For $15-$25 per month, Florida renters insurance financially protects tenants in their rented homes. Florida is home to over 10 million housing units, with almost 34% as rented units whose occupants should have renters insurance coverage. Renters insurance provides personal liability coverage, property damage or theft coverage, and temporary living costs in the event that a rented property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered risk.
To obtain Florida renters insurance quotes, speak with a Florida-licensed property & casualty (P&C) insurance agent. Your insurance agent can also help you determine if your rented home has adequate coverage. In addition, they can help you compare rates from different renters insurance companies in Florida and select the renters insurance quote that best suits your pocket and your needs.
No, renters insurance is not required in Florida by law, but your Florida landlord may require proof of renters insurance to help prevent potential conflicts, as a condition of the lease. Another reason your landlord may require renters insurance is to prevent a lawsuit. For instance, if someone gets hurt through no fault of the tenant in the rented apartment, the landlord's liability insurance may not cover it. The tenant may go ahead to sue the landlord for the damages and injuries.
Renters insurance for Florida apartments, single-family homes, or other types of rentals protects tenants from the financial implications of unexpected or unforeseen events involving personal liability, property damage, and theft. Renters insurance does not offer coverage for the structure of your rented home but covers the personal belongings inside such a home. In other words, any damage to the building is the landlord’s responsibility and should be covered through landlords insurance, except for slight alterations done by a tenant to the structure. All the information concerning your policy like the details of your coverages can be found on your renters insurance declarations page. Generally, a rented home may be an apartment.
In the event of a covered risk, Florida renters insurance provides liability coverage, coverage for property damage, and temporary living costs due to loss of use of a rented property.
Jacksonville, a city with over 954 thousand residents in Duval County, has the highest number of renters in Florida. 44% of all residential real estate are rental units. It is vital for renters to consider purchasing renters insurance, to financially protect their personal belongings, cover legal expenses (if they arise), and fund temporary living costs.
As a tenant, no matter how careful or cautious you are with your property, you have no complete control over the actions of others. For instance, your neighbor could leave the door of the entire building open, giving room for thieves to invade. Also, you may have guests who may leave the steam iron switched on, which may, in turn, cause a fire. You could be subjected to these dangers and many others, leaving you in debt for issues you did not cause. Renters insurance companies in Florida can protect against unforeseen circumstances and compensate for any resulting damages or losses, as long as you did not cause those damages yourself and intentionally.
Renters insurance in Florida is primarily for protecting the insured’s stuff inside their rented home. As a tenant, you may not always be able to prevent some incidents like a break-in, theft, or even accidental damage. This is where renters insurance proves useful. Renters insurance financially protects against liability claims from third parties and provides additional living expenses if your rented apartment becomes uninhabitable temporarily as a result of a covered peril. It provides coverage in the event of a fire, burst pipe, and other events where the damage occurs suddenly and accidentally. Florida renters insurance also covers your personal property while you are away from home.
A renters insurance policy in Florida only covers the named policyholder and any family members or spouses of that person. People who live in a shared rented unit where each person pays their share of the rent should get individual renters insurance policies. Even though it is not required for each roommate to have their own renters insurance policy, the risk of theft increases when you live with others in a shared rented home. Although sharing renters insurance with roommates is possible, there are several disadvantages.
The disadvantages of sharing a renters insurance policy include:
The advantages of each roommate purchasing their own policy include:
Depending on the kind of renters insurance policy, your insurer may reimburse you for a certain sum following a covered event. There are two primary types of renters insurance in Florida:
Minimum renters insurance in Florida is determined by the value of the tenant's belongings. The more property there is to insure, the more the minimum coverage will cost.
Yes. Purchasing renters insurance in Florida is a smart investment, especially considering its low cost and broad coverage. Renters insurance could prevent you from paying out of pocket for insurable risks. For instance, if you carry renters insurance, you will not have to pay out of pocket to replace anything that might get broken or stolen, including your jewelry, TV, computer, furniture, and clothes in your rented apartment. To obtain a suitable renters insurance quote, speak with a professional state-licensed property and casualty insurance agent who has access to multiple Florida renters insurance companies and who can assess your needs and guide you on purchasing the policy that best suits you.
To protect yourself from any financial losses due to unforeseeable hazards in your rented home, you need renters insurance in Florida. For instance, if you have renters insurance, you can file a claim with your insurer if your home is broken into or your personal property is damaged due to over-covered events. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Florida had 35,715 burglaries and over 224,674 theft and larceny incidents in 2019. You need renters insurance to help protect your personal belongings from such unexpected incidents.
If you have guests over, the event gets rowdy and someone gets hurt - you as a host are covered. Also, if you need to relocate to a temporary housing because a covered peril renders your rented apartment uninhabitable, your FL renters insurance policy will pay you additional living expenses. If you are sued for a third-party accident that happened on your rented property, it may also cover the cost of legal representation. A Florida-licensed P&C agent can advise you on the best coverage selections that will meet your insurance needs.
To figure out how much renters insurance you need in Florida, take into account the cost of repairing or replacing the personal belongings in your rented house in the event of a covered risk. The insurance coverage you select should be sufficient to cover the cost of the asset you wish to protect. The amount of renters insurance coverage you require may depend on your location, property size, deductibles, credit score, and the type of safety and preventative features installed in your rented home. Most renters insurance policies in Florida come with $20,000 in personal property coverage, $100,000 in liability coverage, and a deductible of $500. How much renters insurance coverage you choose will impact your renters insurance cost. That is why it is important to shop around for renters insurance often, as different companies may offer better insurance deals.
If the cost of coverage is the most important fact, the cheapest renters insurance in Florida will cost you $10 - $15 per month, but the coverage limits may not be high enough for your needs. (Note: Cost of insurance will differ based on the zip code, so, for example, Orlando renters insurance is likely to be less expensive than Miami renters insurance)
Speak with a Florida-licensed P&C insurance agent before choosing your renters insurance coverage amount, so they can advise on the coverage amount that best suits your needs. They can also compare Florida renters insurance quotes from several insurance companies and help you to save on premiums.
In Florida, there are three primary categories of renters insurance coverage. You can decide on a single type of coverage or work out a deal for a policy that combines multiple coverages. To determine which coverages to increase or decrease based on your needs, speak with a registered renters insurance agent in Florida. The three major renters insurance coverages offered by P&C insurance companies in Florida are:
Liability Coverage: Liability coverage in renters insurance has two components, which are:
Medical Payments Coverage: If someone gets injured in your rented home, your medical payments coverage will cover their treatment costs, up to the limits of your policy. If you cause harm or hurt a third party outside of your rented unit, the medical costs coverage on your renters insurance policy may also protect you. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slips and falls account for over 1 million hospital visits, and without renters insurance, the treatment can typically cost anywhere between $17,000 and $35,000
Personal Liability Coverage: Personal liability coverage offers protection if you are considered responsible for someone else's injuries or property damage in your rented apartment. In the event that you are found liable for the property damage or bodily harm of another, your renters insurance policy will pay for such damage up to the maximum coverage limits. If you are charged with causing harm or injuries and must defend yourself in court, it may help you pay your legal expenses. For instance, if you own a dog and it bites someone, the average cost of treating a dog bite injury in Florida is $44,000. According to Florida statutes, you will be held liable if your dog bites anyone that visits your rented home. Renters insurance will cover the medical bills and legal expenses if the injured party decides to sue. Renters insurance can cover the damages and expenses up to its limits (typically in the range of $100,000- $150,000). There is no personal injury renters insurance, renters insurance only covers injuries to a third party.
Loss of Use Coverage: Another coverage included under renters insurance in Florida is the loss of use coverage (also known as additional living expense coverage). This coverage may pay for additional living expenses if a covered risk makes your home uninhabitable. While your rented unit is being repaired, it will cover your temporary housing and the increase in costs for such items as food and gas due to the relocation. So, if the food costs more in the area where you temporarily moved to you get to claim the extra expense. The same goes for gas - if your drive to work is now twice as far, the extra expense on fuel can be claimed. The average cost of rent in Florida in 2022 was around $1,100 a month, while an average hotel stay in FL was closer to $150 per night. With renters insurance, every extra expense is covered if your rented home becomes uninhabitable.
NOTE: Lost wages are not covered by loss of use coverage
Personal Property Coverage: If your personal belongings were destroyed or stolen off your property, your personal property policy would pay for their replacement or repairs in the event of a covered risk. A renters insurance policy's personal property coverage protects the following:
Jewelry
Artworks
Furniture
Appliance
For instance, if a family heirloom or an expensive jewel is stolen or damaged, your renters insurance can cover the replacement or repair. Just make sure that your damaged or stolen item is well documented, so its value can be proven during the claim.
No, not by law. Although no law requires renters insurance in FL, some landlords might make it a requirement if you want to rent their property. It is usually good to at least purchase renters insurance for additional protection because your landlord's insurance will not cover damage to your personal property.
The Office of Insurance Regulations (OIR) regulates all insurance companies and products, including renters insurance, in Florida. Renters insurance allows you to transfer risks associated with your rented home to your insurance provider. Your insurance provider assumes financial responsibility for paying a covered peril mentioned in the policy contract in return for premiums.
In Florida, renters insurance policies are available as an Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy:
RCV renters policy is typically more expensive since it provides a higher payout amount in the event of a claim.
In the event of a covered peril, it is important to first read through your renters insurance policy to determine if you need to file a claim at all. Sometimes, the deductible attached to a claim may be so high that it may be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket for the loss. To file a claim, you can check your insurance provider’s website to find out what paperwork you need to submit. You may also be able to scan in the required documents through the website or a phone app. You will be asked to give details about the cause of the claim, what you lost, and the value of the item(s). An adjuster would be sent by your insurance provider to investigate the incident, who will assess the level of damage and determine how much compensation you are eligible to receive. You will be reimbursed according to your policy’s reimbursement provision (ACV or RCV), minus the agreed-upon renters insurance deductible. Speak with a qualified P&C insurance agent to learn more about how renters insurance works in Florida and the best coverage options for you.
Renters insurance in Florida protects your personal belongings within rented housing and pays for legal and medical expenses related to liability claims made against you. Everything you own in a leased property is generally covered by renters insurance. For instance, your policy will not cover the fixtures if you move into an apartment that is already furnished because they belong to your landlord. Additionally, your renters insurance coverage may be able to pay for interim housing and living expenses while your rental home is being repaired following a covered incident.
A standard renters insurance policy in Florida typically covers the following:
In the event that you suffered a covered loss or damage in your leased flat in Florida, your renters insurance would cover the costs of repairing or replacing any lost or damaged property. While your rented flat is being restored, additional expenses for alternate lodging may also be paid. Renters insurance might also cover your legal expenses if you are sued for an accident that occurred in your rented home. Also, renters insurance can cover water damage that originates inside the rental unit, only if the damage was sudden and accidental. Note that renters insurance does not cover flooding; only flood insurance does. Speak with a qualified and licensed P&C insurance agent to learn more about the benefits of renters insurance in Florida.
Typical renters insurance in Florida has three important components: personal property, personal liability, and supplementary living expenses coverage. If a guest in your rented home trips and falls in your apartment, your renters insurance will cover you. It can also provide coverage for fire damage and theft. In addition, if an insured has a pet and the pet attacks and injures a third party, renters insurance will pay the medical bills and legal fees if the third party decides to sue. Contact a knowledgeable Florida-licensed P&C insurance agent to learn about your renters insurance policy's coverage and exclusions.
In Florida, renters insurance generally protects the policyholder, their spouse, and any family members who live in the same rented flat. Anyone under the policyholder's care who is listed in the renter's insurance policy document is also covered. Third parties injured in your insured rental home may also receive medical aid from certain policy types, such as liability protection. If multiple unrelated individuals occupy a rented property, it is best for each person to purchase their own renters insurance policies. Speak with a qualified and licensed P&C insurance agent if you have more renters insurance questions concerning who and what is covered.
Generally, renters insurance in Florida protects the tenant's personal belongings and can pay medical expenses if someone is injured on the leased property.
Yes. Renters insurance in Florida covers personal property included in your policy. However, the amount of coverage you choose, the exclusions, and the type of loss or damage all have an impact on the scope of coverage.
Yes, renters insurance will cover water damage. Water damage caused by leaks, burst pipes, or unintentional spills is covered by standard renters insurance in Florida. Damage caused by leaking home appliances is also covered by renters insurance. For example, if your dishwasher leaks and destroys your carpet or another appliance, your water damage renters insurance coverage will cover the cost of repair or replacement.
NOTE: Water damage caused by a sewage backup or flood is not covered by renters insurance. To include them, you must purchase such coverages as add-ons. You can speak to a Florida-licensed insurance agent who can explain the inclusions and exclusions of your renters insurance policy.
No. Renter insurance in Florida does not cover damages to your personal belongings as a result of a flood. So, if your rental home got flooded as a result of Hurricane Ida’s 12-foot storm surge, renters insurance without the flood option will not do much good for you. A stand-alone flood insurance policy is required to cover flood damage in a rented property. Renters can get flood insurance in Florida from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through a Florida-licensed P&C insurance agent OR other private flood insurers.
Yes. Theft of personal belongings in a rented property is covered by typical Florida renters insurance. Any stolen personal belongings can be replaced by the renters insurance theft coverage, as long as the item was named in your policy.
NOTE: Keep copies of purchase receipts and photographs of all pricey items in your home. Such documents will help you speed up the claim process in the event of theft or damage.
Yes, just like homeowners insurance, your Florida renters insurance can cover theft from a car. It will help you cover the actual cost value or the replacement cost value of stolen things from your car up to your policy limits.
Many Florida residents ask; does renters insurance cover temporary housing? The answer is yes. If your leased home in Florida becomes uninhabitable as a result of a covered peril, your renters insurance provider will pay for living expenses, including rent for temporary housing and food expenses. The amount of loss-of-use coverage will often be capped by a renters insurance policy. If you are relocating from your uninhabitable rented home temporarily while repairs are being made, renters insurance will also cover the cost of transport costs.
Yes. A Florida renters insurance policy can cover personal belongings in units if damaged by a covered peril, no matter their location in any part of the world. Most renters insurance policies will only offer up to 10% coverage on personal belongings outside your rented home. You can, however, increase the scope of coverage if necessary.
Yes. In Florida, the liability portion of renters insurance covers pet damage and dog bites. If a third party who your dog bit decides to file a lawsuit, your dog bite renters insurance or pet insurance coverage will cover the cost of legal fees and medical expenses. Certain dog breeds, like Pitbulls, German Shepherds, Bulldogs, and Dobermans, are more likely to exhibit behavior that can lead to claims. Hence, most insurers do not provide coverage for their bites. Speak with a professional insurance agent in Florida if you own any of these commonly aggressive dog breeds to discuss your options for rental liability insurance.
Yes. Your Florida renters insurance policy may help pay for the cost of moving to a temporary apartment if you have to vacate a rented property due to a covered event. If a logistics company causes damages to your personal belongings while moving them, your renters insurance will not be responsible. This is why you must ensure to use an insured moving company while relocating your personal belongings from one location to another. The mover’s cargo coverage will protect your stuff while it is being moved.
Some perils are normally excluded from renters insurance in Florida, and they include:
Exclusions for renters insurance in Florida are mostly determined by the type of coverage you select and the agreed-upon coverage level. The following are often not covered by typical Florida renters insurance policies:
If you reside in a leased property in Florida, renters insurance will financially shield your belongings from theft, vandalism, or damage. Your renters insurance coverage, for instance, can replace items like your expensive television or art collection if they are stolen. Also, suppose your appliances and furniture are damaged by water from your malfunctioning dishwasher in your rental unit. In that case, your renters insurance coverage may be able to cover the replacement or repair of these items, depending on your coverage. If someone sustains bodily injury in your rented apartment, your renters insurance policy will cover the costs of medical or legal expenses if the injured person sues you.
The three most common uses of renters insurance in Florida are:
Florida renters insurance and homeowners insurance offer the policyholders financial protection against costs associated with third-party medical care, additional living expenses, legal liability, and property damage. However, for individuals who own their own houses, homeowners insurance provides coverage for both the building's structure and the personal property inside the home. A major difference between the two insurance types is the ownership status. Homeowners insurance provides coverage for homeowners’ occupied properties while renters insurance provides coverage for people in rented homes.
Florida has over 3.3 million residents living in rented homes, and they all need ho-4renters insurance to protect their personal belongings against insurable perils and to safeguard themselves from being liable for someone’s injuries and/or damages to their stuff.
If you own the home in which you live and have homeowners insurance, you do not need renters insurance. Only tenants can get renters insurance. Speak with a licensed P&C insurance agent in Florida to learn more about your options for renters insurance coverage.
You do not require a separate renters policy if you live with your parents in Florida and they have renters insurance. Most renters insurance policies cover the insured’s family members who live in the same rented flat, meaning you can make renters insurance claims while living with your parents.
If your parents own the home and homeowners insurance, you as a family member, are covered by their policy and do not need to get renters insurance.
If your parents do not have homeowners or renters insurance, speak with them about the need to get coverage. Consult with a state-licensed Florida insurance agent to assess your needs and make the final determination.
Yes. Even if you share a rental unit with someone who has Florida renters insurance, it is always important to purchase your own policy. Renters insurance only covers the policyholder and members of their immediate family who live in the same home. While your roommate can add you to their renters insurance policy, they may, in the future, remove you from the list without your knowledge. However, you can purchase renters insurance with roommates, this means you all become equal partners. You will all share the responsibilities for claims made by any of the roommates.
The answer depends on the property you both live in and if there is existing coverage in place. If you reside with your girlfriend with a renters insurance policy in which you are not listed, you still need renters insurance. However, some insurance providers in Florida could be willing to offer renters insurance for unmarried couples to you as if you were a family.
If your girlfriend owns the property where you both live, then homeowners insurance is likely in place, which covers all the property inside the home already - so you are covered.
Everyone needs renters insurance regardless of how small the rental unit is. If you are renting a room in a rental residential dwelling in Florida, you should get renters insurance coverage because, in the event of an insurable peril, the landlord's residential insurance policy may not cover your personal belongings.
Even if a house is protected by your landlord's insurance policy you still need renters insurance if you rent that house. The building structure, fixtures, and obligations of the property owner are all covered by the landlord's insurance. Even if you rented a condominium, you will still need condo renters insurance if you want to protect your personal property and cover personal liabilities in a leased home.
Florida renters insurance coverage kicks in immediately after purchase unless you choose to postpone it to a later date.
All Florida tenants who want to protect their personal property from unforeseen risks and third-party liability claims can get renters insurance. Renters insurance is available to persons who rent and occupy residential properties, you can even get renters insurance with additional insured. An understanding of the following questions will help you answer the question; which renters insurance should I get?
Renters insurance is not mandatory, but it is available to anyone who leases or otherwise regularly resides in a rented property in Florida. It is also available to family members who live in rented family homes but are not qualified for protection under their benefactor's policy. If you rent a room in a rental property, you also qualify for renters insurance. People who live in a home where their personal belongings are not covered by the homeowners' insurance policy but who are not strictly tenants may also be eligible for renters insurance.
To protect their personal property against unforeseen dangers, all tenants and lessors of residential properties in Florida need effective coverage renters insurance. Renters insurance also provides coverage for third-party medical or legal obligations. In Florida, you need renters insurance if your landlord requires it in order to rent out their property to you.
You should get renter insurance if:
Speak with a Florida-registered P&C insurance agent who can address any concerns you might have before purchasing renters insurance. Based on your needs, a qualified agent can advise you on the suitable coverages to include in your renters insurance policy. They can also help you can affordable Florida renters insurance that suits your needs.
The following are the benefits of having renters insurance in Florida:
For more information on the benefits of renters insurance in FL and how to land reasonably priced coverage, speak with a Florida-licensed P&C insurance agent.
Renters insurance in Florida has several advantages and some drawbacks.
Florida renters insurance comes with various advantages:
Florida home renters insurance has a number of downsides:
To purchase a renters policy that offers sufficient coverage at a reasonable rate, speak with a licensed Florida P&C insurance agent who can guide you through.
Yes, getting renters insurance in Florida is worth it, especially if you rent your house and wish to protect your personal belongings against unanticipated losses and damages. It also covers medical expenses in case you are found responsible for another person's injuries sustained on your rented property. Renters insurance can also cover legal expenses if the injured person decides to sue you. Renters insurance discounts are available to policyholders that install safety devices in their homes or by combining their renters insurance with other insurance policies, like auto policy. Also, renters insurance is affordable, Florida renters insurance can cost as low as $200 a year for about $45,000 worth of property protection. Speak with a licensed Florida P&C insurance agent that will further explain what renters insurance covers in Florida and how important it is.
Many people wonder what happens if you do not have renters insurance. Well, your insurers may cancel your renters insurance due to different reasons like unpaid premiums or you may choose to cancel it yourself. If you do not have renters insurance in Florida, you will most likely pay out of pocket to repair or replace the personal possessions in your rented apartment in the event of a covered peril. Also, suppose you are held liable for an incident that occurs on your rented property and you do not have renters insurance. In that case, you will be responsible for paying for the victim's medical bills and legal costs if such an individual chooses to file a lawsuit against you.
Florida renters insurance is crucial since it can pay for liability claims and protects tenants' personal properties from insurable risks. It shields you from having to foot the bill for replacing or fixing stolen or damaged items due to events covered by your policy. Also, renters insurance will cover your hotel stay in the event that your rented home becomes temporarily uninhabitable.
By paying your premiums on time, you can maintain your renters insurance coverage in Florida. Otherwise, the insurance will lapse and you will lose coverage. However, your insurance provider is required to provide you with a month's notice before your insurance coverage lapses.
Your coverage may be canceled if you fail to pay your monthly premium by the end of the grace period, which could be as brief as 24 hours or as long as 30 days. You can also cancel your renters insurance at any time, even if it is before the end of your policy, but depending on the insurance company, you may be charged a cancellation fee. In order to prevent your policy from lapsing, speak with a Florida-licensed P&C insurance agent that will help you understand your obligations under the policy and advise you on how to prevent a policy lapse.
You must first decide how much coverage you require before buying FL renters insurance. How much personal property you own in a leased home and the level of risk you can take will determine which renters insurance to buy. You must maintain an accurate inventory to ensure that everything is covered, even though the value of your assets may rise faster than you expect.
Before purchasing any renters insurance policy, you must understand the concept of ACV and RCV. Replacement cost value (RCV) renters insurance pays the actual cost of replacing your personal goods following a covered event, subject to your policy limits. ACV plans, on the other hand, pay to replace your personal belongings after taking depreciation into account. Because ACV coverage is typically less expensive than RCV coverage, make sure to inquire about the types of coverage your insurance company offers.
Most Common Renters Insurance Companies in Florida | |
(in alphabetical order) | Average Consumer Satisfaction |
Allstate | 3.4 |
American Integrity | 2.6 |
American Strategic | 2.3 |
Amica Mutual | 4.4 |
Assurant | 3.4 |
Chubb | 4.1 |
Citizens Property | 2.5 |
Farmers | 4.2 |
FedNat | 2.4 |
Florida Peninsula | 2.6 |
Foremost | 3.2 |
Geico | 4.1 |
Heritage | 2.3 |
Imperial Fire and Casualty | 3.4 |
Jetty | 3.6 |
Lemonade | 4.3 |
Mercury | 2.8 |
Nationwide | 3.9 |
Progressive | 3.4 |
Security First | 3.0 |
State Farm | 4.1 |
Tower Hill | 3.2 |
Travelers | 3.8 |
Universal Property | 2.6 |
UPC | 3.1 |
USAA | 4.0 |
Note: Average consumer satisfaction score is the average aggregate score from multi-user (non-employee) review platforms, such as: ConsumerAffairs, TrustPilot, WalletHub, SuperMoney, and others (based on availability). |
Before purchasing renters insurance, it is important to get renters insurance quotes in Florida from several insurers and compare prices before settling for one. Additionally, you should consider more than just prices. The coverage provided by similarly priced renters insurance policies from different insurers can vary substantially. To ensure you are making accurate comparisons and maximizing the benefits of renters insurance, compare policies with similar terms and coverage amounts. There are various renters insurance companies in Florida, that offer affordable renters insurance policies without compromising coverages.
In the event of a covered risk, having renters insurance in Florida can help you save a lot of money. Before acquiring your renters insurance policy, speak with a professional P&C insurance agent to avoid errors while choosing coverage. The role of the licensed insurance agent cannot be overstated in helping you find the best Florida renters insurance.