The Best Renters Insurance Companies for 2026

To find the best renters insurance companies, we evaluated more than a dozen insurers. We looked at their prices, the coverage they offer and how many policyholders complain about them. We also checked for website features like live chat and online quotes. Below are the companies that came out on top.

Here are NerdWallet’s picks for the best renters insurance. Each of these companies scored at least 4.5 out of 5 stars in our analysis. Select the company’s name to read our review.

Note: Not all insurers are available in all states. The sample rates below were calculated for 30-year-old renters with a $500 deductible, $30,000 of personal property coverage and $100,000 in liability coverage.

More about the best renters insurance companies

Why it's the best: Amica has the lowest rate of consumer complaints among all the renters insurers we reviewed. (Complaint data is from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.) It also has an easy-to-use website that allows renters to get quotes, pay bills and file claims online at any time. If you need help, you can contact the company by phone, email or live chat.

In some states, Amica offers dividend policies. They cost more than regular renters policies but can return up to 20% of your premiums. Some Amica renters policies also come with a perk for people hoping to buy a house someday. You may be able to earn up to $500 in credit toward a future Amica home insurance policy.

Amica may offer a discount if you set your bills to autopay or enroll in paperless billing. You can also save by bundling renters with auto insurance or staying claim-free for at least three years.

Average rates: Not available.

» Read the full review: Amica renters insurance review

Why we like it: If you’re looking for strong coverage at an affordable rate, consider State Farm. It offered the cheapest renters insurance rates of all the major insurers in our most recent analysis. You can save even more by bundling renters and auto policies or by installing certain home safety devices.

To talk through your options on the phone before buying a policy, you can consult a local agent. If you’d rather do it all online, you can get a quote, file and track a claim, pay bills and more on the State Farm website. You can even complete some tasks without creating an account.

State Farm offers just about every type of insurance you might need, so it’s a good option if you want to get all your policies in one place.

Average rates: See how State Farm’s annual rates stack up against the national average below.

» Read the full review: State Farm renters insurance review

Why it’s the best: Auto Club Group is one of several companies that issue renters insurance on behalf of AAA. Its renters policies are available in all or part of 11 states, including Illinois, Michigan and North Carolina.

AAA membership is required in most states to buy Auto Club Group’s insurance policies. You’ll want to make sure the fee is worth it — either because the company offers a great price on renters insurance or you’re getting other benefits. These perks may include roadside assistance, identity theft monitoring and travel discounts.

Auto Club Group offers discounts to AAA members and those who haven’t filed any recent claims.

Average rates: Not available.

» Read the full review: AAA renters insurance review

Why it's the best: Pennsylvania-based Erie operates in 12 states and Washington, D.C. The company draws a low rate of consumer complaints, according to the NAIC.

We like that Erie's standard policy includes replacement cost coverage for your belongings. (Many companies charge extra for this coverage.) If your stuff is lost or stolen, Erie will pay enough for brand-new items.

You may also be able to add coverage for identity theft recovery, home-sharing and damage from backed-up drains.

Erie offers discounts for bundling multiple policies and for getting a quote at least a week before you want your policy to take effect.

Average rates: See how Erie’s annual rates stack up against the national average below.

» Read the full review: Erie renters insurance review

Why we like it: Auto-Owners sells policies through local independent agents. These professionals can explain your coverage options and shop around on your behalf.

Despite its name, Auto-Owners offers more than just car insurance. You can upgrade a basic renters policy with the Renters Plus package, which comes with several add-ons. It covers water backup of sewers and drains, and if your power goes out, it can pay for the food in your fridge.

You can also upgrade to replacement cost coverage for your belongings.

Auto-Owners offers many ways to save beyond its affordable base rates. Discounts may be available for bundling policies, paying premiums on time and having no recent claims. However, its rates tend to be very high for renters with poor credit.

Average rates: See how Auto-Owners’ annual rates stack up against the national average below.

» Read the full review: Auto-Owners renters insurance review

Why we like it: The Hanover offers three renters insurance packages. The Basic one may be enough if you are on a budget and don’t have valuable belongings.

Upgrading to the Select package adds identity theft coverage plus replacement cost coverage for your stuff. With the Select Plus package, you’ll also get coverage for personal injury lawsuits and damage from backed-up drains.

The Hanover draws a low rate of consumer complaints, according to the NAIC. It sells policies through independent agents.

Average rates: Not available.

» Read the full review: The Hanover renters insurance review

Why we like it: If you want an insurer that’ll be around for the long haul, Travelers might be a good bet. While all the companies on this list are financially stable, Travelers has earned the highest financial strength rating from credit rating agency AM Best. Plus, it’s been in business since 1864, making it one of the oldest companies on this list.

The company offers discounts for renters who have more than one Travelers policy. You can also save if your home has protective devices like internal sprinkler systems or smart-home technology.

The Travelers website makes it easy to file claims and pay bills, but online quotes aren’t currently available.

Average rates: See how Travelers’ annual rates stack up against the national average below.

» Read the full review: Travelers renters insurance review

Why it's the best: One unique thing about USAA is that its renters policies cover damage from floods and earthquakes. Most other companies don’t offer this coverage unless you pay extra. This could provide great value to renters in at-risk regions.

The company caters to the military community with a discount of up to 28% for renters living on base. There’s no deductible for damage to military uniforms or gear, and war damage is covered.

The company draws a low rate of consumer complaints, according to the NAIC.

Average rates: See how USAA’s annual rates stack up against the national average below.

The average cost of renters insurance is $165 a year, or about $14 a month, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis.

 That’s based on a policy with $30,000 of personal property coverage and a $500 deductible.

The price you'll pay will depend on how much coverage you need and where you live. But cost shouldn’t be the only factor you consider in a renters insurance comparison.

A standard renters insurance policy includes several types of coverage:

Personal property coverage. Pays to replace your belongings if they’re stolen or damaged in a covered event.

Loss of use coverage (sometimes called “additional living expenses”). Pays for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other relocation costs while your rental is repaired after a covered claim.

Personal liability coverage. Pays if you’re found responsible for someone else’s injury or property damage.

Medical payments coverage. Pays for less expensive injuries to guests in your home, regardless of fault.

Make sure you enter the same limits for each type of coverage when shopping to get a direct comparison.

When comparing companies, look at the extra coverage options each one offers. Do you need more insurance for a pricey musical instrument? Would you like to add identity fraud protection? Each insurer has slightly different options, and some are even included in your base premium, so it’s worth shopping around.

Finally, consider the company’s website. Is it easy to find a phone number if you need to talk to a human? If you prefer doing everything online, can you get quotes, file claims and pay bills through the website or app? Checking out these options before buying a policy can save you some hassle later.

» MORE: What is renters insurance, and what does it cover?

Got a dog, a roommate or an engagement ring? These scenarios can determine what type of renters insurance you need.

🏠 You have a roommate

Some insurers let roommates share a renters insurance policy in states where it’s allowed. But just because you can share doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Before you sign a policy, talk with your roommate about how to split insurance payments. If one of you has more stuff, that person may want to pay a greater share of the bill. And be sure you agree on any extra coverage you might need.

» MORE: Can I share renters insurance with my roommate?

💵 You’re on a tight budget

To reduce the policy cost, consider increasing your deductible. (A deductible is the amount the insurer will subtract from your payout if you file a claim.) But first ask yourself: How much could you pay out of pocket if your stuff were stolen or damaged?

To find the most affordable options in your area, see NerdWallet’s cheapest renters insurance.

💍 You own expensive jewelry or electronics

You might expect renters insurance to cover all your things, but there are exceptions. Many renters insurance companies cap how much they’ll pay for theft of certain valuable items. That cap is typically around $1,000 or $1,500 for each category, such as jewelry or artwork.

If you own valuables like these, you might need extra coverage. This type of insurance is often called a “floater” or “scheduled coverage."

» MORE: Does renters insurance cover theft?

🐶 You have a dog

A lawsuit against you over a dog bite could ruin your finances for years. If you want coverage for this, make sure dog bites are included in the liability section of your renters policy. Check also whether your insurer covers the breed you own. (Many insurance companies don’t cover pit bulls or other breeds they consider aggressive.)

» MORE: Why you need pet liability insurance

You can get renters insurance online, through an agent or by calling an insurer directly. Buying online is often the quickest option. However, you may want to work with an agent if you have special circumstances or don’t know how much coverage you need.

Learn more about getting renters insurance quotes.

Find the best cheap renters insurance in select states