Canceling your policy is often a straightforward and quick process. MoneyGeek compiled step-by-step instructions to help guide you through cancellation:
How to Cancel a Renters Insurance Policy
Updated: October 7, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Depending on your specific circumstances, canceling your renters insurance could expose you to some financial risks.
You may receive a refund if you cancel your policy early, but there could also be fees associated with canceling depending on your provider's specific rules.
Always talk to your insurance provider and make sure you understand the consequences of terminating before deciding to cancel your coverage.
How to Cancel a Renters Insurance Policy
- 1
Contact your insurance provider
Get in touch with your provider directly by phone, email or through its website.
- 2
Have your policy details ready
Prepare all the relevant policy details, like your policy number and coverage limits, for a smooth verification process.
- 3
Discuss your situation
Be ready to discuss your current status and reason you want to cancel. Your insurer may offer other options instead of outright termination of your policy.
- 4
Assess the offers and inquire about potential refunds
Before you make a final decision to stop your policy, assess if other options offered by your provider are more viable than cancellation. Ask if you can get a refund if you drop your insurance.
- 5
Check specific cancellation policies and deadlines
Inquire about your provider's policies and deadlines. If you determine that terminating your policy is the best course of action, then follow through.
Considerations Before Canceling a Renters Insurance Policy
Start by assessing your current circumstances. It might be time to end a policy if you no longer rent the property, have moved to a different location or found an alternative insurance solution.
If you're ending your policy because
If you're considering canceling due to expensive premiums, consider comparing renters insurance quotes from different insurance providers. This allows you to find cheap renters insurance options that suit your needs. Alternatively, you can request to adjust your coverage limits from your existing insurance provider to lower your rates.
If you're canceling since you're moving
Moving doesn't necessarily mean you have to cancel your existing renters insurance policy. Many insurance companies offer the option to transfer your policy to your new address. This lets you keep your existing coverage. However, if your current insurance provider doesn't offer coverage at your new address, be sure to purchase a new renters insurance policy before your old one expires.
If you're canceling because you got a roommate
Having a roommate doesn't mean you should cancel your renters insurance policy. You can explore the option of adding your roommate to your existing policy and sharing renters insurance. This can be advantageous since you both will have the protection you need.
If you're canceling as a result of getting home insurance
If you're in the process of purchasing a home and plan to cancel your renters insurance, time your new policy so that there are no gaps in coverage during the transition. Keep your renters insurance until your new home insurance policy is fully in effect.
If you're canceling after fulfilling a necessary coverage requirement
Terminating your policy because you only needed it as a requirement for a lease could lead to non-compliance with your agreement. This could potentially result in the termination of your lease. You'll expose yourself to financial risks by not having renters insurance coverage.
If your reason for ending your policy is your insurer
In cases where you're dissatisfied with your insurer's service or have encountered issues, you can cancel your policy and switch to a different insurer. Make sure to find a suitable provider and purchase a policy before canceling to avoid gaps in coverage.
Typical Renters Insurance Refunds After Canceling a Policy Early
If you stop your renters insurance policy before its term expires, you'll usually receive a refund for the unused portion of the policy, especially if you've paid the premium in full for the entire term. This means you'll receive a prorated refund for the months you won't be covered. How long it takes to receive your refund also varies by provider, with some taking at least 30 days.
If you've been paying your premiums monthly, you won't receive a refund.
Some insurance companies may also impose fees or administrative charges when you terminate your policy early. Read your policy’s terms and conditions, and contact your provider directly to inquire about its specific refund process and any associated timelines.
Consequences of Canceling Renters Insurance
The following are some of the most important potential consequences of ending your coverage:
- Loss of Protection and Increased Liability: Canceling your renters insurance results in losing protection for your personal belongings against theft or damage and eliminates liability coverage if someone is injured in your rental unit. This makes you financially responsible for medical expenses, legal fees and the cost of replacing or repairing your belongings in case of covered perils, leading to potential unexpected financial burdens.
- Lease Violation: If your lease agreement requires you to maintain renters insurance, canceling your policy may violate your lease terms. This could lead to lease termination or other penalties imposed by your landlord.
- Difficulty in Future Rentals: Some landlords may require renters insurance as a condition for renting their properties. Canceling your policy could make it challenging to secure rental housing in the future.
Canceling Renters Insurance Policy: Bottom Line
Terminating your renters insurance is straightforward: contact your provider and follow its instructions. Your provider will walk you through the process and provide any forms you need. You should first explore other options like adjusting coverage limits, transferring your policy when moving or adding a roommate to your existing policy rather than starting over.
Without renters insurance, you're personally responsible for replacing stolen or damaged belongings, medical expenses if someone gets injured in your rental and legal fees.
Understanding Renters Insurance Cancellation Process: FAQ
MoneyGeek answered some of the most common questions people ask about the cancellation process to help address your concerns.
How do I request the cancellation of insurance?
To request the cancellation of insurance, you should contact your insurance provider through its customer service channels. Be prepared to provide your policy number, personal information and, most importantly, the reason for cancellation. Your insurer will guide you through the process and inform you of any documentation or forms required.
What happens if you forget to cancel renters insurance?
If you forget to end renters insurance and continue paying premiums, you will maintain coverage until you officially ask for coverage to stop.
When should I cancel renters insurance?
Terminate your policy if you’re moving out permanently, no longer renting or switching to a new provider.
Do I get a refund if I cancel renters insurance?
Most insurers offer a refund for any unused portion of your premium. Check with your provider to see if it charges a fee.
Can I switch renters insurance at any time?
Yes, you can switch providers whenever you want. Make sure your new policy begins before the old one ends to avoid a gap in coverage.
What happens if I cancel and my landlord requires insurance?
This may violate your lease. Always check your lease terms and have coverage in place if required.
When to Cancel Renters Insurance: Our Review Methodology
We gathered rate data from Quadrant Information Services and examined customer satisfaction and claims handling from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and AM Best. This approach reveals not just cancellation mechanics, but how different providers handle refunds, fees, and the transition process when you end your policy.
Our baseline renter profile included:
- Good credit score
- Claims-free history for over five years
- Coverage: $20,000 personal property, $100,000 liability, $1,000 deductible
From this foundation, we examined scenarios involving renters with varying credit histories and different claims records because your refund amount and cancellation experience often depend on your payment history and relationship with your insurer.
Coverage ranges tested multiple protection levels:
Our analysis included policies from $20,000 to $100,000 personal property coverage, $100,000 to $300,000 liability limits, and $500 to $2,000 deductibles.
Refund scenarios reveal what you'll actually receive:
If you've paid your annual premium upfront and cancel mid-term, most insurers provide prorated refunds for unused months, though some impose cancellation fees or administrative charges that reduce what you get back.
We identified common cancellation situations and their unique considerations:
Moving doesn't automatically require cancellation, and many insurers let you transfer policies to new addresses, maintaining your coverage and avoiding gaps. Getting a roommate means exploring shared coverage options rather than canceling outright. Switching to homeowners insurance requires careful timing so your renters policy stays active until your new home policy starts, preventing coverage lapses that leave you vulnerable.
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Canceling Renters Insurance: Related Articles
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.