Is renters insurance required in Washington state?

Washington state laws don't mandate renters insurance, but your landlord or the property management company may require it as part of your rental agreement. Fortunately, renters insurance is usually affordable. 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 rebuilt or repaired.

Washington renters insurance coverages

Check out the four standard coverages on nearly all Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington

Wildfires have become more common in Washington state over the years. Plus, the majority of the state's population lives in the rainy Seattle metropolitan area, and weather-related damages do happen in the state from time to time. Your Washington renters insurance policy may pay for damaged personal belongings from a covered peril, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.

Are you moving in Washington and need to insure your personal items while in transit? Learn more about insurance for your belongings while moving or in storage.

Discounts on Washington renters insurance

Progressive offers several discounts to help lower the cost of renters policies in Washington, such as:

  • Multi-policy
  • Quote in advance
  • Pay in full
  • Secured/gated community

See more of our available renters insurance discounts.

How much is renters insurance in Washington state?

The cost of renters insurance in Washington state is influenced by your location, coverage limits, and other components. On average, you can buy Washington state renters insurance for less than $1/day.* Learn more about renters insurance cost factors.

Get a Washington state renters insurance quote

Online

Answer some questions about your property and then customize your coverages.

Call a rep

Speak with a licensed representative who can guide you through the process.

Through an agent

Connect with an independent agent near you.