Renters insurance exists to protect both your apartment and your personal belongings in the event that an unanticipated disaster or emergency event takes place on your rental property.

Because most renters insurance policies provide insured parties with liability coverage, additional living expenses coverage, and personal property protection coverage, many landlords require that their tenants purchase and retain renters insurance policies.

But sometimes it's not legally mandated. Here's when you have to get renters insurance — and when you might get away with not buying it — with a little help from

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Jerry

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Can your landlord require a renters insurance policy?

In most states, landlords are legally allowed to request that tenants take out a renters insurance policy. This requirement and its exact terms should be specified within your lease agreement and can never just be "added on". In many cases, landlords require you retain a certain level of liability coverage at the minimum, and can even specify that you select from a list of their pre-approved renters insurance providers and plans.

Because most landlords are more interested in their rented property and not necessarily your personal belongings, purchasing personal property protection is typically up to the renter’s discretion.

To prove that you have taken out a renters insurance policy that meets the specifications listed within your lease agreement, some landlords ask that their tenants add them as an additional interest of the policy — so they will be alerted if it is updated or canceled.

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover theft from your car?

Should I get a renters insurance policy?

Whether or not you are required to have renters insurance,

taking out a policy

provides you with coverage that can come in handy one day. Here are a few reasons why taking out a policy may be in your best interest.

Anything can happen in an apartment complex

If you live in an apartment complex or rental community, there are countless other tenants who can cause dangerous accidents that can negatively impact you and your home at any time, such as fire or flooding, so you want to make sure your personal belongings and other effects are covered in all circumstances.

Reduce stress in the event of an emergency

Should your rented space become inhospitable due to any damages or necessary repairs, most renters insurance policies provide you with additional living expenses coverage. This is one significant way in which a renters insurance policy can save you time and stress, as it ensures you will not be displaced and helps you maintain your lifestyle while providing you with the proper headspace to deal with any additional challenges that arise.

It’s an additional layer of protection

While landlords take out their own insurance policies to cover the cost of damages made to the physical dwelling and other essential structures within the property, their coverage plan does not extend to the personal property that is physically inside the space. Taking out your own renters insurance policy is the only way to ensure that your personal valuables and other belongings are protected.

Getting the best renters insurance

Finding the right renters insurance can be a bit of a hassle. But it doesn't have to be too hard, especially if you bundle your home insurance with

car insurance

by using the

Jerry

app. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.

And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.

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