Can a landlord require renters insurance?

Why would landlords require renters insurance?

Landlords want to avoid lawsuits from tenants and guests, and personal liability coverage on your renters insurance policy may help cover liability claims. If landlords require renters insurance, they may specify the minimum amount of liability coverage needed.

Here are some scenarios when a renters insurance policy can safeguard you and your landlord:

Someone is injured at your residence

Personal liability coverage may provide coverage for the injured party's medical bills, up to the limits of your coverage, and shield your landlord from responsibility. Learn more about personal liability coverage for renters.

Your belongings are damaged

If your belongings are damaged or lost by a covered peril such as a fire or burglary, your landlord won't be responsible for replacing the items. But your personal property coverage may pay to repair or replace your belongings, up to your coverage limits.

You need temporary housing

If your unit or rental home is damaged and becomes uninhabitable, your policy's loss of use coverage may pay the additional expense for you to live elsewhere while your residence is repaired or rebuilt—assuming the damage was due to a covered loss. Depending on your rental agreement, this may save your landlord from covering your temporary relocation expenses out of their own pocket.

You want to protect the rental from pet damage

If you have a pet living with you in your rental, renters insurance could help protect you in the event your cat, dog, or other pet damages the rental property. However, the policy won't cover damage to your own property, such as if your dog shreds your couch pillows or your cat claws up the furniture.

Learn more about how renters insurance works and why you should consider it even if a landlord doesn't require it.

Don't landlords already have insurance?

Yes, but landlord insurance differs from renters insurance in that it only protects the landlord and renters insurance protects the renter. Landlord insurance covers the physical structure of an apartment or rental dwelling, surrounding structures, and protects the landlord from financial losses.

How to show proof of renters insurance

If your landlord requires proof before you can move in, you can show a document issued by your insurer. This is typically referred to as a Certificate of Insurance or a policy declaration page and it will confirm you have an active renters insurance policy.

Stay protected with a renters insurance policy through Progressive

You can buy renters insurance online, over the phone by calling 1-866-749-7436, or through an independent agent.

Consider add-ons or bundling

Already have auto insurance through Progressive? You can get renters insurance coverage as an add-on to your Progressive auto policy.*

In the market for car insurance? You can bundle renters insurance with an existing Progressive auto policy and save. Get a quote and start saving.