Prices compared
| Insurer | NerdWallet average / yr | Insurify average / mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $135 | about $15 | No dog-breed restrictions; complaints close to expected |
| Auto-Owners | $155 | – | Sold through agents; poor credit raised the price sharply ($780) |
| Travelers | $175 | – | Covers improvements you’ve made |
| Erie | $190 | – | Replacement cost standard; 12 states plus D.C. |
| Lemonade | – | about $18 | Digital-only |
| Amica | – | about $22 | Far fewer complaints than expected |
| Allstate | – | about $23 | Large agent network |
| Progressive | – | about $26 | Often bundled with auto |
Sources: NerdWallet (Sept 2026); Insurify (2026), both for $30,000 of personal property. The two use different samples, so compare within a column.
Customer satisfaction: J.D. Power 2026
| Rank | Insurer | Renters score (out of 1,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | State Farm | 702 |
| 2 | Erie | 692 |
| 3 | Amica | 689 |
Source: J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Home Insurance Study (September 2026).
What sets each insurer apart
State Farm
Cheapest in both 2026 analyses and top for satisfaction. It doesn’t restrict dog breeds for liability cover, which matters to many pet owners. In NerdWallet’s sample, one past claim raised its price only to $155.
Erie
Includes replacement cost cover as standard and offers optional identity theft, home-sharing and backed-up drain cover. It draws fewer complaints than expected but sells only in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Amica
Third for satisfaction with far fewer complaints than expected. Some states offer dividend policies that return part of your premium. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
Auto-Owners and Travelers
Both were cheaper than average for applicants with good credit. Auto-Owners’ optional Renters Plus package adds sewer and drain backup and food spoilage cover. Travelers covers improvements you’ve made to your rental.
USAA
Unusually, USAA renters policies cover flood and earthquake damage. Only military members, veterans, some federal workers and their families can buy.
Hanover
Its Select package adds identity theft protection and replacement cost cover.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Is replacement cost included or extra? Erie includes it as standard; at other insurers it’s an add-on.
- What are the sublimits for jewelry, electronics, bikes and cash, and can you schedule valuable items?
- Are there dog-breed restrictions on liability cover?
- Is water backup covered, or is it an add-on?
- How do claims work? Check whether you can file online and how quickly payments are made.
- Can you bundle with your car insurance, and what’s the combined price?
Check complaints and service
Price differences between insurers are often small for renters insurance, so service matters. The NAIC complaint index shows whether an insurer draws more or fewer complaints than expected for its size; NerdWallet found Erie and Amica drew fewer than expected and State Farm close to expected. Your state insurance department’s website usually has a lookup tool.
How to choose
- Decide your personal property limit with a quick home inventory; see our coverage guide.
- Choose replacement cost over actual cash value.
- Match any liability limit your landlord requires.
- Get three quotes with the same limits and deductible.
- Bundle with your car insurance if it lowers the total; see our cost and discounts guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the cheapest renters insurance?
State Farm was cheapest in both NerdWallet’s and Insurify’s 2026 analyses, at about $135 a year or $15 a month for $30,000 of cover.
Which renters insurer has the best customer satisfaction?
State Farm (702), Erie (692) and Amica (689) led J.D. Power’s 2026 renters rankings.
Does any renters insurance cover flood?
Standard policies don’t. USAA’s renters policies include flood and earthquake cover for eligible members; others need NFIP or private flood cover.
Is Lemonade good for renters insurance?
It’s a low-cost digital option, averaging about $18 a month in Insurify’s 2026 data. Compare its limits and service with traditional insurers.
Does credit affect renters insurance prices?
In most states, yes. NerdWallet’s sample average rose from $165 to $295 a year with poor credit.
Sources
- NerdWallet – Best renters insurance companies 2026 (Sept 2026)
- Insurify – Cheap renters insurance 2026
- J.D. Power – 2026 U.S. Home Insurance Study (Business Wire)
- NAIC – Renting your home? Protect your belongings with renters insurance
- New Jersey DOBI – Renters insurance guide
Insurance prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.