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CheapRenters InsuranceWashingtonThe Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance Companies in Washington for 2024: Rankings, Reviews and Rates
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Updated: 12/28/2023
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CheapRenters InsuranceWashingtonThe Cheapest Renters Insurance in Washington
Cheap Renters Insurance Companies in Washington
Price is an important consideration for most Washington renters. The two cheapest companies in the state based on average premiums are Allstate and Farmers. An average consumer can get an Allstate policy for $82 a year, while a similar policy from Farmers will cost $94 per year on average.
These average premiums are based on MoneyGeek’s analysis of quotes from various ZIP codes in Washington for personal property coverage of $20,000, liability coverage of $100,000 and a deductible of $500.
Personal Property Coverage:
$20,000
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MoneyGeek ranked insurance carriers in the state based on affordability, customer service and financial strength to help you find the best renters insurance in Washington.
Cheapest Renters Insurance Companies in Washington by City
MoneyGeek collected renters insurance data from three cities in Washington: Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma. Allstate offered the cheapest renters insurance in Seattle and Tacoma. USAA provided the cheapest renters insurance in Spokane, but its policies are only available to renters with a military background.
Companies With the Cheapest Renters Insurance in Washington by City
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City
Cheapest Company
Average Annual Premium
Allstate
$82
Allstate
$82
Allstate
$82
Best Renters Insurance Companies in Washington
Allstate offers the best renters insurance in Washington. The insurer received a MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100. Farmers was ranked as the second-best insurer with a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100.
To determine the best renters insurance providers in Washington, MoneyGeek ranked companies for affordability and customer satisfaction, based on J.D. Power surveys and AM Best financial stability scores.
The best renters may not necessarily provide the cheapest renters insurance coverage, but they balance affordability with quality customer service.
1
Allstate
Score:97
In Washington, Allstate ranked as the best renters insurance company overall. The insurer had the highest affordability and second-highest customer satisfaction scores. Policyholders may also decide to get coverage for damage caused by floods.
More About Allstate
Available in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., Allstate provides four additional coverage options, including flood and personal injury coverages, which are not common in other insurers. The company also offers five discount opportunities, which is equal to the average insurance provider. One of these is the retiree discount which is unique among insurers. Renters use the online system to obtain quotes and manage their accounts. The insurer’s app lets customers file claims and track their status.
2
Farmers
Score:92
Farmers was ranked as the second-best renters insurance provider, receiving the second-highest affordability score and an average rating for financial stability. The insurer allows policyholders to purchase landlord property damage that covers the cost of damages caused by pets or leaks.
More About Farmers
Renters insurance from Farmers is available across 42 states, excluding Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. Farmers policyholders may opt for three additional coverage options, including identity theft and personal property replacement cost. Policyholders also receive seven discount opportunities, which is higher than the national average of five. Some of the unique discounts include the occupation discount and the smoke-free discount for households that have been smoke-free for two consecutive years.
3
State Farm
Score:88
4
Travelers
Score:86
5
Nationwide
Score:85
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
While most renters opt for cheaper insurance policies, paying a bit more can be more cost-saving in the long run. Choosing the best renters insurance company may result in higher premiums, but you will get more coverage in case of damage to your personal property.
Largest Renters Insurance Companies in Washington
Choosing an insurer with a larger market share may affect the customer service that you receive. Large companies tend to be more financially stable and can invest more in their user experience.
Company | Market Share | |
|---|---|---|
1. | State Farm | 16.8% |
2. | Liberty Mutual | 13.7% |
3. | Farmers | 11.6% |
4. | Allstate | 9.7% |
5. | USAA | 8.9% |
6. | American Family | 7.2% |
7. | PEMCO | 6.2% |
8. | Travelers | 3.3% |
9. | Mutual Of Enumclaw | 2.9% |
10. | Hartford | 2.5% |
Average Cost of Renters Insurance in Washington
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renters insurance is equal to the average.
On average, the cost of renters insurance in Washington is $118 per year, which is $41 less than the national average.
The average costs used in this study are for a policy with a personal property coverage limit of $20,000, $100,000 in liability coverage and a deductible of $500.
It is important to note that costs vary across insurers based on the personal property coverage amount. The higher the personal property coverage amount, the more the cost.
You can see how different personal property limits affect the cost of your renters insurance using the calculator below.
Personal Property Coverage Calculator
When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.
clothing & accessories
Clothes, shoes, bags, belts, hats, gloves, etc.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Washington renters can save on costs by comparing renters insurance quotes across different providers. By choosing the cheapest insurer, Allstate, over American Family, which is the most expensive, you could save an average of $89 per year or $7 per month.
What Factors Impact Renters Insurance Cost in Washington
Several factors affect the cost of your renters insurance. The following factors have the most impact on your premiums.
Renters Insurance in Washington: What You Need to Know
You’re not required to get renters insurance in Washington, D.C., unless your landlord asks for it. Regardless, MoneyGeek strongly recommends that you get a renters insurance policy. It protects your belongings against theft and damages for a relatively low cost.
What Renters Insurance Typically Covers in Washington
It’s important to understand the coverages that come with a renters policy in Washington, D.C. This way, you can make sure that you’re getting enough coverage for your possessions.
First, renters insurance provides financial protection in case you’ve been a victim of theft. According to the FBI, there are 3,920 incidents of property crime per 100,000 residents in the city, which is 107% higher compared to the national average.
It’s also a good idea for apartment and rental home residents in Washington, D.C., to get renters insurance. Aside from theft, a renters policy will cover damages from events such as fires and water damages.
Typically, you’ll get the following coverage from renters insurance companies in Washington, D.C.:
- Personal property coverage: This pays for damages to your belongings from events such as theft, fire, plumbing issues, electrical malfunction and weather-related incidents. Check with your company what specific perils they do and don’t cover.
- Additional living expenses: If your rented unit becomes uninhabitable after a covered incident, this pays for your temporary housing costs.
- Liability insurance: This coverage pays for damages if an accident in your rented property causes injuries to another person and you’re found to be at fault.
- Medical payments coverage: If someone becomes injured in your apartment or rented home, this will help pay for the person’s medical expenses. Note that this coverage settles expenses regardless of who’s at fault.
What Renters Insurance Typically Does Not Cover in Washington
It's also a good idea to understand what items aren't covered by your renters insurance policy.
Since renters insurance primarily covers your possessions, they don't provide protection for damages to your building's structure. Your landlord is the one responsible for insuring the structure.
Additionally, although a renters policy covers certain types of water damage, they don't usually cover damages from external flooding. If you're looking to protect your belongings from a flood, it's best to buy incremental insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
You should also know that your renters insurance policy doesn't extend to your roommate's possessions. It won't also cover damages from earthquakes and damages to your car, jewelry and similar items that exceed policy limits. As such, it's important that you carefully read your policy to know what it will and won't cover.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
You can find most of the information about renters insurance in Washington on the Washington Department of Insurance website. The site provides several resources, including information on finding insurance companies and filing claims. It also includes answers to most of the commonly asked questions about insurance in the state.
You can contact the Washington Department of Insurance using the information below:
- Office Address: 5000 Capitol Blvd., SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 or 302 Sid Snyder Ave., SW, Suite 200, Olympia, WA 98501
- Consumer Hotline: 800-562-6900
The department is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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FAQs About Renters Insurance in Washington
MoneyGeek answered some of the frequently asked questions about renters insurance in Washington.
What is the cheapest renters insurance company in Washington?
Allstate provides the most affordable renters insurance in Washington. Renters pay an average of $82 per year, or $7 per month.
What is the best renters insurance company in Washington?
The best renters insurance company in Washington is Allstate, with a MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100.
How much does renters insurance cost in Washington?
In Washington, renters pay an average of $118 per year or $10 per month for a policy with $20,000 in personal property limits, $100,000 in liability coverage and a deductible of $500. Your actual rates may vary between $82 and $171 based on the insurer you choose.
Is renters insurance required in Washington?
Renters insurance is not required in Washington. However, some landlords may ask you to purchase one before signing the lease agreement. While renters insurance is optional, having one may be best to fully protect your personal property from damage.
Renters Insurance in Washington Analysis: Methodology
MoneyGeek analyzed hundreds of renters insurance quotes in Washington, D.C. to help you find cheap renters insurance. The best renters insurance rankings were determined using data from J.D. Power, AM Best and our affordability metrics that are derived from a comprehensive analysis of quotes provided by Quadrant.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
sources
- Office of the Insurance Commissioner Washington State. "Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner." Accessed March 30, 2022.