Is renters insurance required in Texas?
Texas state laws don't mandate renters insurance, but your landlord or the property management company may require it as part of your rental agreement. The good news is that renters insurance is usually affordable and in the event of a covered loss, it may cover your personal belongings and additional living expenses if you're forced to stay somewhere else while your residence or rental unit is being rebuilt or repaired.
Texas renters insurance coverages
Check out the four standard coverages on nearly all Texas renters insurance policies:
- Personal property protects your personal belongings, including furniture, clothing, and electronics.
- Loss of use helps cover costs associated with an increase in living expenses, up to your policy's limit, if you're unable to stay in your home while it's being repaired or rebuilt due to a covered loss.
- Personal liability protects you financially if you're legally responsible for another person's injuries or damage to their property.
- Medical payments to others pays for medical expenses due to a covered occurrence.
Additional coverages
For tenants renting apartments, condos, or homes, the best renters insurance in Texas is always a policy with customized coverage limits. Here are some extra options for when you need more protection:
- Certain valuable items, like jewelry, art and collectibles, may have specific limits on your renters policy. If your items exceed the limit, you may be able to purchase an endorsement for your policy, also known as "adding a rider," to cover the item for its value.
- Personal injury: May pay for legal fees and damages if you’re liable for slander or defamation.
- Water back-up: Water that backs up through sewers or drains or discharges from a sump pump may not be covered by your standard renters policy. Water back-up coverage may pay for the damage to your belongings and water removal costs.
Learn more about renters insurance coverages.
Common claims in Texas
Hurricanes, hailstorms, wildfires, and tornadoes have caused problems for Texans over the years. Winters can be frigid in some parts of the state, as well. Weather-related damages can happen, but your Texas renters insurance policy may pay for damaged personal belongings from a covered peril, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.
You don't necessarily need to live near a large body of water to experience flooding from rising water levels. For example, Texas rental homes, condos, and apartments can be exposed to flood conditions due to blockages in waterways, dam breaks, and levee failures. Typically, a renters insurance policy doesn't cover damage from flooding, but you may be able to purchase a separate flood insurance policy that may protect your belongings against flood damage.
Discounts on Texas renters insurance
Progressive offers several discounts to help lower the cost of renters policies in Texas, such as:
- Multi-policy
- Quote in advance
- Pay in full
- Secured/gated community
See more of our available renters insurance discounts.
Pro tip:
Are you moving and wondering how to insure your belongings while they're in transit? Learn more about insurance for your property while moving or in storage.
What does Texas renters insurance cost?
You can buy Texas renters insurance for less than $1/day.* Many components influence the cost of renters insurance in Texas, including your location and coverage limits. Learn more about renters insurance cost factors.
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