Is There Month-to-Month Renters Insurance?


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Key Takeaways

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There are no month-to-month renters insurance policies available for renters or property owners, as most insurance policies typically have annual terms.

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While you may be able to find six-month renters insurance policies, you can also purchase a renters insurance policy and cancel it early when you no longer need it.

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If you're looking for short-term renters insurance during your vacation, your existing policy will still cover your belongings and liability. You can add travel insurance for an extra layer of safety.

Compare Renters Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your renters insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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Is There Month-to-Month Insurance for Renters?

There are no month-to-month renters insurance policies for tenants. Since renters insurance annual premiums are generally affordable, insurers may not find it economically viable to offer coverage for just a few months.

If you only require renters insurance for less than a year, such as when you've recently signed a six-month lease or plan to move out in eight months, your best course of action is to purchase a cheap renters insurance policy and cancel or transfer the policy to your new address.

Cancellation procedures and associated fees may vary depending on your chosen insurance company. Typically, you must initiate the cancellation process either online or by contacting your insurer. If you've paid your premium in advance or in full, you should ask whether they can refund the unused portion of your premium upon cancellation.

How to Get Month-to-Month Renters Insurance Policy

If you only need renters insurance for a short period, you have a few alternatives, such as getting a six-month policy, transferring it to a new address or simply canceling it. The option most suitable for you depends on your needs and future plans. Here are your options:

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    Applying and Cancelling Your Policy After a Period of Time

    While renters insurance policies are typically designed for one-year terms, they are often paid monthly. This means that if you only require coverage for two months, for example, you can apply for a standard policy and cancel it after your two-month need has been met.

    For instance, if you're jetting off on a month-long vacation or staying in a short-term rental for a specific project, this approach can offer the flexibility you need. However, depending on your insurance provider, this may require you to pay cancellation fees.

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    Finding Six-Month Policies

    Although less common than one-year policies, some insurance providers may offer shorter-term options, such as six-month renters insurance policies. If you anticipate needing coverage for a specific half-year period, this could be a more convenient solution than purchasing a standard policy and later canceling it.

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    Transferring Your Policy

    You can transfer your policy to your new address if you have signed a short lease of six months or less than one year but intend to move to another apartment afterward. All you need to do is inform your provider of your new address.

Exploring these options allows you to tailor your renters insurance to your specific short-term needs without committing to a lengthy contract. This flexibility ensures that you're adequately protected throughout your stay.

Is There Month-to-Month Renters Insurance for Property Owners With Rentals?

Although property ownership with rental units differs significantly from being a tenant, there are also no month-to-month insurance policies for property owners. If you're leasing your property, the type of insurance you require depends on the nature of your rental arrangement.

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    Landlord Insurance

    Landlord insurance is tailored for property owners who rent their homes or apartments long-term. It typically covers property damage, liability claims and loss of rental income. This type of coverage ensures you're protected during extended lease agreements. While landlord insurance and home insurance are similar, you do not need homeowners insurance if you lease out your property.

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    Short-Term Rentals

    If you're leasing your property on a short-term basis, you may require short-term rental insurance, otherwise known as home-sharing insurance. This type of coverage protects you from the risks associated with frequent turnover and transient guests. It often includes coverage for property damage, liability and loss of rental income due to unexpected events.

While there are no month-to-month insurance policies for property owners, understanding your rental situation and choosing the right insurance type can provide the protection you need.

Is There Month-to-Month Renters Insurance for Vacationers?

There are no month-to-month renters insurance policies to insure yourself while staying in an Airbnb for a month or longer, but if you have existing renters or homeowners insurance, the coverage from your policy will follow you. To get more protection, you can also add travel insurance. Here are your options:

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    Existing Renters or Homeowners Insurance

    Your existing renters or home insurance policy for your primary residence typically extends its coverage to vacations. This means that your belongings and personal liability are still protected while you're away. Review your policy's terms and limits to ensure you have adequate coverage during your absence.

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    Travel Insurance

    Most travelers need travel insurance as it gives them security while traveling. It's another option designed to cover a range of unexpected events that can disrupt your travel plans. Travel insurance typically includes:

    • Trip cancellation or interruption
    • Emergency medical coverage for accidents
    • Lost or delayed baggage
    • Travel assistance

    While travel insurance primarily focuses on the travel aspect of your vacation, it can also provide valuable protection for your belongings and health during your month-long getaway. Review policy details and choose one that aligns with your specific needs and destination.

While there is no dedicated month-to-month renters insurance for vacationers, existing insurance policies and travel insurance options can help you secure comprehensive coverage during your long holiday, allowing you to relax and remain worry-free.

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It’s best to review your existing insurance policies to see if they cover vacation-related perils, such as theft or trip cancellation. If not, purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected incidents during your long holiday.

Month-to-Month Short Term Renters Insurance: Bottom Line

Most insurance companies don’t offer true month-to-month renters insurance. Policies usually last a year, though some may offer six-month terms. If you only need short-term coverage, you can cancel a standard policy early or transfer it to a new address. Renters, property owners and even vacationers can use existing coverage or flexible options to meet short-term insurance needs.

Compare Renters Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your renters insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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Understanding Month-to-Month Renters Insurance: FAQ

While there are no month-to-month renters insurance policies, there are options depending on your needs. Whether you’re a tenant, a property owner or a vacationer looking for short-term insurance, understanding your alternatives is essential to make sure you're protected. We answered some frequently asked questions to clarify some misconceptions.

Can renters insurance be paid monthly?

Which insurance company offers month-to-month renters insurance?

Are there six-month renters insurance policies?

Best Month-to-Month Renters Insurance: Our Review Methodology

Why Trust MoneyGeek?

We obtained information from Quadrant Information Services and examined rates of customer and claim satisfaction from the top industry assessments, J.D. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), AM Best, and Power. In order to provide the best renters insurance solutions for different renter profiles and demands, as well as at the national and state levels, MoneyGeek developed a ranking methodology to compare the data.

Renters Insurance Profile

In this study, MoneyGeek focused on a particular profile of renters, characterized by:

  • Good credit score
  • Claims free for over five years

Moreover, the research also encompassed scenarios involving renters with varying credit histories and different records of insurance claims.

Renters’ Insurance Coverage Details

Calculations for the average home insurance rates were based on the following policy specifics:

  • $20,000 in personal property coverage
  • $100,000 in personal liability coverage
  • $1,000 deductible

Additionally, MoneyGeek's investigation included an exploration of policies offering broader coverage ranges, extending from $20,000 to $100,000 for personal property, liability coverage ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, and deductibles varying between $500 and $2,000.

Short-Term Insurance Policy for Renters: Related Articles

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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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.


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