While some renters insurance providers offer six-month policy terms, most major and regional providers lock you in for at least 12 months. If insurers in your area don't offer six-month policies, you can get a cheap renters insurance policy and cancel it after six months. Check your insurer's cancellation policy first, as some providers charge fees while others offer pro-rated refunds.
Six-Month Renters Insurance Policy
Updated: January 26, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Some providers offer 6-month renters insurance policies, but you can also cancel a 12-month policy early if you need to and receive a pro-rated refund afterwards.
After cancelling, some providers charge an early cancellation fee while others withhold refunds for unused months; always read the fine print before getting a policy.
Canceling a renters policy early won’t hurt your insurance record or future rates, so long as you consistently make payments and avoid filing too many claims.
Can You Get Renters Insurance for 6 Months?
How to Buy 6-Month Renters Insurance
Buying 6-month renters insurance involves contacting several providers, comparing renters insurance quotes and scrutinizing terms and conditions. Here are some tips from MoneyGeek on how to find and buy 6-month renters insurance:
Research Insurance Providers
Many renters insurance providers offer details about their policies online. Look for mentions of "flexible terms" or "short-term coverage" in their policy descriptions. Companies like Lemonade and NEXT tend to be more flexible than traditional insurers.
Compare Online Quotes
Many insurance providers offer online quote tools. Gather and compare renters insurance quotes to understand the policy terms and premiums available. Specify that you're looking for a six-month policy to see if this option is available and how it compares in cost to a standard 12-month policy.
Inquire Through Insurance Agents
If you’re set on a particular provider but can’t find information about the length of their policies, contact their insurance agents directly via phone or email to see if they offer custom solutions for your situation. They may be able to tell you about policy lengths not advertised on their website.
Look at Local or Regional Insurers
Smaller, regional insurance companies often have more flexibility than national brands. They're sometimes willing to customize policy terms for short-term renters.
INQUIRE ABOUT POLICY CANCELLATIONS
If your desired renters insurance provider doesn’t have 6-month insurance, ask about their cancellation policy to see if they will refund you for unused months, charge you a fee or withhold unused payments.
Who Offers 6-Month Renters Insurance?
Traditional insurers like State Farm, Allstate and Nationwide typically offer 12-month policies as standard but allow early cancellation with pro-rated refunds. Expect cancellation fees of $25 to $50.
App-based insurers like Lemonade and NEXT make cancellation easier through their mobile apps, offering full pro-rated refunds and no cancellation fees. While these companies don't advertise specific 6-month terms, their streamlined cancellation process makes them ideal for short-term renters who buy 12-month policies and plan to cancel at six months.
Some regional insurers may offer true 6-month policy terms; call and ask directly when getting quotes. Most providers expect to charge $15 to $30 monthly for 6-month policies.
6-Month Short-Term Renters Policies: Bottom Line
Most renters insurance providers require 12-month commitments, though some offer six-month terms or allow early cancellation with pro-rated refunds. To find six-month coverage, compare quotes from multiple insurers, contact agents directly about flexible terms and check cancellation policies for fees. App-based insurers like Lemonade and NEXT offer easier cancellation with no fees, while traditional insurers typically charge $25 to $50 for early termination.
Understanding Six-Month Renters Insurance: FAQ
We answered the most frequently asked questions about short-term insurance so you can decide if it's a good option for your living situation.
Can I get six months' renters insurance?
Yes, but it may be challenging to look for six-month renters insurance. You can purchase a one-year policy and cancel it after six months. Your provider might charge a small cancellation fee, but this method may suit your short-term leases and living situation better.
What are your alternatives if you can’t find six-month renters insurance?
Beyond buying an annual policy and canceling early, you can look for month-to-month coverage from app-based insurers like Lemonade or NEXT. These policies let you cancel anytime without fees, though you'll pay slightly more per month ($25 to $35 vs. $20 to $28 for 6-month terms). This flexibility makes sense if your move-out date might change or you're between permanent housing.
Is renters insurance paid monthly or yearly?
Renters insurance policies typically last one year, but you pay monthly. You're not required to pay the full year upfront. Most insurers bill you each month throughout the 12-month term.
You can also find shorter options. Six-month policies work well for college semesters or temporary work assignments. If your timeline is uncertain, month-to-month policies let you pay and cancel anytime without commitment.
Can you get renters insurance for less than a year?
Yes. Six-month policies are available from many insurers and work great for defined short-term needs like college semesters. You can also buy a 12-month policy and cancel early with a pro-rated refund (minus a typical $25 to $50 fee). For maximum flexibility, month-to-month renters insurance lets you cancel anytime.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.