8 Best Renters Insurance Companies in Rhode Island of 2023

If you're renting a property in Rhode Island, it's essential to safeguard yourself against potential loss or damage by investing in renters insurance. This type of protection can cover you for theft, wind, hail damage, sewer backup damage, and liability protection if someone is injured on your property. With the right insurance plan, you can avoid having to pay for unexpected expenses out-of-pocket.

To find the most suitable policy for your needs with affordable costs and attentive customer service, it's worth taking the time to research and compare different providers. Many insurers are available in Rhode Island, making it challenging to select the right one. However, investing in renters insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind in the future.

According to PropertyNest research, the average cost of basic renters insurance in Rhode Island is $24.78 a month.

Compare the coverage and cost of the best renters insurance providers in Rhode Island picked by PropertyNest expert editors:

Compare Renters Insurance Rates in RI

The Best Renters Insurance Companies in Rhode Island

• Lemonade – Best for Online and Mobile App Experience
• State Farm – Best for the Cheapest Rates
• Liberty Mutual – Best for the Most Discounts
• Allstate – Best for Add-Ons
• Progressive – Best for Single Deductible
• Nationwide – Best for Replacement Cash Value
• GEICO – Best for Coverage Options
• Amica Mutual – Best for Coverage Package

Lemonade: Best Renters Insurance for Online and Mobile App Experience

Lemonade has only been in business for a few years, but it already has an impressive online and mobile app presence where you can take care of all your insurance needs without ever having to talk to an agent.

Using the website or mobile app, you can easily file or make a claim, purchase a policy, and sign up for extra coverage.

The app also allows you to quickly add services such as groundwater coverage and landslides, which are not included in standard coverage.

Above all, you can add coverage for earthquakes and flooding, which never comes with a basic insurance plan.

In addition, Lemonade has many different plans and features that you can sign up for, and the standard plan starts at only $5 per month.

However, if you want more features, you’ll have to pay for each one of them, which will increase your rate.

Lemonade Renters Insurance Discounts

Even though Lemonade's premiums are on average quite low, there are still discounts available.

• Protective devices: Making your home safe using protective devices and alarms.
• Claims-free discount: If you’ve gone without claiming for five years.

Read a full Lemonade home insurance review.

State Farm: Best Renters Insurance for the Cheapest Rates

As a leader in the insurance business, State Farm insures more cars, homes, and rentals than any other company in the U.S.

State Farm is great for most people because of its low rates.

On average, State Farm renters insurance in Rhode Island is around $15 per month or $180 per year, based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) survey.

State Farm beat the national average for renters insurance, which is $19 per month or $228 per year.

However, rates differ based on where you live. In most cases, that’s due to the likelihood of fire, storms, and crime rates.

Read a full State Farm renters insurance review.

State Farm Renters Insurance Discounts

Unlike other insurers of its size, State Farm has few discounts for policyholders.

• Multi-Policy: Bundling renters with auto insurance.
• Home Security: Installing protective devices like surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, and smoke detectors, for example.
• Higher Deductible: If you choose higher deductibles, you can lower your monthly premium.

Liberty Mutual: Best Renters Insurance for the Most Discounts

For over 100 years, Liberty Mutual has been a reliable insurance carrier for a variety of coverages.

One of the things that Liberty is known for is that it offers a wide range of discounts on renters insurance.

Read a full Liberty Mutual home insurance review.

Liberty Mutual Renters Insurance Discounts

Here is a list of Liberty Mutual's many discounts:

• Autopay: Get a discount when you sign up for monthly autopay.
• Bundling: Buy two or more policies and save on your renters premium.
• Claims-free: Qualify for a discount if you haven't filed a claim in the recent past.
• Early Shopper: Buy your policy before your existing renters insurance policy expires to save.
• Online purchase: Save money when you purchase your policy online.
• Safety Device: Installing safety devices such as fire alarms, smoke alarms, burglar alarms, and more.
• Quote Discount: Get a quote before your current policy expires.
• Paperless Discount: Receive policy documents electronically.

Allstate: Best Renters Insurance for Add-Ons

As one of the nation's best overall renters insurance providers, Allstate provides standard coverage while offering many additional add-ons.

Having a standard renters policy is never enough to cover your personal property. That’s why Allstate offers you additional insurance coverage through add-ons to further protect your property if the unexpected occurs.

Read a full Allstate renters insurance review.

Allstate Renters Insurance Add-Ons

Here are some add-ons that Allstate offers:

Scheduling

Scheduling is a great way to protect precious belongings—from jewelry to musical instruments—because it allows you to get more protection by increasing your coverage.

Personal Umbrella Policy

An umbrella policy is a liability policy that provides coverage more than the liability on your existing renters insurance. It works best or is useful to you if you are faced with a large liability claim.

For example, if you are found responsible for a liability judgment that exceeds your policy’s limit, the umbrella policy can prevent you from paying out-of-pocket.

Identity Theft Restoration

If someone steals your identity, it’s good to know that this add-on will help pay for legal fees and other related costs like lost wages,

lost business work, as well as the recovery of confidential documents.

Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is never covered in a standard renters policy. Getting flood insurance is necessary if you live in a flood zone and your personal belongings are damaged by floodwater. Allstate can offer you coverage through the government-run National Flood Insurance Program.

Allstate Renters Insurance Discounts

Save with classic renters discounts from Allstate.

• Multi-Policy discount: You can save big when you bundle your renters policy with Allstate's car insurance.
• Auto-pay: Signing up for autopay and linking your checking account will also get you savings.
• Claims-free: Being claims-free for the past five years can help you save.
• Senior savings: Discount for retired policyholders who are 55 or older.
• Security devices: Installing safe home devices like fire, smoke, and burglar alarms.

Progressive: Best Renters Insurance for Single Deductible

Progressive is known for its customer service. That’s because you can reach an agent in many ways: by phone for 24/7 support, by email, and by using the insurer’s website.

Progressive has many add-ons and features. One that stands out is its single deductible plan for both renters and auto insurance.

The single deductible means if you bundle renters and auto, only one deductible applies. That means you only have to pay for one deductible if you have an incident that causes you to file a claim on both your renters and auto policy.

So, if your car is stolen and you have personal belongings, your renters insurance will cover your items, and your auto insurance will cover the theft of your car.

Read a full Progressive renters insurance review.

Progressive Renters Insurance Discounts

• Bundling discount: Bundle renters and auto insurance.
• Quote in Advance: Get a quote at least three days before your policy starts to qualify for this discount.
• E-policy: Get a discount when you opt to receive documents electronically
• Pay in full: Pay your premium upfront in full and save money
• Security discount: If you live in a secure or gated community.

Nationwide: Best Renters Insurance for Replacement Cash Value

Nationwide is one of the best insurance companies in the US.

It’s no wonder why since it received high AM Best ratings for financial stability, which means it is more likely to fulfill its financial obligations to you when it comes time to file a claim.

What’s great about Nationwide is its replacement cash value (RCV) and actual cash value (ACV). You can choose the one you prefer when signing up for a policy.

If your property is damaged or there’s theft, RCV will cover the cost and pay you for new replacements at today’s prices.

If replacing the items costs more than the claim reimbursement, the insurer will issue another payment to cover the difference.

With ACV, your stolen or damaged items will only be covered for their depreciated value, which is why RCV is a better choice.

There’s also extended replacement cost, which raises your dwelling coverage up to 20% above your policy limit if rebuilding your home costs more than expected.

Nationwide Renters Insurance Discounts

Here are a few extra ways to save with Nationwide renters insurance.

• Multi-Policy: Save on both your renters and another when you bundle with policies for auto, boat, RV, etc.
• Safe Rental: Smoke detectors, fire, and burglar alarms, and deadbolts can help you save.
• Claims-Free: No claims on your policy in the recent past and you get a discount.

GEICO: Best Renters Insurance for Coverage Options

GEICO is best known for auto insurance and its commercials, but the insurer also offers renters insurance.

It is one of the best renters policies because it offers additional coverage options to make your policy comprehensive and enable you to choose the ones you only need. This saves you money.

The coverage options depend on which insurer GEICO matches you with because third-party companies provide renters insurance, not GEICO itself.

GEICO Renters Policy Optional Add-Ons

• Water Backup: Covers you if a drain or sewer line backs up into your home.
• Identity Fraud: Pays for expenses related to identity theft.
• Replacement Cost Value: Covers belongings at today’s prices without depreciation.
• Valuables: Pays for high-cost items beyond the limits listed in your renters policy.
• Earthquake coverage
• Business liability: Covers you if you work from home.
• Equipment breakdown: Pays for appliances or electronic devices that have mechanical failures.
• Refrigerated Property: Covers food that spoils during a power outage.

GEICO Renters Insurance Discounts

• Multi-Policy: Bundling auto and renters insurance gets you a discount.
• Home Security Discount: If you live in a gated community, use a home security system, and have other safety devices.
• Sprinklers or Smoke Alarms: Having smoke alarms, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers gives you a substantial discount, according to GEICO.

Amica Mutual: Best Renters Insurance for Coverage Package

Amica is an affordable insurance company known for its number of discounts, easy claims handling, and the different types of insurance products it offers.

A standard renters policy usually does not come with enough coverage to protect your property.

For those who want more and have no time to pick the correct coverages that you need individually, Amica has made it easier for you by offering its Platinum Choice package.

These are extras that are combined in a single policy. You can buy the entire package, or you can buy the coverage individually.

Read a full Amica renters insurance review.

Amica Mutual Renters Policy Optional Add-ons

Platinum Choice includes the following:

• Increased dwelling replacement coverage: Includes up to 30% more home replacement coverage than a standard policy.
• Personal property replacement coverage: Higher coverage limit to replace personal belongings.
• Water backup/sump overflow: Covers water damage from a clogged drain or failed sump pump.
• Credit card coverage: Reimburses you up to $5,000 for unauthorized credit card charges.
• Computer coverage: Coverage for failed electronics due to power surges, water damage, and heat warping.
• Extended coverage limits for valuables
• Liability and medical payment coverage: Provides more liability for medical expenses and legal fees.

Amica Renters Insurance Discounts

• Loyalty: The more time spent with Amica, the more you save.
• Multi-Policy.
• Being claims-free in the past three years.
• Paying premium using automatic deductions.
• Signing up to receive policy information and bills electronically.

Is Renters Insurance Mandatory to Rent an Apartment in Rhode Island?

Renters insurance is an essential consideration for renters in Rhode Island as it provides an extra layer of protection against financial losses resulting from events like fires, theft, and other catastrophes.

While renters insurance is not required by law for renters in Rhode Island to rent an apartment or dwelling, renters should consider purchasing renters insurance as doing so can provide peace of mind and a financial safety net should the unexpected happen.

It is important to note that renters insurance coverage varies based on the policy terms, conditions, and limits selected.

Does Your Landlord’s Insurance Cover Your Belongings?

Renters insurance covers property inside your rental but not damage to the building itself.

A common misconception is that you don’t need renters insurance because your landlord already has insurance.

But the landlord’s insurance protects the property itself or covers the property's structure, whether that’s an apartment building or a condo complex.

So, if the rental place is damaged or destroyed due to fire, it will be the landlord’s responsibility to make the repairs.

In short, your landlord is not responsible for covering the costs of your belongings due to a covered peril.

What is the Average Cost of Renters Insurance in Rhode Island?

How much you pay for your monthly premium depends on how much coverage you need.

So, rates will vary depending on your preferred coverage limits and the value of your belongings.

The average cost of basic renters insurance in Rhode Island is $24.78 per month or $297.38 per year.

What Factors Determine the Cost of My Premium?

Location of Home

The area in which you live helps determine your rate.

Living near forests where wildfire can spread and damage your rental will affect your premium.

And if you live in an area where natural disasters like high winds, hail, and hailstones are prominent, you will pay more for your policy since the risk of covering your rental will be higher.

Unfortunately, Rhode Island is susceptible to frequent hurricanes, so residents here pay more for their premiums.

But overall, the state is safe and has a low crime rate.

However, if you live in Providence or Woonsocket, for example, you’ll pay dearly because the crime rate for each city is higher than 100% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes based on FBI crime data.

Claims History

If you file a claim, your rate will increase because insurers will consider you a risk.

Amount of Coverage

Since the standard renters insurance may put a cap on covering your property, many renters get a rider or schedule their items to increase coverage. These and many other riders can increase your policy drastically.

Amount of Protection

Overall, apartments are less expensive to insure than full houses. And they are typically smaller and outfitted with smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, and carbon monoxide detectors, so that takes care of having a safe property. As such, a lender will lower your premium.

Building Construction

If you rent a house, apartment, or condo made of brick or masonry, insurers will charge you less than they would if your rental was constructed using a less stable or less solid material.

That’s because sturdier material is less affected by earthquakes, fires, and other covered perils.

Fire Prevention

If you live near a fire hydrant or a fire department, the less likely your home will be engulfed in flames because these are nearby your home.

Security Measures

If your rental is on a high floor, has doormen, front-desk security, and security cameras in the lobby, and is located in a gated community, your insurer will lower your rates.

That’s because it’s perceived that you will be less likely to file a claim due to theft or burglary.

Can You Lower Rental Insurance Premiums?

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get quotes from as many insurers as you can.

A quote is an estimate of your premium cost. If you compare multiple quotes for the same coverage from different companies, you may likely find the best insurer for you.

You can get renters insurance quotes online or over the phone.

Discounts

Many insurers offer discounts. If you can take advantage of the ones you qualify for, your premium will drop.

The multi-policy discount—bundling renters insurance with other policies—is what you should look out for. It’s the one that can substantially lower your rate.

You’ll also get a discount if you have a safe home and upgrade your plumbing, HVAC, or other electrical systems.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, the standard renters insurance policy covers liability, theft, medical treatment, and loss of use.

Liability Coverage

Liability protects you against lawsuits from someone who has bodily injuries or property damages that you or your family caused to them.

Your insurer will take care of any compensation or medical bills, as well as your legal defense, in the case of accidental harm to others who visit your rental. Liability also includes accidental damage to their possessions.

Loss of Use

This policy covers basic living expenses and temporary housing costs if you can’t live in your rental unit due to damage and destruction from fire, smoke, and heavy winds.

Medical Payments

This policy pays for medical care if there is bodily injury to a person that occurs in your rental unit, regardless of fault.

Personal Property Coverage

This pays to repair or replace the property that’s stolen or vandalized or that has been damaged due to fire, windstorms, smoke damage, and other perils your policy may cover.

What is Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost?

When you buy a policy, the insurance company will give you the option of getting either ACV or RCV, two critical parts of your standard policy that you need to buy.

RCV will replace your items using today’s prices and without depreciation.

For example, if your smart TV was stolen and was three years old, you’ll get the money from your insurance to buy a brand new one today.

For ACV, you’ll only get reimbursed for the depreciated value.

RCV is better than ACV because it replaces your items in full.

But ACV may be good for those who are on a budget because it’s cheaper than RCV.

Replacement cost is always more expensive than ACV. Most insurers will include RCV as an add-on that you purchase, but there are some companies where RCV comes standard, i.e., at no additional cost to you.

When You Need to Purchase Additional Coverage

If you own expensive items like jewelry, musical instruments, and collectibles like artwork and first-edition books, chances are you have to buy additional coverage for them because renters insurance personal property coverage only covers up to the policy’s limit.

The standard limit for personal property coverage in a basic renters insurance policy is usually $30,000 per claim.

So, if your book collection is appraised at $35,000, you will have to pay the $5,000 difference.

If this happens, to best cover your assets, you’ll need to increase the value of your personal property limit.

What is a Rider?

Another way to get fully protected is to add a rider, also called an endorsement, to your personal property coverage.

A ride allows you to increase the overall coverage of your insurance for particular categories.

For example, if that book collection costs $35,000, you can set your rider with a limit of at least $35,000 to ensure you will be paid in full if your books get damaged.

Keep in mind that it is wise to select coverage limits that are high enough to protect your belongings in full.

Lower coverage limits might save you money on your premium today, but they might also leave you with insufficient coverage when you need to make a claim in the future.

What is Scheduling?

In addition, to cover your items in full, you can schedule your personal property.

Scheduling means you list your valuables separately on your policy and insure them for their actual value.

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

You may think you don’t own much; all you have is furniture, such as a dining room set, bookcase, or sofa.

So, you’ll end up buying the standard policy alone.

But if you did a home inventory, you’ll most likely find that you own more than you initially thought and need coverage beyond your policy’s limit.

You should include things you use the most and which you believe is not worth the coverage.

But they most likely are, as all the following that you use daily counts: your sofa or other pieces of furniture, your laptop, your smart TV, and your clothing, for example.

Your next step is to catalog all your possessions and price them out. If you don’t have receipts or don’t recall the price of your sofa or the cost of your chandelier, use the internet to find your items or to find similar or comparable items.

After you calculate the costs of each property, the total is how much insurance you need if you had to replace everything after a fire or a burglary.

How Do You File a Renters Insurance Claim?

Filing a renters insurance claim is an essential step in ensuring that property occupied by renters is protected.

If an insured event, such as theft or damage to renters property, occurs, it is recommended that renters file a renters insurance claim as soon as possible.

When filing a renters insurance claim, it is important to gather any evidence of the incident, such as photographs and reports from emergency responders or law enforcement officials.

Additionally, renters should contact their insurance company or agent directly to report the incident and inquire about the correct steps for filing renters insurance claims.

Following these steps will ensure renters can be reimbursed for any losses incurred due to an insured event covered by renters insurance.

Our Methodology

We thoroughly researched the state's top renters’ insurance companies and narrowed the list down to those that operated in Rhode Island. 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 Ranked and Picked the Best Renters Insurance Companies in Rhode Island

We looked at several factors to determine the best renters insurance company in Rhode Island.

Discounts

Discounts help to make renters insurance affordable. Don’t be put off by an insurer’s high rates. If the insurer is a good fit for you, applying for as many discounts as possible may help lower the cost of that high premium.

Coverage

Every renter has different insurance coverage needs. So, when evaluating insurers, we looked for companies with a wide range of useful coverage options.

Technology

We only considered an insurer if it had a useful and easy-to-use website and mobile app where you could do several things—get a policy online, file a claim online, pay your bills on a mobile app, and much more. If a company allowed you to get a quote on its website instantly, we took that into account.

Customer Satisfaction

We reviewed verified customer reviews on different websites that catered to reviewing insurance policies. If an insurer had great customer reviews, we also took that into account.

Price

Insurance providers with low premiums or plenty of options to lower your premium (such as discounts) were more favorable to us.