The Best Renters Insurance in New York of 2023

When renting in New York, whether living in a Manhattan high-rise or in a single-family house somewhere upstate, tenants may be concerned about the wellbeing of their personal belongings and most-treasured possessions. No matter where renters live in New York, they may want to consider purchasing renters insurance to protect them in the event that their valuables are damaged or stolen. The best renters insurance in NYC and the entire state can provide a financial safety net in a worst-case scenario, such as a fire, break-in, or heavy storm. Renters can receive financial compensation up to their policy limits for any covered losses in these kinds of situations. In addition, renters insurance plans often include additional coverage, such as liability protection in the event that a renter’s pet bites a passerby and causes injury, and loss of use coverage if the tenant’s home is rendered uninhabitable by a covered peril.

The best renters insurance companies in New York can offer affordable policies to suit different tenants’ needs, often making it a good idea for renters to seek out this type of coverage even with a tight budget. Each company presents a different assortment of strengths to consider, though, so it’s worth a renter vetting the best renters insurance providers in New York to find the right fit for their particular situation.

1. BEST OVERALL: State Farm
2. RUNNER-UP: Lemonade
3. BEST COVERAGE LIMITS: Travelers Insurance
4. BEST FOR BUNDLING: Allstate
5. ALSO CONSIDER: Liberty Mutual

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Renters Insurance Companies in New York

What is the best renters insurance in NYC and across the entire state? The answer may depend on what qualities a renter requires most in an insurance company. There are many different factors that a tenant may want to weigh when deciding on the best renters insurance to suit their needs. It’s often a good idea for a renter to start their search by determining which factors to prioritize and eliminating potential candidates that are unable to provide the most fundamental qualities they are looking for in a renters insurance provider. By approaching the selection process in this fashion, renters can quickly narrow down the list of options to insurance companies that can meet their most important demands.

Coverage Amount

An insurance policy’s coverage amount will determine how much money a policyholder may be entitled to receive when filing a claim. While the size of a payout could depend on a variety of factors, including the value of the covered items, an insurance plan’s coverage limit will dictate the maximum possible payout that a policyholder could receive. Renters insurance policies often include different limits for each type of coverage they offer. For instance, policyholders can expect to have two separate coverage amounts: one for their personal property and one for their liability coverage. Although policyholders can typically choose how much coverage they will receive, limits are capped according to the terms of each insurance company. Renters may find that one company offers a much higher maximum coverage amount than other providers, so it’s important to find a renters insurance plan that makes sense given the total value of a policyholder’s insurable assets.

Policy Options

After reviewing the basic terms of an insurance plan, policyholders may decide that they want to purchase additional coverage. Insurance providers often offer extra coverage options through endorsements that can be attached to a policy at an added cost. In some cases, these policy options expand coverage to include more perils, such as sewer backups, earthquakes, or identity theft. Endorsements may also be added to cover certain high-value possessions, such as jewelry or artwork, since coverage for these types of items is usually capped at a certain amount in a basic renters insurance policy. Such endorsements can also increase the coverage limits for perils or items that are included in a standard policy, allowing policyholders to raise their coverage amount so they can potentially receive a larger payout if they need to file a claim. Such policy options enable tenants to tailor their renters insurance plan to better fit their needs and circumstances.

Insurance Premiums

Renters insurance can be relatively affordable when compared to homeowners insurance or some other types of coverage, but it’s still an additional expense that policyholders will need to budget around. When vetting the best renters insurance companies in New York, it’s important that renters check the insurance premiums offered by each provider so they can determine if any options are too expensive to fit their monthly budget. Insurance premiums will vary from one company to another, and the total cost of a renters insurance policy will depend on the exact coverage terms selected by the customer. As such, it’s always a good idea for a renter to use the same information when comparing insurance rates, including coverage limits, add-on options, and applicable discounts. This way, renters can be sure that they’re making an apples-to-apples comparison when shopping around for the best rate, especially if they’re looking for the cheapest renters insurance in NYC and other parts of the state.

Quote Process

When searching for the top renters insurance, New York residents may want to look at multiple options before making a decision. Gathering quotes is an integral part of purchasing insurance, but companies may approach this process in different ways. Online quotes are very common nowadays, and some renters may prefer an all-digital approach to getting insurance quotes since it can be quick and convenient. Other insurance customers may want more support and direction so they can be sure their quote accurately reflects all the coverage terms they need in a policy. In those cases, it may make more sense for a renter to speak to a representative or agent about their available renters insurance options. Prospective customers may be able to glean insights into the overall customer experience from the quote process as well. For instance, companies that only support an online quote option may not have live agents standing by to help customers with other questions or concerns regarding their policy. It’s worth a renter considering how the quote process reflects an insurance company’s overall mindset regarding customer engagement and support.

Claims Process

When the time comes to file a claim, policyholders want to know that they will be able to submit any required documents with ease, that their claim will be reviewed without delay, and that any funds they stand to receive will be disbursed as quickly as possible. Claims processes can vary across insurance companies in both large and small ways. For instance, insurance providers may only receive claims online, while others allow customers to file claims over the phone or with an agent. Response times are an important factor to consider when weighing claims processes as a determining factor. In some cases, renters insurance claims can be approved and paid out in no time at all, while other circumstances may require a more thorough inspection of the claim. By checking the expected response times of each company, renters can get a better sense of how long the claims process will take—and when they can expect to receive the funds from any approved claim.

Deductibles

The deductible on an insurance policy is the amount of money policyholders will need to cover out of pocket when filing a claim. Insurance companies will deduct that amount from any payout a policyholder stands to receive on an insurance claim. As such, the deductible on an insurance policy has a direct impact on the size of any claim funds a customer may be entitled to receive down the road.

In many cases, renters insurance companies will provide a variety of deductible options to choose from, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. While it may be tempting to simply select the lowest option, renters will want to be aware that choosing a lower deductible will likely raise their insurance premiums. Conversely, increasing the deductible will lower their monthly rate. With that in mind, customers will want to weigh the more immediate cost of their insurance premium with the potential expense owed later on through their deductible and then find a balance that makes sense for their financial situation.

Additional Policies

When considering their renters insurance options, renters may also want to look at the other types of policies insurance companies offer. It can be easier to work with one company that provides every kind of insurance a renter needs rather than use multiple companies for different types of policies. Policyholders could use one set of login credentials or a single mobile app to manage all of their plans from the same company, which may make it easier to keep tabs on their policies.

Insurance companies may also allow policyholders to bundle their renters insurance with auto, life, and other kinds of insurance at a discounted rate, so there may be an additional incentive to use the same provider for all their insurance needs. Larger insurance companies may be able to offer a greater variety of additional policies for renters to consider, but this won’t always be the case. For renters who want to streamline and simplify their insurance needs, it may be worth checking to see that their preferred renters insurance company can provide other types of policies as well.

Discounts

Insurance companies often offer different ways for policyholders to reduce their insurance premiums and get a more favorable rate on their renters insurance. Such discounts can be very generous in some situations, helping policyholders drastically lower their monthly rates, so it’s worth seeking out these offers when they are available. In addition to the aforementioned bundling options, policyholders may be able to take advantage of discounts for making on-time payments or going a set amount of time without filing a claim, among other cost-saving opportunities. Although certain discounts like bundling are fairly common, each company may have its own discount options to consider, so renters may want to factor in these potential savings when comparing insurance rates.

AM Best

Renters may feel more comfortable buying insurance from a company that is on solid financial ground. Companies with hefty financial reserves may be more reliable in the long run, especially when it comes to paying out insurance claims. The average shopper may have trouble assessing the financial strength of insurance providers on their own, but they can always consult AM Best insurance ratings to get a better sense of each company’s financial situation. AM Best is a credit rating agency that specializes in the insurance industry, grading companies on their creditworthiness and ability to meet their obligations as insurance providers. A better grade could mean that a company is better positioned to continue providing insurance and paying out claims as expected.

Our Top Picks

When searching for the best renters insurance providers in New York, we looked for companies that could offer varied policy options and coverage limits, as well as affordable premiums and a positive financial outlook.

Best Overall

State Farm

See It

• Coverage amount: $2,000 to $110,000
• Quote process: Online, phone, agent
• Claims process: App, online, phone, agent
• Deductibles: $500 to $2,000
• AM Best rating: A++

Pros

• Inflation-adjusted coverage limits
• Lengthy 24-month loss of use coverage
• User-friendly policy and claims management via mobile app
• A++ AM Best Rating

Cons

• Limited discount opportunities

Why It Made the Cut: State Farm offers a generous loss of use coverage policy, along with a user-friendly mobile app to manage claims, and coverage limits that adjust according to increases in inflation. New York residents who choose State Farm for their renters insurance needs may be able to take advantage of a number of perks and benefits that the company offers. For instance, State Farm’s renters insurance policies come with loss of use coverage that will help pay for living arrangements for up to 24 months in the event that a policyholder’s home is uninhabitable following a covered loss. Policyholders concerned that rising inflation could impact the value of their insurance policy may be pleased to hear that State Farm adjusts coverage limits to align with increases in inflation. This way, renters don’t need to worry about their policy providing less coverage from year to year because of inflation. Renters looking for ample discount opportunities may not find many options with a State Farm policy, but they can get a lower rate if they bundle their insurance or install safety devices like some of the best apartment security systems or smoke alarms. Renters who do choose to bundle their insurance may find even more value from State Farm’s user-friendly mobile app. The dedicated app allows policyholders to file and manage claims directly through their mobile device. They can submit necessary documents, upload photos, and check for updates at their convenience. The app supports different types of policies, so it can serve as a one-stop shop for State Farm customers who bundle their renters insurance with other policies. State Farm also has a stellar A++ rating from AM Best—the highest grade possible—reflecting the company’s strong creditworthiness and long-term financial stability, which may indicate that it is in a good position to continue paying out claims and providing coverage for the foreseeable future.

Runner-Up

Lemonade

See It

• Coverage amount: $10,000 to $250,000
• Quote process: Online
• Claims process: App
• Deductibles: $250 to $2,500
• AM Best rating: Not rated

Pros

• Instant claim approval possible
• User-friendly policy and claims management via mobile app
• Up to 40 percent of unclaimed premiums donated to charity

Cons

• Limited discount opportunities
• Not currently rated by AM Best

Why It Made the Cut: Lemonade may be a terrific option for renters who are passionate about charitable causes, as the company will donate a portion of its unclaimed premiums to a nonprofit of a customer’s choosing. As a relative newcomer to the insurance industry, Lemonade offers a unique approach to providing insurance coverage to customers. The company is focused on digital platforms, allowing policyholders to make adjustments to their coverage and submit claims entirely through Lemonade’s mobile app. This feature may be very appealing to New York renters who would prefer to manage their insurance digitally rather than having to speak to a representative whenever they need to change their policy or file a claim. Lemonade’s claims platform also uses AI technology to review claims and check for fraud, which helps speed up the approval process. In some cases, claims can be approved instantly, with the policyholder’s funds being disbursed shortly afterward. Because the company is so new to this space, it has yet to receive a rating from AM Best, which can make it more difficult to ascertain Lemonade’s financial status—though, Lemonade reviews typically sing the company’s praises. Lemonade also does not offer many discounts for customers to take advantage of, so shoppers may not have many opportunities to lower their premiums. That being said, a portion of all unclaimed premiums—up to 40 percent—that are leftover at the end of the year will be donated to a nonprofit selected by the customer. Renters may feel more fulfilled knowing that some of the money they pay for renters insurance will wind up going to a cause that they feel passionate about.

Best Coverage Limits

Travelers Insurance

See It

• Coverage amount: $30,000 to $500,000
• Quote process: Online, phone, agent
• Claims process: Online, phone, agent
• Deductibles: $500 to $10,000
• AM Best rating: A++

Pros

• High $500,000 coverage limit
• Wide variety of discounts available
• A++ AM Best Rating

Cons

• No monthly payment option

Why It Made the Cut: New Yorkers looking for higher coverage limits on their renters insurance may want to consider Travelers Insurance, which also offers numerous discounts to help lower premiums. Travelers Insurance offers very high coverage limits on renters insurance—they top out at $500,000—which can allow renters with a lot of possessions to insure their belongings for their full value. This option may be especially appealing to New York City residents who own many expensive personal possessions but continue to rent an apartment or townhouse in the city. Customers will need to pay their annual insurance premiums in full since Travelers Insurance does not give them the option to make monthly payments. However, the company does offer many different types of discounts, including those for customers who make on-time payments and avoid filing claims on their policies, which may help policyholders lower their total cost of coverage. Travelers also holds an A++ rating from AM Best, which is only given to insurance companies that can demonstrate a “superior” ability to meet their financial obligations. As such, customers can feel more confident that their insurance provider will continue to pay out any claims filed without delay.

Best for Bundling

Allstate

See It

• Coverage amount: $25,000 to $150,000
• Quote process: Online, phone, agent
• Claims process: Online, phone, agent
• Deductibles: $250 to $1,000
• AM Best rating: A+

Pros

• Up to 25 percent discount for retirees 55 and over
• Ability to bundle multiple policy types
• Optional online personal information protection

Cons

• Relatively high insurance premiums

Why It Made the Cut: Allstate may be the right fit for renters who are interested in bundling their renters insurance with other policies, as the company has multiple types of insurance bundles for customers to consider. New York residents may want to consider bundling their renters insurance with other policies to simplify their insurance needs and lower the cost of coverage. Allstate offers multiple insurance bundles that enable renters insurance policyholders to bundle their policies with auto, motorcycle, ATV, and life insurance policies, among other options—and potentially save money on their insurance in the process. These bundling options can help offset the company’s relatively high insurance premiums. Retirees who are 55 years and over can further lower the cost of their insurance by taking advantage of Allstate’s “55 and retired” discount. Eligible customers could save up to 25 percent on their renters insurance with this discount. Another perk to consider is the Allstate Identity Protection service, which customers can opt into to help protect their personal information when shopping online, using social media platforms, or visiting websites. This service monitors each customer’s digital footprint to check for compromised data or instances of identity theft and fraud. Customers who experience a cybersecurity issue can reach out to Allstate’s 24/7 support team to help remediate any problems they encounter.

Also Consider

Liberty Mutual

See It

• Coverage amount: $5,000 to $25,000
• Quote process: Online, phone, agent
• Claims process: Online, phone, agent
• Deductibles: $250 to $7,500
• AM Best rating: A

Pros

• Relatively low insurance premiums
• Wide range of deductible options

Cons

• Low $25,000 coverage limit
• Somewhat long 1 to 2 business day claim response time

Why It Made the Cut: With low insurance premiums for the New York market and a number of deductible options to choose from, Liberty Mutual may be a great option for cost-conscious renters. New York renters who want to get coverage without breaking the bank may find the right insurance provider for their needs in Liberty Mutual. The company’s approach to renters insurance is to provide a more affordable option for renters who don’t necessarily need a lot of coverage with their policy. As such, the company’s coverage limits top out at $25,000, but that may be enough to cover all possessions and belongings that an individual wishes to insure. Renters may want to note the company’s response time, which may run a little long at 1 to 2 business days. These trade-offs may be worth it to take advantage of Liberty Mutual’s low insurance premiums, which can help renters save on their insurance costs. In addition, the company has several different deductible options for customers to choose from, allowing them to either increase their deductible in exchange for a lower premium or raise their monthly rate to get a reduced deductible.

Our Verdict

Best Overall goes to State Farm due to the generous loss of use coverage that comes with each policy, insurance premiums that are adjusted to account for inflation, and a superior A++ AM Best rating. We gave Runner-Up to Lemonade on account of the company’s user-friendly mobile app, charitable donations, and AI-driven claims process that may instantly approve some renters insurance claims.

How We Chose the Best Renters Insurance Companies in New York

When determining the best renters insurance companies in New York, we weighed cost factors such as insurance premiums, deductible options, and discounts. We also looked at the coverage options offered by each company as well as the coverage limits available to customers. Experiential factors were important considerations as well, including both the quote and claims processes supported by the different insurance companies. Because insurance providers’ financial stability can impact their service reliability and the long-term viability, we weighed the AM Best ratings given to each insurance company. Additional benefits and offers that are available to customers factored into our decision too, as such perks can add value to a renters insurance policy and provide a better experience for the policyholder.

Before You Choose One of the Best Renters Insurance Companies in New York

Do you need renters insurance in NYC and other parts of New York? While renters are not legally obligated to obtain renters insurance in the state of New York, landlords may require tenants to get renters insurance regardless. If such terms are included in a lease, then tenants will need to purchase a renters insurance policy. It’s important to realize too that even though landlords carry their own insurance, landlord insurance does not cover tenants’ possessions, so renters will need to get their own policy if they want to protect their belongings in the event of a fire, burglary, or other covered peril.

When determining how much renters insurance is needed, policyholders will want to take inventory of all their possessions and estimate the total value of their home’s contents. Renters may also want to take into consideration the amount of liability and loss of use coverage they feel is appropriate to give themselves peace of mind should they need to file a claim. As tenants narrow down their options for renters insurance in New York, reviews from current and former customers can help provide more insight into the strengths and potential drawbacks of each company.

Cost of Opting for One of the Best Renters Insurance Companies in New York

Renters insurance can be fairly affordable, especially when compared with homeowners insurance, landlord insurance, and other types of insurance. How much is renters insurance in NYC and other parts of the state? Residents may find that renters insurance rates are lower in some parts of the state than others. It’s possible that apartment renters insurance in New York City could come with higher insurance premiums due to the perceived heightened risk of burglaries and property crimes. Other factors can impact the cost of renters insurance as well, including the age of the building, proximity to the nearest fire station, and any pets the tenant may own.

When tenants are looking for renters insurance in NYC, cost considerations should include any factors that may influence insurance premiums. The coverage terms a renter selects will impact the total cost of their insurance policy; requesting higher coverage limits, for instance, will lead to higher premiums. Purchasing extra endorsements will likewise increase the cost of renters insurance. The choice of deductible will also impact renters insurance premiums, as a lower deductible will result in higher premiums and vice versa. Policyholders who have filed renters insurance claims in the past may also be required to pay higher rates than tenants who have never submitted a claim on their renters insurance.

The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Renters Insurance Companies in New York

Having coverage from one of the best renters insurance companies in New York can come in handy if a renter’s possessions are damaged by a covered peril such as fire, smoke damage, vandalism, or accidental discharge of water. This kind of insurance can also help pay to replace stolen items following a break-in, which may provide added peace of mind to citydwellers who are concerned about the risk of burglaries. Renters insurance coverage also often includes liability coverage in the event the policyholder accidentally causes property damage or injures another person. This liability protection can even extend to pets, helping to pay damages if a tenant’s dog bites a neighbor or someone else’s pet. The best renters insurance companies in New York offer several compelling benefits that may appeal to renters across the state:

• Lengthy loss of use coverage to help pay for living expenses in the event that a renter’s home is uninhabitable following a covered peril.
• Quick claims processes with the possibility of instant claim approval and payout.
• Various discount opportunities to help lower the cost of renters insurance.

FAQs

Finding the best apartment renters insurance in New York doesn’t have to be an ordeal as long as renters do their due diligence in terms of vetting different insurance companies and understanding what to look for in a good fit. When first exploring their options, tenants may not even know how to get renters insurance in NYC and other parts of the state. Here are answers to some of the most common questions customers have regarding New York renters insurance so they can make a more informed decision.

Q. How much is renters insurance in New York?

The average cost of renters insurance in New York is close to the national average at $14 per month. According to ValuePenguin, New York City residents may pay slightly higher rates, as the average renters insurance in NYC costs around $16 per month. Insurance premiums can go up or down depending on a number of variables, including coverage amounts, claims history, and risk factors, so renters may wind up paying less or more than the average rates. This is why it’s important to use the same coverage terms when getting quotes to accurately compare renters insurance in NYC.

Q. Does New York require renters insurance?

Is renters insurance required in New York? There are no state or federal laws mandating that renters insure their personal belongings. That being said, it’s not unusual for landlords to require tenants to obtain renters insurance policies for the added liability protection they typically offer. This way, if a guest is injured on the property, the tenant’s renters insurance may help to pay for any damages. With that in mind, any New York renters insurance comparison should account for liability coverage in addition to personal property coverage. In addition, a landlord’s insurance policy won’t cover the tenant’s belongings, so a renters insurance policy may be worth it for New York residents.

Q. Does landlord insurance cover tenant damage?

Landlord insurance may cover property damage caused by the tenant, assuming these events are listed as covered perils. For instance, landlord insurance may help pay to repair damages to a rental unit following an accidental grease fire in the kitchen. This type of insurance may not cover intentional damage, though, such as vandalism or arson. It also only covers the property, appliances, and furnishings owned by the landlord; it does not cover the tenant’s personal property.

Q. Can your landlord force you to get renters insurance in New York?

Yes, landlords can require tenants to get renters insurance in New York as part of the terms of a lease. As noted, there are liability-related reasons for such requirements, but landlords may also insist on tenants obtaining renters insurance to avoid disputes over lost or damaged personal belongings.

Q. Is it illegal not to have landlord insurance in New York?

New York state laws require building owners to insure rental properties. Any landlord who does not carry landlord insurance on their rental property would be in violation of these laws.

Q. Do college students who live off campus need renters insurance?

Like any other tenant, off-campus college students are not legally required to get renters insurance, but their landlords might insist on it before approving their rental application. Even if that’s not the case, renters insurance may be worth it to help pay for any losses that may result from a fire, storm, or burglary, as well as damages that students may be liable for themselves. Although students who live on campus are typically covered under their parents’ homeowners insurance, off-campus students may need renters insurance to protect their belongings.