7 Best Renters Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania of 2023

If you're a tenant, you can opt for renters insurance to safeguard your belongings from theft and damage.

The insurance for the property only covers damages and losses to the building. Before signing the lease, carefully review it, as your landlord might require you to purchase renters insurance.

Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons, making it crucial to ensure your home is always protected. Renters insurance covers damages caused by storms and offers protection to your personal belongings in case of burglary, fire, etc.

To save you time and effort, we've compiled a list of Pennsylvania's best renters insurance companies, considering their cost, coverage, and customer service.

According to PropertyNest research, the average basic renters insurance cost in Pennsylvania is $17.31 a month or $207.72 a year.

Compare the coverage and cost of Pennsylvania's best renters insurance providers picked by PropertyNest expert editors.

Compare Renters Insurance Rates in PA

Best Renters Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania

• Lemonade – Best Overall
• Liberty Mutual – Best for Customization
• Allstate – Best Coverage
• State Farm – Best for Comprehensive Coverage
• USAA – Best Renters Insurance in PA for the Military
• Progressive – Best for Discounts
• Farmers Renters Insurance – Best Experience

Lemonade: Best Overall

Lemonade is one of the newer insurance providers out there. Even though it is relatively new, this technologically forward company has already proven itself and is quickly gaining popularity.

Lemonade makes things convenient and user-friendly for both the younger and older generations. Customers can easily file a claim, receive customer support, purchase a policy, view your policies, and more through their app and website.

There are basic policies that Lemonade provides for only $5 a month, but you can also purchase more extensive options as well.

One of the best perks about Lemonade is its philanthropic side, aka the Lemonade Giveback. Lemonade takes a flat fee for themselves and lets you choose which charity they should donate the remainder to.

Lemonade provides many pros, such as being convenient, technologically advanced, affordable, and more. It is also an added benefit that they donate a certain amount to charity.

Cons of Lemonade include not being able to contact a live person, not being able to bundle with auto insurance, and not being available nationwide.

Lemonade Renters Insurance Discounts

The only discount that Lemonade provides is a bundling discount (this goes for all of Lemonade’s policies, not just renters). You can shave off about 10% of your monthly premium by purchasing multiple policies.

• Bundling Discount: Purchase multiple policies to save up to 10%.

Read the full Lemonade renters insurance review.

Liberty Mutual: Best for Customization

Liberty Mutual is one of the more well-known companies on this list. They allow you to keep what you want and remove the unnecessary. Some standard coverage options include medical expenses, extra living expenses, and personal property liability coverage.

Additional extras include coverage for replacement costs, identity fraud, water & earthquake damage, and more. The fun part is creating the perfect policies for you.

Liberty Mutual provides several discounts and allows you to bundle your policies for even more savings. Liberty Mutual offers many tools (such as an in-depth coverage calculator) to help you save with their high-rated app.

Their traditional policy does not include coverage for natural disasters, so these policies must be bought separately.

Liberty Mutual Renters Insurance Discounts

There are a few different Liberty Mutual discounts that you may be eligible for. These include online purchase discounts, multi-policy discounts, and preferred payment discounts.

• Online Purchase Discount: Earn a discount by purchasing your policy online. You will receive the discount once you complete your purchase.
• Multi-Policy Discount: One of their most popular discounts is their multi-policy discount. Simply purchase more than one policy to receive a discount.
• Preferred Payment Discount: Save time and money by registering for automatic payment and linking it to your bank account.

Read a full Liberty Mutual home insurance review.

Allstate: Best for Coverage

Allstate’s renters insurance policy has the basic coverage that most companies provide, such as coverage for your belongings, liability, and medical coverage if someone gets hurt on your property.

If you need to move out of your home due to a natural disaster, Allstate will go one step further and cover hotel and restaurant fees. The best part is that there is no maximum on the dollar amount that can be spent; however, there may be a 12-month max.

Allstate’s standard policy includes coverage for additional living expenses if you need to leave your home due to a natural disaster.

Allstate Renters Insurance Discounts

Discounts are essential, and Allstate luckily offers plenty. Depending on your location, you may qualify for several discounts, including multi-policy and claim-free. Research your policies thoroughly so you don’t miss out on lowering your renters insurance premium.

• Multi-policy: Save money each time you purchase an additional policy.
• Claim-free discount: You may be eligible for a discount if you don’t have a history of filing claims.
• Discount for safety devices/services: This includes fire alarm systems, security systems, etc.

Read a full Allstate renters insurance review.

State Farm: Best for Comprehensive Coverage

State Farm is one of Pennsylvania's leading providers of renters insurance, offering comprehensive coverage at a competitive price. In addition to personal belongings, State Farm's renters insurance policy covers loss of use, personal liability, and medical payments.

So, if you're looking for comprehensive renters insurance coverage in Pennsylvania, State Farm is a great option.

They also have a wide range of deductibles, so you can customize your policy to fit your needs.

State Farm stays up to date with their high-rated mobile app. You can contact your agent and file/track claims digitally.

State Farm Renters Insurance Discounts

State Farm provides two discounts for renters insurance. The discounts they offer are multiple policy discounts and home protection device discounts.

• Multiple policy discount: Bundle with renters insurance and a State Farm auto insurance policy.
• Home protection device discount: You receive a discount if your rental has safety features such as deadbolt locks, alarm systems, fire safety equipment, and more.

See a full State Farm renters insurance review.

USAA: Best Renters Insurance in PA for the Military

Families of the military should look into USAA, especially when it comes to renters insurance. These policies are affordable and provide extra coverage specific to military members.

Their standard policy includes flood and earthquake coverage. They also boast about themselves regarding their replacement cost coverage policy. This policy will pay you enough money to replace the stolen item.

USAA was originally launched to serve members and their families in the armed services. USAA is selective with its customers because it aims to provide the best customer service.

USAA strives to make its services as accessible and affordable as possible. However, USAA has membership eligibility requirements based on military affiliation or certain family relationships with military personnel.

There are no monthly maintenance fees, which helps keep things affordable.

Progressive: Best for Discounts

Progressive is one of the industry's most well-known and prominent insurance companies. They offer deep discount offerings in a multitude of ways. Research your progressive discounts, as some of the policies can be expensive.

Pros include a large library of discounts, while the major con is that some of Progressive’s policies can be expensive without a discount.

Progressive Renters Insurance Discounts

Progressive teams up with third-party insurers to provide renters insurance.

Progressive offers several different ways to save, with discounts for anyone. You can also check if a competitor offers the same coverage at a lower price. Also, don’t forget the infamous “Name Your Price” tool.

Since there are so many discounts, read the fine print. If you don’t read up on the discounts first, you may miss out on a deal. For example, you can receive a discount by going paperless with communication, but you can only do it while applying for a quote.

• Paperless: Save money just by switching from paper to digital communication.
• Living in a secured or gated community: By living in a secure property, you show Progressive that you keep your property safe.
• Paid in full: Save even more when you front the cash for the annual policy.

Read a full Progressive renters insurance review.

Farmers Renters Insurance: Best Experience

Farmers renters insurance is available in Pennsylvania and 39 other states. With over 90 years of experience, Farmers is known for its low deductibles and original discounts.

The basic insurance policy includes four main types of coverage: cover for the cost of living somewhere else while your home is undergoing construction following a covered claim.

With over 90 years in the industry, Farmers brings plenty of knowledge and experience to its customers. The cons lie in the coverage options, where you can only add one option.

Farmers Renters Insurance Discounts

Depending on your location, you may or may not qualify for specific Farmers renters insurance discounts.

• Non-smoking policy discount: Receive a discount for not having anyone smoke on your property for at least two years.
• Multi-policy discount: Purchase an additional policy to your renters insurance, and you can qualify for a discount.
• Discounts for emergency personnel: If you are a police, firefighter, doctor, etc., you can receive a special discount.

Is Renters Insurance Mandatory to Rent an Apartment in Pennsylvania?

Renters insurance is not mandatory to rent an apartment in Pennsylvania, although your landlord may require it.

While it is not required by law, purchasing renters insurance is a smart decision in protecting yourself.

Why Do You Need Renters Insurance?

As mentioned above, renters insurance is not mandated by law but can provide monetary compensation for your possessions for damage, destruction, or theft.

This is especially important if you have high-cost valuables.

For example, if your belongings or furniture sustain water damage because rain or water seeped into your unit, the landlord is not liable to compensate you.

It also protects you when you are liable for damages or injury to someone else.

If your rental is not habitable because of damage, construction, or other reasons, your renters insurance policy can pay for housing accommodations.

It would be best to have renters insurance because no one else, including your landlord, will compensate you for your losses.

What is the Average Cost of Renters Insurance in Pennsylvania?

Renters insurance is very affordable compared to the amount of coverage it provides.

On average, tenants in Pennsylvania can expect to pay $207.72 annually for a basic renters insurance policy. This amount can vary depending on the coverage selected.

The amount you pay can also depend on where you live, your prior claims experience, your credit score, and the specifics of the space you rent.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

As previously cited, renters insurance will primarily cover your personal belongings, which is why it gets purchased.

Compensation For Your Personal Property

Perils like fire, theft, water damage, or lightning are all events that could occur and cause you to lose most of your belongings at once.

Luckily, these are all events that are covered under a renters policy. Renters policies will also cover vandalism, wind, hail, or smoke.

It includes furniture, electronics, dishes, silverware, bedding, knick-knacks, home decor, and other furnishings.

Most renters policies offer tiered amounts for personal property coverage you would like to carry on your policy.

Funds For Alternate Housing

A renters policy will also provide loss of use coverage.

Loss of use coverage pays for any additional living expenses due to a covered loss.

For example, if your apartment has a fire and you need to stay in a hotel for a few weeks until your place is habitable, this coverage will pay you to do so.

Protection Against Liability

Personal liability is another essential coverage provided by a renters policy.

Liability will cover any bodily injury or property damage for which you are legally responsible.

A great example of this type of liability is if someone gets injured after slipping and falling in your unit. You could be sued for damages or asked to pay for medical bills. Your renters policy would cover this.

Since lawsuits can be financially devastating, the liability coverage provided by a renters policy is worth every penny.

How Much Damage and Liability Will Renters Insurance Cover?

Renters insurance offers options regarding how much coverage for loss/damage of personal belongings.

An excellent place to start is usually with about $10,000 worth of coverage and either increasing or decreasing from there.

Just be aware that some companies may require a minimum personal property coverage limit.

It is also important to note that most renters policies have special limits for certain types of personal property.

These special limits mean the insurance company limits how much they will pay for particular items.

For example, theft of jewelry and watches is typically limited to $1,500. So, if you own a piece of jewelry worth more than that and it gets stolen, the most you would get would be $1,500.

Luckily, most companies allow you to schedule some of your personal property. Scheduling means that you list these items separately on your policy and insure them for their actual value.

The benefit to scheduling certain items is that you are also insuring them on an “all-risk basis,” which means that you are covered for anything that could happen to them, as long as it is not explicitly excluded.

There are also limits when it comes to liability and medical.

Most renters insurance companies offer liability limits starting at $100,000; some may offer up to $1,000,000 worth of coverage.

What Will Renters Insurance Not Cover?

As much as a renters policy will cover, there are some exclusions or perils it will not cover.

A renters policy is meant for a tenant, not a homeowner. Therefore, the building itself will not be covered under a renters policy.

A renters policy will also not cover things like built-in appliances, such as water heaters or furnaces, since those are typically the homeowner’s responsibility.

There are also certain events that a renters policy will not cover.

These events include flooding, earthquakes, intentional damage, and normal wear and tear.

However, flood insurance is a separate policy you can purchase to protect yourself from floods.

You'll also find that some renters policies exclude dogs or certain breeds for liability coverage.

Lastly, a renters policy will not cover any roommates. If you live with other people, they will need to get their policy or you purchase a policy together.

Can You Lower Rental Insurance Premiums?

You can do a few things to save money on a renters insurance policy.

The first is to combine any other insurance policy with the same company. An auto policy, for example, could be added to your renters insurance policy.

Many companies offer multi-policy discounts, which can help lower the price of each policy you have with them.

Secondly, you can look at carrying a higher deductible. A deductible is your out-of-pocket expense for any insurance loss.

For example, if you have a $100 deductible and must file a claim, you would pay the first $100, and your insurance company would pay the rest.

The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your policy price. A standard deductible is about $500 but can be increased to $2,500.

Another way to potentially save money on your renters policy is to improve your credit score.

Learn How to Check Your Credit Score Rating.

Many insurance companies will use a credit-based insurance score to rate your policy. The better your score, the less risky companies perceive you to be, so your price will be lower.

Do You Need an Inspection for Renters Insurance?

Generally, renters insurance requires no inspections before buying the policy.

The main information you'll need to provide for renters insurance is the value of your belongings and the overall coverage provided by the renters policy.

If you are unsure what value to give your items, consider looking up their prices online or in stores.

How Do You File a Renters Insurance Claim?

To file a renters insurance claim, you must collect the necessary documentation, such as pictures of the damaged items and receipts of the damaged items.

Additionally, if the authorities were contacted and involved regarding the incident that caused damages, you'll need to provide those documents as well.

After collecting all these documents, contact your renters insurance company for an active claim number and provide it with all the gathered information.

From there, your renters insurance company will review and assess your claim; if approved, you'll get reimbursed per their coverage laws and policies.

Depending on the company, you can file it online or through an app, but some may require you to speak to an agent.

Our Methodology

We thoroughly researched 13 of the state's top renters’ insurance companies and narrowed the list down to those that operated in Pennsylvania. We rated them on criteria that included ease of use, ratings, financial strength, customer, and affordability. Read our full in-depth renters insurance methodology.

How We Picked the Best Renters Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania

Finding the right renters insurance company depends on your interests and needs. Some customers may search for a basic cut-and-dry policy, while others may require a more customizable approach. We were looking for three important factors: cost, policy coverage, and customer service.

Policy Cost

Renters insurance is supposed to give you security, not weigh you down with fear of your next bill. Insurance providers with low premiums or plenty of options to lower your premium ranked higher on the list than others. If the insurance cost is too hard to keep up with, you may want to invest in a safe or safety deposit box until you can afford to keep your belongings safe.

Policy Coverage

The company needed a wide range of policy coverages to help accommodate your needs. Everyone is different in Pennsylvania, and that includes insurance companies. We looked at standard coverage options and add-ons to ensure that you can feel your safest, no matter your preference.

Customer Service

You can have a great insurance company, but it becomes almost useless if the customer service is horrible. The companies needed to have convenient and accessible service, with bonus points for those who had mobile apps and round-the-clock service.

Location

We’ve researched and compared the renters insurance quotes and averages in cities such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, and more.