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Renters Insurance

Understanding your renters insurance premium

Renters insurance is affordable, but rates still vary. Here's what affects your price.

Understanding your premium

What affects your renters insurance rate

Insurance companies use several factors to calculate your renters insurance premium. Some you can control, others you can't—but understanding them helps you find the best rate.

Ways to lower your rate

Location

Urban areas and neighborhoods with higher crime rates have higher premiums. Your specific ZIP code matters.

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Tip: When apartment hunting, check insurance rates in different neighborhoods—they can vary significantly.

Coverage Amount

More personal property coverage means higher premiums. But the difference between $20K and $30K is usually just a few dollars per month.

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Tip: Do a quick inventory of your belongings to choose the right coverage amount.

Deductible

Higher deductibles mean lower premiums. A $1,000 deductible costs less than $500, but you pay more when filing a claim.

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Tip: Choose the highest deductible you could comfortably afford if you needed to file a claim.

Claims History

Previous renters insurance claims can increase your rate. Too many claims may make it hard to find coverage.

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Credit Score

In most states, your credit-based insurance score affects your rate. Better credit typically means lower premiums.

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Building Type and Age

Older buildings or those without sprinklers may have slightly higher rates due to increased fire risk.

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Pets

Some dog breeds increase liability risk and may raise rates or require additional coverage.

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