Can a landlord require renters insurance?

Yes, your landlord or rental company may mandate proof of renters insurance before you’re permitted to move into an apartment or rental home. Renters insurance is never mandated by law, but sometimes landlords require renters insurance policies in order to protect themselves against liability lawsuits.

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Why do landlords require renters insurance?

Landlords are looking to avoid lawsuits from tenants, and personal liability coverage on your renters insurance policy may help cover liability claims. Here are some instances when your renters insurance policy can act as a safeguard for you and your landlord.

Bodily injury claims

If 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.

Property damage claims

If your belongings are damaged or lost, for example, in 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.

Temporary housing claims

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

Learn more about what renters insurance covers and how renters insurance works.

Stay protected with a renters insurance policy through Progressive

With Progressive, you can easily buy renters insurance online, over the phone by calling 1-866-749-7436, or through an independent agent. Shopping for car insurance too? You can get renters coverage as an add-on to your Progressive auto policy, allowing you to protect your belongings and vehicle with one policy!*

Get a renters insurance quote online or call for advice

Learn more about renters insurance.

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Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.

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