Roost Renters Insurance Review: Cost & Service (2024)


Updated: October 3, 2024

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5/5

satisfaction

4/5

stability


pros

checkmarkFast, easy online enrollment for those who pre-qualify
checkmarkCoverage available from $10K to $75K
checkmarkEasily add roommates to your policy
checkmarkPolicies are replacement cost value

cons

closeCoverage options vary by state
closeSome personal property coverages have maximum dollar limit
closeQuote tool not readily accessible

Verdict

Roost renters insurance is exclusively accessible to renters whose landlords use AppFolio, Roost's parent company's property management software, which prevents public viewing of its online content. The renters insurance provider operates through three underwriters: Century-National Insurance Company, Cypress Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and Spinnaker Insurance Company. Depending on which underwriter processes your renters insurance, your experience may vary.

Based on the information available, MoneyGeek found that Roost’s standard policies include most of the basic coverages like water damage, theft, personal property and liability coverage. The provider is best for those with less property, as the insurer only offers $10K to $75K in coverage.

Does Roost Have Good Customer Service?

The best renters insurance policies are affordable without sacrificing coverage and have a strong track record of financial stability and customer satisfaction.

Roost renters insurance provides little data to assess customer satisfaction. Based on MoneyGeek’s research, Roost did not participate in the J.D. Power Study, which assesses companies for customer satisfaction based on customer interviews. As such, customer satisfaction for Roost was evaluated on the basis of customer complaints and their financial stability.

Customer Satisfaction Rating

In the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Company Complaint Index which compares the incidence of customer complaints to other companies in the same line of business, Roost renters insurance scored 1.09, which is slightly above the National Complaint Index of 1.00. This means that Roost received slightly more complaints than the average renters insurance company. Despite that, Roost boasts an excellent score of A- in AM Best’s financial stability rating, indicating that it consistently follows through on its financial obligations.

Financial Stability Rating

A company's financial stability rating indicates whether it will be able to pay claims. Roost received an excellent score of A- in AM Best’s financial stability rating, indicating that it consistently follows through on its financial obligations.

What to Expect From Roost Renters Insurance

Because each renters insurance company has a different application process, it’s hard to figure out how to apply. To make the process easier for you, MoneyGeek outlined the steps to get renters insurance with Roost.

1
Getting a quote

Unfortunately, renters insurance quotes for Roost aren’t readily available online, like other insurance providers. The Roost renters insurance website recommends potential customers check with their property manager or their online tenant portal to see if it's a possibility.

2
Customer support

For customer support, Roost renters insurance customers need to visit the online tenant portal. While additional information on the website may be insufficient, customers may call an insurance representative via phone.

3
Filing a claim

To file a claim, customers need to log in to the Roost self-service portal which will then be redirected to Millennial Specialty Insurance.

4
Canceling your policy

Customers can cancel a Roost renters insurance policy at any time by emailing or calling a professional insurance representative from Roost’s partner, Millennial Specialty Insurance.

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STATE AVAILABILITY

Roost’s renters insurance is available in all 50 states and Wasington, D.C.

How Much Does Roost’s Renters Insurance Cost?

It is uncertain what Roost renters insurance prices are or how much flexibility you have in customizing them to meet your specific needs. Renters insurance costs roughly $156 per year which should give you a ballpark idea, although it might cost more or less based on your coverage limit.

The cost of renters insurance is mostly determined by the coverage limit you select, so it's important to avoid having too much or too little coverage. For most renters, $20,000 of coverage is sufficient, but to save money you should calculate the precise amount that’s best for your needs.

To determine how much coverage is appropriate for your requirements, you may use MoneyGeek's personal property calculator.

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.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Preventing yourself from purchasing too much or too little coverage can actually save you money in the long run. This is the reason why it’s important to know the exact value of your personal property since it will help you determine how much insurance you need.

What Discounts Does Roost Offer?

MoneyGeek was unable to find any discounts available through Roost, as most of its policy information is not disclosed on its website. We recommend reaching out to the insurance provider directly for more information.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Bundling renters insurance with other insurance products can save you money. However, this option is not available through Roost renters insurance, as the company only offers renters insurance policies.

Which Coverage Types Does Roost Offer?

Renters insurance companies typically market seven different coverage options. Roost renters insurance provides coverage similar to most typical renters insurance policies.

Roost offers several common coverages, including personal property replacement cost, earthquake and pet damage liability coverages. However, its optional earthquake coverage is only available in California. A somewhat unique coverage offered by Roost is its negligent water damage coverage. If the property has suffered water damage or has a leak, Roost will pay for the cost of the repair.

Each of the coverage options for a Roost renters insurance policy is described in depth below by MoneyGeek. Personal property replacement cost, negligent water damage, earthquake and pet damage liability coverages are all examples of these.

1
Personal Property Replacement Cost

Roost renters insurance policies cover your belongings at replacement cost value rather than actual cash value. This means that Roost will cover the current market-value cost of your belongings, rather than the depreciated cost.

2
Negligent Water Damage

Roost renters insurance has you covered even for water damage to your home caused by negligence. Water damage coverage protects you against sudden and accidental water damage in most homeowners insurance plans.

3
Earthquake

Roost provides optional earthquake coverage, but it is only available in California. Most renters insurance policies exclude earthquake coverage, and even if your landlord has earthquake insurance, it will not cover your belongings.

4
Pet Damage Liability Coverage

Roost renters insurance policy may cover pet damage liability, but it is optional for an additional cost. If your pet injures someone else or damages their property, this may safeguard your funds.

It's essential to assure you have all of the typical renters insurance coverages such as personal property, personal liabilities, medical bills and supplementary living expenses while shopping for renters insurance.

Depending on your living situation, you may also need flood, earthquake or pest coverage, some of which are only available on a limited basis. This is why reading the fine print is important before purchasing a renters insurance policy.

Renters Insurance Coverages: What to Expect

Standard:
  • Personal Property Coverage
  • Personal Liability Coverage
  • Medical Payments Coverage
  • Additional Living Expenses (Loss of Use)
Rarely Offered:
  • Flood Coverage
  • Earthquake Coverage
  • Insect or Bed Bug Coverage
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AVAILABLE COVERAGE LIMITS

Roost renters insurance clients can acquire some coverage options and limits by calling their agent. There is a dollar limit for several types of personal property coverage. For a detailed list of losses that are and are not covered, Roost encourages customers to refer to their actual policy.

Roost renters insurance lets you choose between the following coverage limits:

  • Coverage available from $10K to $75K
  • $100,000 of liability coverage

What Online Renters Insurance Tools Does Roost Offer?

It is imperative to estimate the value of your personal belongings so you don't under or over insure yourself when choosing a policy. Most customers prioritize companies with user-friendly online tools and functionalities that make the process of applying for and managing renters insurance easier.

MoneyGeek outlines some of the renters insurance’s tools and features available through Roost that can help its customers make flexible payments, file claims and get a quote online.

Easy online enrollment
Getting quotes online
Flexible payment
Filing claims online

Other Roost Insurance Products

Roost only offers renters insurance. No other insurance products are available from this provider.

Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzed Roost's website, collected quotes manually and consulted customer intelligence organizations such as J.D. Power, the NAIC and AM Best to assess its overall quality as a renters insurance company.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

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.


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