How to Provide Proof of Renters Insurance

Providing proof of renters insurance is as simple as sending your landlord your declaration page or adding them to your policy.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Proof of renters insurance is evidence that you’ve purchased a renters insurance policy. Some examples are—providing the name of your insurance company and policy number, providing the declaration page of your policy, or adding your landlord as an “interested party” on your insurance. 
Once you’ve got the key in your hand, you’ve signed the piles of paperwork, and your boxes are (mostly) packed, you may be frustrated to find there is still one more step required by many landlords to secure your new home—proof of renters insurance. 
Luckily, the home and car insurance super app
Jerry
has gathered everything you need to know about renter’s insurance verification like what it is, when you’ll need it and how to get it. 
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Ways to prove you have renters insurance

There are a few ways your landlord can ask for proof of renters insurance, and there is no universal requirement for proof. They may ask you to: 
  • Provide the declaration page of your policy. This page contains the details of your coverage. You can go about this in a few ways: email a digital copy (found in your online account) to your landlord, go analog and mail them a physical copy, upload a copy to your property management company’s resident portal, if that is an option outlined by them, or have your insurance company send proof to your landlord. 
  • Provide the policy number. You may only need to give the policy number and name of your insurance company. The policy number can be found on your declaration page.
  • Verbal confirmation. Some landlords operate on the honor system by only requiring verbal confirmation that you have purchased a policy. 
  • Add your landlord as an “interested party” on your policy. This may be in addition to providing other proof, or it may be all they require. To add your landlord as an “interested party” on your policy: list them, their address, and their contact information in that section of your insurance application. 
If your landlord or property management company is added as an “interested party”, they will be able to see when changes are made to your policy, or if it is canceled. They will not be able to make any changes to your policy themselves. 
Key Takeaway You can show your landlord proof of renters insurance by providing them a copy of your declaration page, or by adding them to the policy as an “interested party”.

What does renters insurance cover? 

Renters insurance includes both personal liability coverage and personal property coverage.
Personal liability covers you in the event of injuries that occur on your property, or in the event of a guest's possessions being damaged or destroyed.  
Personal property coverage covers your own belongings. If your items are destroyed or damaged in the event of natural disasters like windstorms, or stolen in the event of a robbery, most policies will cover all or some of the cost of those items. 
Renters insurance does not cover some natural disasters, like earthquakes and
floods
. Those events typically require separate coverage, or in some cases can be added on to a policy for an additional charge. Your policy will also not cover some valuables, items associated with a business, or your car. 

How much does renter’s insurance cost? 

Renters insurance costs an average of $15 a month, and typically covers up to $20,000 to $30,000. Other factors that may affect how much you pay include things like your credit score, claim history, your location, and whether or not you own a pet. 
You’ll want to shop around online
to get and compare quotes from different insurers before making your final choice. 

How much renters insurance do I need? 

Your landlord decides how much renters insurance they will require. You can typically find that on your lease, but should reach out to them if you have any questions about the specifics.
Some states, such as Oregon, may have a limit on the amount of insurance your landlord can require. Others, like Virginia, allow landlords to purchase renters insurance for their renters and include it in the rent. 
Renters insurance is not legally required unless it is made mandatory by your lease, so if it is not stated in the rental agreement your landlord cannot hold you responsible if you choose not to purchase a renters insurance policy. 
You may decide to purchase renters insurance even if it is not required.
When building your policy
, be sure to consider the estimated value of your belongings, as well as the risk factors in your area. 
Key Takeaway Renters insurance is an affordable way to insure your property, but it is not required unless made mandatory by your lease.

Finding affordable renters insurance

Whether you’re owning or renting, the security of the right insurance policy should be top priority. 
The car insurance super app
Jerry
can help by taking the work out of insurance shopping for you. Once you download Jerry, you’ll just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year. 
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was spot on. I’m young with one rear end on my record. Still, they dropped my monthly insurance rate from $468 to $250. This really saved me money.” —Jason M.
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FAQs

While renters insurance is not required by law, your landlord or property management company has the right to require it on their property. In other words, if it is not stated in the lease or by your landlord, you do not have to get renters insurance. 
If it is required by your property owner, you do have to comply with their requirements in order to move in. If you do not, and it has been stated in the lease, you could be held responsible for damages. 
Even if it is not required by your landlord, you may want to consider it. If you live in a disaster-prone area, having renters insurance can offer peace of mind. Keep in mind that those areas may have increased premiums not included in basic coverage because of that risk.
Unlike with some other forms of insurance, there is no waiting period. Since many companies allow you to purchase your policy online, you can most likely have proof of your policy in minutes.
You could save 15% or more on renters insurance by bundling
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