What To Get in Every State If Your Landlord Requires Renters Insurance

Though renters insurance is not required by law in any state, some landlords do require that their tenants have it. There are different types of renters insurance, and what you need could, in part, boil down to what sort of risks are most prevalent in your location. Maybe you live in a city like New Orleans with a high flood risk, or in a state like California, where earthquakes often occur. 

The bottom line: What you need in renters insurance really depends on where you live. GOBankingRates used data from Progressive to assemble this list highlighting which renters insurance coverage you should get if you rent in that state – and why. 

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Personal property coverage (standard in most policies)

Alabama has a high burglary rate — and a high violent crime rate in general. If you have precious valuables, definitely get personal property insurance, which protects your personal belongings, including furniture, clothing and electronics.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and earthquake coverage

According to Progressive, nearly all Alaska renters insurance policies offer the following four standard coverages: Personal property, loss of use, personal liability and medical payments to others. However, given that the region is prone to earthquakes, you should also get this coverage, which is almost always under its own separate policy.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard + motor vehicle theft coverage

Arizona has a relatively high rate of vehicle theft (though rates have been falling). Invest in motor vehicle theft insurance.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard + flood coverage

Arkansas is prone to enduring a number of natural disasters that can result in flooding. It’s smart to get standard renters insurance plus flood insurance here. 

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard + earthquake coverage

According to Progressive, over 70% of California residents live within 30 miles of a fault line. Your standard renters insurance probably doesn’t cover earthquakes, so be sure to add this on to protect your belongings in this rocky state.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard, which should include wind and hail coverage 

Tornadoes are a fairly common occurrence in parts of Colorado. Be sure that your standard renters insurance policy covers destruction caused by wind and hail – common causes of tornado damage.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood insurance 

Hurricane season in Connecticut can be vicious. Most standard renters insurance policies will cover some damage, but you should also get flood insurance (often sold as a separate policy) here.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Personal property coverage (standard in most policies)

Progressive noted that in 2020, Delaware’s burglary rate ranked 33rd among states. Definitely at least get standard coverage here and ensure it covers personal property.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Weather-related damages from severe thunderstorms and hurricanes are common in Florida. Your standard policy should provide some coverage here, but it’s wise to invest in flood insurance, too.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

In Georgia, hurricanes, heavy winds and thunderstorms are the most common causes of weather-related damages. Your standard renters insurance policy should provide some coverage here, but it’s smart to invest in flood insurance, too. 

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard, flood and wildfire coverage 

Most weather-related damages in Hawaii are caused by wind or rain, but wildfires (also usually related to wind) happen here too, and can be both deadly and costly. It’s smart to get not only a standard renters insurance policy but flood coverage and wildfire coverage if it is not included in your standard policy.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard

Though Idaho isn’t particularly volatile in terms of natural disasters or crime, it is still wise to get standard renters insurance.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage 

Frequently occurring weather-related damages in Illinois are often tied to storms and include rain, hail and snow. Tornadoes are also possible here. Your standard renters insurance policy should cover some of this, but it’s a good idea to get flood coverage, too.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Personal property coverage (standard in most policies)

Progressive highlights Indiana as a state where break-ins are unfortunately not uncommon. Make sure your renters insurance policy covers personal property.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard + flood coverage

Though Iowa is on par with the national average in terms of crime rate, it does see a fair amount of break-ins. Be sure your renters insurance policy covers personal property. Flooding as a result of tornadoes may also happen in Iowa, so consider adding on flood insurance, too.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard + flood coverage

Flooding is a major risk in Kansas. A separate insurance policy to protect you from the full costs of flood damages is recommended.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard + flood coverage

Progressive highlighted that in 2019, there were 16,251 cases of burglary and breaking and entering reported in Kentucky. Be sure your renters insurance policy covers personal property. Flooding is also a risk here, so consider flood insurance, too.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Infamous for deadly and highly devastating floods, Louisiana is a state where flood insurance is essentially a must-have.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard  

Hurricanes happen and they can happen – though not often – in Maine. Unless you’re in a zone where flooding is known to happen, you should be okay with just a standard renters insurance policy.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Personal property coverage (standard in most policies)

Theft and vandalism claims are frequently filed in Maine. Ensure your standard renters insurance policy will help you out in either event should you be a victim.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard  

Massachusetts residents are known to file insurance claims for water damage and wind damage. Ensure your standard renters insurance policy will cover these damages. 

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Personal property coverage (standard in most policies)

Progressive highlights that some cities in Michigan, such as Detroit and Flint, rank high for crime. Ensure your standard renters insurance policy will help you out should your personal property be damaged or stolen.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Unfortunately, flooding is not exactly uncommon in Minnesota. Add on flood insurance to be safe.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Natural disasters, including heavy rain that can lead to flooding, are rather frequent in Mississippi. Get flood coverage to protect your personal property. 

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard + flood coverage

Property crime is rampant in parts of Missouri. Additionally, residents often file claims for water damage. It might be smart to add flood insurance if you live here.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard  

Severe weather events, including wind storms and hail can happen in parts of Montana. Ensure your standard renters insurance policy will cover any related damages here. 

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Due to the frequency of severe thunderstorms, it is wise to get a flood insurance policy if you rent a home in Nebraska.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard

Unfortunately, there tends to be a high rate of burglaries in Nevada. Ensure your standard renters insurance policy will help you out should your personal property be damaged or stolen.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard 

New Hampshire can be a target for hurricanes.  Ensure your standard renters insurance policy will cover any related damages here.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard 

Though New Jersey is prone to fall under the wrath of Nor’easters now and then, this state isn’t highlighted by Progressive as being particularly at risk for weather-related damages.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and motor vehicle theft insurance

Vehicle theft is woefully common in New Mexico. Invest in motor vehicle theft insurance.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard 

Like New Jersey, New York tends to get hit now and then by Nor’easters now, but isn’t highlighted by Progressive as being particularly at risk for weather-related damages.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage 

Since flooding can be devastating in North Carolina, it’s wise to buy renters insurance that covers flood damages.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard  

Unfortunately, there tends to be a high rate of burglaries in North Dakota. Ensure your standard renters insurance policy will help you out should your personal property be damaged or stolen.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and motor vehicle theft insurance

Ohio is another state where motor vehicle theft rates are alarmingly high. Invest in motor vehicle theft insurance. 

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage 

Due to severe weather events here that can cause flooding, it’s smart to invest in separate flood insurance coverage if you rent in Oklahoma.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and earthquake coverage 

Earthquakes are not uncommon in Oregon. Since these can be devastating, it’s important to make sure you’re covered in the event of earthquake-related damages.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage 

Flooding in Pennsylvania is the most frequent and damaging natural disaster that occurs throughout the Commonwealth, according to Penn State University. It’s wise to get a separate flood insurance policy if you rent in this state.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage 

Rhode Island homes may be prone to flooding based on rising water levels in the area. It’s wise to get a separate flood insurance policy if you rent in this state.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage 

Another state where flooding can be catastrophic. Definitely look into flood insurance coverage if you live in South Carolina.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard, flood coverage, and wildfire coverage

South Dakotans may experience a number of various extreme weather events including hailstorms, tornadoes, snowstorms and wildfires. Depending on where you live in South Dakota, you may want to consider not only adding on flood coverage, but wildfire coverage, if it is not included in your standard policy. 

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Tennessee is prone to suffering damaging windstorms. Ensure that your standard rental policy covers this. Rising water levels in rivers and creeks is also an issue here, so consider flood insurance, too.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Like every other state, Texas isn’t spared from natural disasters, including those that can cause flooding. This year we’ve seen a number of floods and flood risks in parts of the state.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Home to thousands of lakes and waterways, Utah is seeing rising water levels which enhances the risk of flooding. Make sure you are covered here.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Here’s yet another state that, due to an abundance of lakes and rivers with rising water levels, can see flooding. Make sure your personal property is protected should these damages occur.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Virginia can experience hurricanes and heavy rains. This is another example of a state where renters should spring for flood protection.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard  

Wildfires in Washington can be devastating. Be sure your standard renters insurance policy covers wildfire-related damages. 

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

And yet another state with a high flood risk: West Virginia. Cover your bases here.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

We’ve seen more tornado activity in Wisconsin in recent years. This can contribute to flash flooding. Definitely invest in flood coverage here.

• Renters insurance coverage to prioritize: Standard and flood coverage

Wyoming sees snowstorms, hail storms and tornadoes. Be sure your standard renters insurance policy covers related damages here. It’s also wise to add on flood insurance.