Find the Best Renters Insurance in Tampa, FL

How to choose rental insurance in Tampa

Do you need renters insurance in Tampa?

When you rent in Tampa, the landlord’s insurance policy usually covers just the structure of the property. It does not cover your belongings. So if there’s a catastrophe, burglary or vandalism, you won’t be able to easily replace your possessions unless you’re covered.

Tampa renters insurance is a good idea because residential theft is a problem all over the city. According to the City of Tampa’s Interactive Crime Map, crime is especially high in northeast Tampa, but no neighborhood is immune. Tampa also gets more than its fair share of dangerous weather.

There are many benefits to renters insurance, including:

• Financial protection for expensive possessions
• Liability coverage if your negligence leads to property damage or physical injury
• Temporary living expenses coverage if you’re displaced

Anyone renting a property should consider renters insurance. If you’re a professional with expensive furniture, consider buying a policy to protect yourself and to assure your landlord that you take these financial responsibilities seriously.

However, if you’re a student at the University of South Florida or the University of Tampa and a dependent of your parents, their insurance might cover you. Check with your family’s insurance agent to be sure.

Many Tampa apartment communities will require renters insurance before they allow you to sign a lease. So if you’re hoping to move into one of the older apartment communities in South Tampa or a newly constructed unit in Riverview or Wesley Chapel, prepare to show proof of insurance before you get your keys.

What does renters insurance cover in Tampa?

Tampa renters get coverage for personal property and liability when they buy renters insurance.

If one of the area’s famous late-afternoon thunderstorms breaks a window and damages your flat-screen television, your renters insurance policy will cover the television. If someone breaks into your house and steals all your Tampa Bay Buccaneers memorabilia, insurance will cover it. The following events are likely covered by a renters insurance policy:

• Theft
• Fire
• Smoke
• Lightning
• Windstorms
• Hail
• Explosions
• Riots
• Vandalism
• Falling objects
• Water damage (excluding floods)

Renters insurance will not cover losses from earthquakes and floods. Tampa is prone to flooding from tropical storms and hurricanes, so additional coverage for flood damage might be worth it.

Depending on the policy you choose, property lost in a covered event will either get you the actual cash value of the item (which includes depreciation) or the replacement value (the cost to buy a new version).

Liability coverage protects you financially if you’re found responsible for inadvertently damaging people or property. If you accidentally leave the stove on and there’s a fire in the kitchen, your insurance policy will cover the repairs, so your landlord won’t expect you to pay out of pocket.

If that same kitchen fire means you have to move out for a month, you’ll need to pay for a new place to stay. Many renters insurance policies offer coverage for living expenses when covered losses occur.

How much does renters insurance cost in Tampa?

Renters insurance in Tampa is affordable. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average annual cost for renters insurance in Florida is around $181. What you pay will depend on:

• Your coverage amount
• Your type of coverage (actual cash value or replacement cost)
• Your property’s size and location
• Your deductible
• Your credit

When purchasing a policy, note that there are two types of renters insurance: the more commonly purchased broad-form policy, which covers specific events, and the comprehensive form, which covers additional events and items such as fine jewelry or major art collections. Expect to pay between $8 and $16 per month on a broad-form policy, which provides $20,000 to $80,000 in coverage.

If you have more to cover, consider investing in a comprehensive policy. Buy extra insurance if you have possessions with a value that exceeds the amount of your renters insurance policy. For example, if you have art that’s worth $500,000 and your insurance only covers $100,000, you’ll still face a significant loss. You can get a comprehensive policy or purchase a rider that covers specific items.

Discounts are available, especially if you bundle your renters insurance coverage into your auto insurance policy. Sometimes, if you install a security system and deadbolts, you can also get a discount.