The Cheapest Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is one of the most affordable types of insurance — it costs about $148 a year, on average — and if you shop around, you might be able to pay even less. But you shouldn’t have to sacrifice customer service to find a good price. The best cheap renters insurance companies offer both.

NerdWallet analyzed rates across the country to find the cheapest renters insurance companies in each state and in 25 major cities, plus average nationwide rates for several highly rated companies.

All sample rates below are for a 30-year-old tenant with $30,000 in personal property coverage, a $500 deductible and $100,000 in liability coverage. Your own rates will vary based on where you live, how much coverage you choose and other factors.

We compared rates for 10 large renters insurance companies across various U.S. states and Washington, D.C., to discover which ones were cheapest on average. (Note that not all companies sell in every state.)

» MORE: The best renters insurance companies

In many states, the most affordable renters insurance rates come from small regional carriers rather than the bigger companies listed above. See the table below for the cheapest insurer in your state.

Note: We’ve excluded USAA from this list because its policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families, not the general public. However, USAA offered the cheapest average renters insurance rates in Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Texas and Washington, D.C.

We also excluded Meemic, which was the cheapest option in Michigan but offers policies only to teachers and other school staff.

» MORE: The average renters insurance cost

Those who live in or near a major city can see the cheapest renters insurance option in their area in the table below.

Note: We’ve excluded USAA from this list because its policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families. However, it offered the cheapest renters insurance rates in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Phoenix and San Antonio.

» MORE: Can I share renters insurance with my roommate?

In most states, insurers use credit-based insurance scores, which are similar but not identical to traditional credit scores, to help set renters insurance rates. Those with poor credit tend to pay more for renters insurance — often significantly more.

Below, see which widely available insurance companies offer the most affordable renters insurance for people with poor credit, on average.

» MORE: How poor credit could raise your renters insurance rates

Once you have one renters insurance claim on your record, you’ll typically pay more because insurers see you as more likely to file another claim. Below are the cheapest widely available companies for renters who’ve filed a theft claim.

Renters insurance is significantly cheaper than homeowners insurance, which costs more than $1,900 a year on average. That's because renters insurance covers only the stuff inside your house or apartment, not the cost of rebuilding the entire structure.

Follow these tips to save money on your renters insurance policy:

1. Shop around. The cheapest insurer in this analysis might not be the cheapest for you. Get renters insurance quotes from at least three companies, and make sure you’re comparing the same levels of coverage from each.

2. Bundle your policies. Many insurers offer a bundling discount when you buy more than one policy, such as renters and auto insurance. See the best auto and renters insurance bundles.

3. Add safety or security devices to your home. An insurer may lower your premium if your home has smoke detectors, burglar alarms, sprinkler systems or other devices that reduce your risk of fire or theft.

4. Ask about other discounts. Depending on which insurance company you choose, you might save money by setting up autopay for your premiums, receiving your bills electronically or being a nonsmoker or retiree.

5. Choose a higher deductible. If you’re willing to pay more out of your own pocket for a property claim, you’ll generally save money on your premium. For example, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you an average of nearly 9%, according to our analysis. Just make sure you’ll have access to enough cash to cover the deductible you choose.

» MORE: Does renters insurance cover bedbugs?