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Renters Insurance Cost 2026 – Rates & Benchmarks

Renters insurance is one of the most affordable insurance products available — averaging just $18/month nationally in 2026. Here's what you should expect to pay based on your coverage needs and location.

✍️ BeSecuredNow Editorial Team  |  📅 August 2026  |  ⏱️ 4 min read
Key Takeaway: The national average renters insurance premium is $216/year ($18/month) in 2026. Mississippi ($338/yr) and Louisiana ($325/yr) are most expensive; North Dakota ($110/yr) and Wisconsin ($120/yr) are cheapest. Your credit score and claims history are the biggest non-location factors.

Average Renters Insurance Cost in 2026

Coverage LevelAvg AnnualAvg Monthly
$15,000 property / $100K liability$120–$160$10–$13
$30,000 property / $100K liability$180–$230$15–$19
$50,000 property / $100K liability$230–$290$19–$24
$50,000 property / $300K liability$250–$320$21–$27
With replacement cost + add-ons$300–$420$25–$35

What Affects Your Renters Insurance Premium

Location
State and ZIP code drive the biggest rate differences — states with high natural disaster risk (Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma) or high property crime (parts of Louisiana, New Mexico) have the highest premiums. Apartment complex security features (gated entry, security cameras) can lower rates too.
Credit Score
In most states, insurers use a credit-based insurance score. Excellent credit (750+) can mean 20–25% lower premiums than fair credit (580–669). Improve your credit before shopping for insurance to get the best rates. CA, MD, and MA prohibit this practice.
Claims History
Prior claims (tracked in the CLUE database for 7 years) increase premiums significantly. A single prior claim can add 10–25% to your premium. Two or more claims can lead to non-renewal from preferred carriers.

Cost by State (2026 Averages)

StateAnnual AverageMonthly
North Dakota$110$9
Wisconsin$120$10
National Average$216$18
Texas$276$23
Louisiana$325$27
Mississippi$338$28

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my renters insurance quote higher than the average?

Common reasons: you're in a high-risk state or ZIP code, you have prior claims, your credit score is below average, you're requesting higher coverage limits, or you've selected replacement cost coverage (which does cost more but is worth it).

How can I lower my renters insurance cost?

Bundle with your auto insurance (5–15% savings), install smoke detectors and security devices (5–10% savings), raise your deductible to $1,000 or $2,500 (10–25% savings), and improve your credit score. Shopping and comparing quotes annually is also effective — loyalty discounts rarely match new-customer pricing.

Is renters insurance worth it financially?

Almost universally yes. At $18/month ($216/year), you're protected against losses that can easily reach $10,000–$50,000 (theft, fire, water damage). The expected value of having the coverage far exceeds the cost. The liability protection alone — which can shield you from lawsuits exceeding $100,000 — makes it worth the premium for most renters.

🏠 Renters Insurance Guides
Browse all 10 renters insurance guides — expert advice for tenants on coverage, costs, and savings
Advertiser Disclosure: BeSecuredNow receives compensation from insurance partners. This does not influence our editorial ratings. Rates vary by location and profile.