5 Best Renters Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.

Here are the top Washington, D.C., renters insurance providers:

For this article’s coverage and pricing information, our team pulled quotes for a 450-square-foot apartment in Washington, D.C. Your pricing, deductible, and available coverage may vary depending on your home’s size, type, and location, applicable discounts, your risk profile, and your chosen plan and endorsements.

According to the III, Washington, D.C., renters insurance premiums fall in the middle range compared to other states. It ranks 30th for the most expensive renters insurance rates in the country. The average cost of a renters insurance policy is $158 annually or $13.17 monthly. Here are a few common factors that affect renters insurance costs: 

• Coverage: Many providers allow you to customize your coverage policy limits. Your monthly premium will increase or decrease based on how much protection you need.

• Location: Providers consider your home’s location when pricing your renters policy. You’ll pay more for your policy in areas with higher crime rates or inclement weather.
• Type of coverage: Some providers allow you to choose an actual cash value or replacement cost value policy. Replacement cost value plans are more expensive because providers pay more for covered items per insurance claim than actual cash value plans. 

Renters insurance coverage shields policyholders from various covered losses.

• Additional living expenses: This is also known as loss of use coverage. This type of coverage reimburses you for expenses you incur due to your home becoming uninhabitable. An example of an uninhabitable home is one that has flooded.

• Liability coverage: Liability coverage covers expenses associated with legal matters or damage you caused to someone’s property. For example, liability coverage would cover the cost of rebuilding your landlord’s fence if you were at fault for the damage.

• Medical payments to others coverage: This type of coverage reimburses you for bodily injuries that occur within your property to you or a guest.
• Personal property coverage: Personal property coverage protects your valuables from covered losses, such as fire or wind damage, theft, and vandalism.

Washington, D.C., experiences inclement weather and other natural disasters. Below is a list of the most common risks renters may face in the nation’s capital.

• Floods: Flooding is a common risk in the Washington, D.C., area due to its heavy rainfall and close proximity to the Potomac River. Some providers offer coverage for flood damage as an endorsement. We recommend purchasing the amount of flood coverage you need to protect your valuables.
• Wildfires: Wildfires don’t pose a significant risk for Washington, D.C., renters due to the lack of dense vegetation in the city itself. However, if you live in the northern outskirts of Washington, D.C., consider a renters insurance provider that offers solid fire coverage. There is a higher likelihood of wildfires in that area. 

We named Lemonade our top pick for Washington, D.C., renters due to its affordable rates and customizable coverage. State Farm is another solid choice for those who want extra valuables protection. Liberty Mutual is worth considering for budget-conscious renters thanks to its unique discounts. Before signing up, pull quotes from three providers to compare coverage and costs.

The Quartz Reviews Team rates providers using comprehensive review standards to score each company. Our review standards compare relevant factors such as cost, coverage, customer experience, technology, and reputation, which tally up to 100 points. In addition, we reviewed provider websites, customer access features, and tools; spoke with representatives; obtained sample quotes and policy terms; analyzed AM Best and JD Power ratings; and reviewed online customer feedback for each provider.