7 Factors That Affect Renters Insurance Rates (2024)

If you want to save money and protect your belongings at the same time, you need renters insurance. It’s insurance that covers your personal stuff, your legal responsibility and your extra living costs if something bad happens to your rented home or apartment. It can help you recover from losses caused by fire, theft, water damage and other disasters.

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The average cost of renters insurance is $148 per year ($12 per month), according to a study by NerdWallet. But this is an average, and your actual renters insurance rates may be different.

What Factors Affect How Much Renters Insurance Costs?

The following are seven common factors that can influence your renters insurance rates. Remember that to get the best rates, it’s always worth speaking to your insurance company to see how you can lower your premiums without compromising coverage. Also, use online sites that compare renter insurance costs in your area to get an idea of what’s available, as your insurance company might not be your best option.

1. Location

Your ZIP code determines the risk of natural disasters, crime and other hazards that could damage your property or cause liability claims. For example, if your location is prone to flooding, earthquakes or hurricanes, you’ll likely pay more for renters insurance than someone who lives in a safer area. Similarly, if your neighborhood has higher crime rates, you may be more at risk of burglary or vandalism, which can increase your premiums.

2. Type of Dwelling

Different types of dwellings have different levels of security, fire protection and maintenance, which can affect the likelihood of a claim. For example, if you live in a detached house, you may pay less for renters insurance than someone who lives in an apartment because you have more control over the safety and upkeep of your property. On the other hand, if you live in a shared house, you may pay more for renters insurance than someone who lives alone because you have more potential sources of liability and damage.

3. Claim History

Your claim history is a record of the claims you’ve made or been involved in with your previous or current insurance policies. Insurance companies use this to evaluate your risk profile and determine how likely you are to file a claim in the future. If you have a history of frequent or large claims, you may be considered a high-risk customer and pay a higher premium. Conversely, if you have a clean claim history, you may be rewarded with a lower premium or a no-claims bonus.

4. Coverage Limits

Your coverage limits are the maximum amount of money your insurance company will pay for a covered claim. The higher your coverage limits, the more protection you have, but you'll also pay more for your policy. If your coverage limits are lower, you’ll have less protection, but your premiums will also be lower.

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5. Deductible

Your deductible is the amount of money you must pay from your own pocket before your insurance company will pay out. The higher your deductible, the less you pay for your policy, but the more you pay for a claim. If your deductible is lower, you’ll pay more for the policy, but you’ll also pay less for a claim.

6. Security Features

Your security features are the devices or systems you’ve installed or activated in your home to prevent or deter theft, vandalism or other crimes. Examples include locks, alarms, cameras and security guards. The more security features you have, the less likely you are to experience a break-in or a burglary, which can lower your risk of a claim and, therefore, your premium.

7. Discounts

Discounts are the reductions or savings you can get on your policy for meeting certain criteria or conditions. Examples include discounts for loyalty to the insurance company, for taking out multiple policies, for buying the policy online and for being a student. The more discounts you qualify for, the lower your premium will be.

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7 Factors That Affect Renters Insurance Rates (2024)

FAQs

7 Factors That Affect Renters Insurance Rates? ›

Factors That Impact Renters Insurance Rates. Your location, provider and coverage amount are the most prominent factors that determine your cost of coverage, but they aren't the only ones.

What increases renters' insurance? ›

Factors That Impact Renters Insurance Rates. Your location, provider and coverage amount are the most prominent factors that determine your cost of coverage, but they aren't the only ones.

What factors determine the rate of a renters home insurance policy? ›

The cost of homeowners and renters insurance depends on a number of factors such as location, local fire protection, age and construction of building, choice of deductibles, application of discounts and the scope and amount of insurance coverage you purchase.

What are 5 factors that determine your insurance premium? ›

The cost of car insurance is affected by factors including your age, gender, location and marital status; the vehicle you drive; your annual mileage; your driving record; your claims history and even your credit score.

What factors affect or determine what you pay for renters insurance? ›

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.

Why did my renters insurance go up? ›

The lower your credit score, the more you may pay for insurance. If your credit takes a hit due to a missed payment or loan, you could see a rise not only in your renters insurance rates, but your other insurance policies as well, such as auto insurance. You can build credit by paying off loans and debts.

Does credit score affect renters' insurance? ›

Your renters insurance premium will be based partly on your credit-based insurance score. This unique score is not the same as your FICO score, as it reflects your likelihood of filing a claim, partly based on your credit history. California does not allow these credit-based insurance scores while many other states do.

What are 2 reasons people typically do not get renters insurance? ›

Many renters don't purchase renter's insurance, either because they don't think it is necessary or believe they are covered under the landlord's policy. The cost of renter's insurance is relatively low.

Why is renters insurance so expensive? ›

Insurance companies consider the type of claim you filed and the settlement amount when determining your insurance quotes. Large claim amounts and liability claims are the most likely to raise your renters insurance rates. You may get more expensive renters insurance quotes if you have a poor credit score.

What is the most common amount for renters insurance? ›

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.

What are 4 factors that are used to determine the cost of insurance premiums? ›

Some factors that may affect your auto insurance premiums are your car, your driving habits, demographic factors and the coverages, limits and deductibles you choose.

What 4 factors impact the cost of your life insurance premium? ›

Your age, sex, smoking status and overall health come into play and have an impact on your premiums. While it's important that your premium fits within your budget, there are other things you should consider as well.

Why did my renters insurance premium go up? ›

Your rate for renters insurance will increase after a claim, especially if it was due to theft or fire. Typically, you'll have two to three days (48 to 72 hours after the loss) to file a claim, but this may differ from policy to policy.

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