Renters Insurance

Insurance for Renters Throughout California

On average, California renters pay $1,410 for an apartment. In the Valley, tenants pay an average of $1,050. If you’re looking for an apartment or a home to rent, you’ll likely need renters insurance on top of the basic price of the apartment. Renters insurance offers similar coverage that homeowners insurance offers, but for those who don’t own their living space.

Thankfully, renters insurance is relatively cheap. Academy West Insurance works for you to find an affordable renters insurance policy that covers you and your personal belongings.

Why You Need Renters Insurance

There is often confusion about whether or not renters insurance is required. In general, renters insurance isn’t required by state law, including in California. More landlords than ever are requiring renters insurance for their tenants, however. Once you’re approved for an apartment, you may be told that you need to purchase renters insurance by the time you move in. If you have a pet, you may also be required to add a pet endorsement along with your basic policy.

Even when renters insurance isn’t required, it’s incredibly important. Renters are often college students or otherwise on a budget, so unexpected damages or loss can be hard to pay for. If a fire destroys your belongings, for example, you’ll be looking to pay for replacements out of pocket if you don’t have renters insurance.

Renters insurance covers:

• Personal Belongings: This coverage provides compensation for damage or loss of your personal belongings due to fire, lightning, smoke, theft, vandalism and more.
• Liability: Liability insurance covers incidents in which you are determined at-fault for bodily injury or property damage. This coverage can extend to damage or injury caused by pets, as well. Landlords will typically require $100,000 in liability for every tenant.
• Additional Living Expenses: In case a disaster causes the rented property to be unlivable, additional living expenses (ALE) helps with the cost of temporarily living somewhere else.

How Much Renters Insurance Do You Need?

The amount of renters insurance you need depends on your belongings and your personal needs. It should be enough to replace your belongings.

Get Renters Insurance Today

Renters insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. The insurance professionals at Academy West Insurance are ready to help you find renters insurance that fits your needs and your budget. Give us a call at (559) 875-7700 or fill out a form for a free online quote!

Frequently Asked Questions

When Does Renters Insurance Take Effect?

Renters insurance should take effect immediately once you sign a policy. A landlord will typically require you to have an effective renters insurance policy by your move-in date.

How Does Renters Insurance Work with Roommates?

Your renters insurance policy will not cover a roommate unless your roommate is specifically listed on your policy. It’s recommended that roommates carry their own renters insurance policy, as you cannot transfer a policy if one roommate ends up moving.

How Does a Renters Insurance Claim Work? When you call and file an insurance claim, the insurance company will send an underwriter to calculate the damages and decide how much compensation you will receive.