For the place you rent
Renters Insurance in Texas
The building may belong to someone else. The things that make it home belong to you.
Start with your belongings, your liability and what your lease asks for. We help you understand the choices before you request coverage.
A rented place. A life you have built.
What you are protecting
Three parts of a renters policy to understand
Your landlord's policy does not insure your belongings. Review the coverages, limits, deductibles and exclusions in your own policy.
Your belongings
Personal property coverage may help repair or replace clothing, furniture and electronics after a covered loss, such as theft or fire.
Consider: what would it cost to replace what you own?
Your personal liability
Liability coverage may respond when you are legally responsible for someone else's injury or property damage, including covered legal defense costs.
Ask: what limit does your lease request, and what does the policy cover?
Extra living expenses
After a covered loss makes your rental unlivable, loss-of-use coverage may help with additional lodging and meal costs, within policy limits.
Check: which extra expenses qualify, and for how long?
Coverage overview: Texas Department of Insurance renters guide.
Before move-in
Bring the lease. We can start there.
Bring your landlord's insurance request, including the liability limit, who needs proof and when coverage should begin. We can review it alongside your options.
Look beyond the premium
Compare what the policy would pay
Use the same coverage questions when comparing renters insurance quotes. A lower price may come with a different deductible, limit or way of valuing your belongings.
- Replacement cost or actual cash value?
- Replacement cost values covered items at current replacement prices. Actual cash value subtracts depreciation. Payment conditions, deductibles and policy limits still apply.
- What would you pay yourself?
- Review the applicable deductible and any amount above a coverage limit. Choose with both the premium and a possible claim in mind.
- Do some belongings need a closer look?
- List jewelry, instruments, collectibles and items used for work. Ask about special limits and whether additional protection is available.
- What is outside the policy?
- Review the exclusions and ask whether separate coverage is available for risks that matter to your household.
More detail from TDI: valuing belongings and understanding limits; flood insurance for renters.
Prepare for a quote
A few details make the conversation more useful
Have what you can nearby. You do not need every answer before contacting us.
- Your rental and timingThe address, apartment or house, move-in date and desired start date.
- The lease requestAny insurance wording, requested limit, proof instructions and deadline.
- Your householdWho will live there and any roommate or family-policy questions.
- Your belongingsAn approximate replacement value and details about higher-value items.
- Current insuranceYour present policy, renewal date and any auto coverage you want reviewed together.
- What is changingA move, new roommate, valuable purchase or work done from home.
Help with your rental
Our Madisonville office helps renters in Huntsville, TX, by phone, email and through this site. A licensed team member can help you get started.
Meet the teamOne household, a few related questions
If you also want to review your car insurance, bring the current policy. We can consider the household together without assuming a bundle is the best fit.
Explore personal auto insuranceSee personal insurance optionsCommon questions
Before you choose renters insurance
Is renters insurance required in Texas?
TDI says renters insurance is not required by Texas law, but your landlord may require it in the lease.
Does renters insurance cover my roommate?
Do not assume your roommate's policy covers you or your belongings. TDI recommends that roommates each buy their own renters insurance. Have the household and named insureds reviewed.
Does my parents' policy cover me at college?
It may cover a dependent's belongings away from home, subject to limits and the policy's terms. Ask the insurer to confirm your living situation, belongings and liability needs before relying on it.
How much renters insurance do I need?
Start with what it would cost to replace your belongings, then review personal liability, extra living expenses and any lease requirements. The right limits depend on your situation.
Does renters insurance cover flooding?
Flood damage is generally excluded from renters insurance. Some other water damage may be covered, depending on the cause and policy. Ask about flood coverage separately.
Can I update my policy when I move?
Contact the office before the move with both addresses and dates. Ask what can be changed, when it takes effect and whether any overlap needs review. Do not assume protection transfers automatically.
How much will my renters policy cost?
A quote depends on the rental, coverage choices, deductible, claims information and insurer. We can help you compare the available options for your situation; this page does not set a price.
Can you help with proof for my landlord?
Tell us what the landlord requests and when it is needed. The office can review the policy and requested document. A quote request alone does not put insurance in force or confirm that a lease requirement is met.
Let’s talk about your rental.
Bring the lease and the questions. We will help you understand what to review next.
Availability, coverage and price depend on the policy, underwriting and your circumstances. A website request does not bind or change coverage. Rely on written confirmation from our office or the carrier.