parts of your application to save you time. But you don’t need to live in a partner complex to get ResidentShield renters insurance.
Best for: Renters who have poor credit or live in one of ResidentShield’s partner communities.
Not ideal for: Pet owners concerned about dog bite claims.
- Why doesn't this company have a NerdWallet star rating?
We make every effort to rate each company we review. However, we’re sometimes unable to provide a NerdWallet star rating for insurers that work with multiple third parties to underwrite their policies. That’s because the quality of the policy you get may vary depending on the coverage options, financial strength and other factors of each separate underwriting company.
Where ResidentShield stands out
No credit check. ResidentShield’s application process doesn’t involve a credit check. That’s useful for renters with poor credit, who tend to pay higher renters insurance rates in most states.
No premium increase if you file a claim. ResidentShield promises that your rates won’t go up if you file a claim. That’s a rare perk in the renters insurance industry.
Bedbug coverage. Depending on where you live, you may be able to buy coverage for bedbug infestations. Not all renters insurers offer this option.
Where ResidentShield falls short
Animal liability coverage. Most renters insurance covers dog bites and other animal liability claims up to your full personal liability limit (often $100,000). But ResidentShield offers just $10,000 of liability coverage unless you pay extra. The average dog bite claim cost more than $69,000 in 2024, the most recent data available, according to State Farm and the Insurance Information Institute.
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What ResidentShield renters insurance covers
Landlords sometimes require tenants to buy a policy with a minimum amount of liability insurance, but otherwise, the coverage you choose is generally up to you. Below are the four types of coverage included in most standard renters policies:
- Personal property
Personal property coverage can replace belongings such as furniture and electronics if they're stolen or damaged.
- Personal liability
Renters liability insurance pays out if you're responsible for injuring other people or damaging their property.
- Loss of use
Loss of use coverage pays for hotel stays, meals or other expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your home is repaired.
- Medical payments
Medical payments coverage pays to treat injuries to other people in your home, regardless of fault.
For more details, see What Does Renters Insurance Cover?
One nice feature of a ResidentShield policy is that it covers your stuff on a replacement cost basis. With this type of coverage, the company will pay you enough after a claim to buy new replacements for damaged or stolen items.
Some renters policies pay only the actual cash value of lost items. Because things like furniture and electronics tend to lose value over time, your claim payout could come up well short of what you need to buy new items.
Optional coverage
Depending on where you live, you may be able to add some or all of the following to your policy:
Water and sewer coverage. Pays for damage to your belongings if a water line or sump pump backs up into your home.
Pet damage coverage. Pays to repair things like carpet stains or scratch marks from your furry buddy.
Extra animal liability coverage. Raises your coverage limit in case your pet injures someone or damages their property. Learn more about dog liability insurance.
Bedbug coverage. Pays to help clean up an infestation in your home.
Equipment protection coverage. Pays for physical damage to laptops, phones and other electronics. Learn more about electronics insurance.
Tenant damage coverage. Pays for property damage you cause to your rented house or unit.
Earthquake coverage. Pays to repair or replace your stuff after an earthquake (available in California only).
Most renters insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If your home is at risk, you might want to consider buying flood insurance for renters.
Discounts
ResidentShield offers a discount of up to 20% for renters in a senior living community. You may also be able to save money by paying your premium in full, rather than in installments.
Where ResidentShield renters insurance is available
ResidentShield is licensed to sell renters insurance in all states and Washington, D.C.
Availability may change at any time. Coverage may not be available to all renters in a given state.
Consumer experience
Website: You can use the ResidentShield website to get a quote, file a claim or learn about the company’s policies.
Claims: You can file a claim online or call 800-822-2997. According to the company, your premium won’t go up after you file a claim, which is unusual in the insurance industry.
Customer service: For support, email info@residentshield.com or call 800-566-1186. You can also use the company’s chat feature, which offers both automated and live assistance. Customer service is available on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT.
Other renters insurance companies to consider
Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other renters insurance companies:
How we review renters insurance
Our editorial team considers these factors when reviewing renters insurance companies:
- 📞 Customer experience
This rating is based primarily on consumer complaints to state regulators, as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. We also evaluate whether companies have customer-friendly features such as online claims filing and quotes.
- 🛡️ Coverage
We look at how companies cover your personal belongings and how many common optional endorsements they offer.
- 💲Affordability
We evaluate the discounts a company offers and, when available, its median rates.
- 🏦 Financial strength
We use AM Best and Demotech ratings to confirm each insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims.
See our complete renters insurance rating methodology.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
In our research, we analyzed:
More than 175 million renters insurance rates.
More than 100 insurance companies.
More than 150 renter profiles.
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines that ensure fairness and accuracy in order to help you choose the financial products that work best for you. Here is a list of our partners and here’s how we make money.
Frequently asked questions
What other types of insurance does ResidentShield offer?
What other types of insurance does ResidentShield offer?
ResidentShield doesn’t sell other types of insurance (such as auto insurance), so it’s not a good bet if you’re looking to bundle your policies.
Can I include my roommate on a ResidentShield policy?
Can I include my roommate on a ResidentShield policy?
Yes. You can add a spouse and up to three more adults to your policy. A small extra fee may apply. Learn more about the pros and cons of sharing renters insurance with a roommate.
How much is ResidentShield renters insurance?
How much is ResidentShield renters insurance?
ResidentShield advertises policies starting at 43 cents a day, which adds up to about $157 per year or $13 per month. Find out the average cost of renters insurance in your state.
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.Insurance Information Institute. Spotlight on: Dog Bite Liability. Accessed Dec 16, 2025.
