Best Renters Insurance in Houston (2025)

Renters insurance protects you against specifically covered financial losses when you live in a home you don’t own. These policies cover your personal property and can even provide you with liability coverage and temporary living expenses if you’re displaced.

While renters insurance isn’t mandatory in Houston or anywhere else in Texas, landlords may require you to buy a policy.1

Here’s what you need to know while shopping for renters insurance in Houston.

How renters insurance works in Houston

A standard renters insurance policy in Houston includes coverage for personal property, liability, and additional living expenses if you’re temporarily displaced. You can buy a renters insurance policy from any licensed insurance company in Texas that offers this type of coverage.2

When purchasing a policy, select your desired coverage amount based on the value of your belongings and potential liability risks. Then choose a deductible, which is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance company reimburses you for a covered loss.

You’ll pay a monthly or annual premium to keep the policy active. The price of your premium depends on factors like your ZIP code, the type of home you live in, your coverage limits, and the deductible you choose.

In Texas, the average cost of renters insurance is $21 per month for $30,000 in personal property coverage and $100,000 in liability insurance. But some renters insurance companies may offer lower prices, so it’s a good idea to do some research when buying a policy.

Filing a renters insurance claim

If you need to file a claim, contact your insurance company and a representative will lead you through the process. If the company accepts the claim, it’ll pay you up to your annual coverage limits.

Best renters insurance companies in Houston

The best renters insurance companies in Houston all offer cheaper-than-average rates and strong customer service. Consider your specific needs when choosing an insurer. For instance, if you’re looking to save money, American Family offers the lowest average rates for renters insurance. Allstate may also help you save money through its extensive discounts.

Some companies are also great options if you want to bundle insurance policies. State Farm says bundling renters and auto insurance with the company can save policyholders up to $704 per year. Or you could bundle with Progressive and take advantage of a single deductible. And with USAA, which is available to members of the military community, you’ll get the highest customer satisfaction rating.

What renters insurance covers in Houston

Renters insurance coverage offers financial protection for your belongings, personal liability, and additional living expenses.

Here’s a quick breakdown of each type of coverage:

Renters insurance policies generally cover damage from the following perils:

• Fire

• Smoke

• Lightning

• Vandalism

• Theft

• Explosion

• Windstorm

• Other disasters listed in the policy

Unique considerations for renters insurance in Houston

Houston is in an area prone to wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, all of which can wreak havoc on a home and everything inside. Standard renters insurance policies cover damage that results from each of these natural disasters.3 But you should check your policy. In some areas, insurance companies charge a separate windstorm deductible when a named storm damages your property. Or your insurance company may exclude wind coverage if you live in a high-risk coastal area.

Towns along the Texas Gulf Coast, which includes Houston, are also at risk of flood damage. Texas law requires landlords to notify renters if the home they’re renting is in a 100-year floodplain. Renters insurance policies don’t cover floods, but you may purchase a separate flood insurance policy to protect you against many forms of water damage.

How to save on renters insurance in Houston

Texas renters can save on insurance by taking a few simple steps:

• Shop around. Check your rates with at least three insurers. Each may price your policy differently.

• Build strong credit. In most states, insurers can use your credit history to help set your policy price, so it pays to build healthy credit. You’ll save on financing costs, too.

• Bundle with other policies. Most insurers offer discounts if you buy multiple policy types from them, such as auto and renters insurance.

• Choose a higher deductible. If you can afford to pay more money out of pocket when you need to file a claim, you can save money on your premiums.

• Look for relevant discounts. Insurers often offer several types of discounts, such as if your rental comes with additional security features like deadbolts and smoke detectors.

Renters insurance in Houston FAQs