mobile domain:mobile.usaa.com
Skip to Content

Stay protected when moving out on your own.

Besides the fact that your landlord may require it, you can help protect your finances and your stuff with renters insurance.

For example, if you’re held responsible for damage to your apartment or if something you own gets damaged in a covered loss, your policy may help pay for it.

How it helps you as a first-time renter

It helps when you’re traveling the world.‍ ‍ See note 1

If someone steals your luggage and passport while you’re traveling overseas, you can rest easy. Your renters policy covers theft, including identity theft,‍ ‍ See note 2 no matter where you are.

It covers your items when you’re away.

You accidentally leave your dorm room unlocked for a quick trip to dinner. When you return, you find that someone stole your new $1,500 laptop. Your policy will help replace it.

It provides protection for claims against you.

You may be responsible for injury to a visitor who slipped and fell in your apartment. Our renters policy can offer liability coverage, which includes medical expenses for visitors who may be injured.

It covers your items when you put them in storage.‍ ‍ See note 3

Pack it, move it and store it. If your stuff is stolen or damaged in a covered loss while being moved or stored, a renters policy can help repair or replace personal items.

Renters insurance benefits

Low deductible and rates

When you move out on your own, it can sometimes be difficult to balance your budget. A renters policy is budget-friendly and has low deductibles.

Replacement cost coverage‍ ‍ See note 4

If your things are stolen or damaged, we’ll repair or replace them with items similar in quality. For example, if the cell phone you bought two years ago is stolen, we'll calculate its value based on what the same model would cost today.

Bundle and save

You can save up to 10% on renters insurance if you have your own auto policy with us.‍ ‍ See note 5

Earthquake and flood coverage

You’re covered for damage caused by floods, tidal waves and earthquakes. For example, if a flood damages your flooring and you need to replace it, this can help cover the cost.

How much coverage does a first-time renter need?

Here are some things to consider when thinking about your liability and personal property limits:

  • How much stuff you have
  • The cost of your stuff
  • What your landlord requires
  • How much money you’ve saved
  • The risk of someone getting hurt at your place
Learn about renters coverage

Go beyond a renters policy.

Valuable Personal Property, or VPP, insurance provides extra coverage for items like a necklace, camera, guitar or smartwatch. There's no deductible.

You may also qualify for additional savings when you bundle VPP insurance with renters insurance.‍ ‍ See note 6

Learn more about VPP insurance

Extra protection for electronics

Home and renters policies cover losses like theft, vandalism, fires and most weather-related damage. Our electronics coverage options offer protection for more common accidents.‍ ‍ See note 7

So if you accidentally damage or lose your laptop, we'll help pay to repair or replace it up to your coverage limit.

Learn about electronics coverage

First-time renters insurance FAQ

If you live in a dorm, you may be covered by your parent’s homeowners insurance policy. But there are coverage limitations.

Also, if you file a claim, you could pay more out of pocket because a homeowners deductible is generally higher than a renters one.

So, if you live in a college dorm, it can help to get your own renters policy. It covers stuff like books, clothes, shoes and more – anywhere in the world.

Yes, many apartments require at least liability coverage. It helps protect you if you’re responsible for damage or if someone is injured in your apartment. You should be able to find the requirement in the apartment lease contract.

You may also want coverage for your personal property, in case of theft or damage. A standard renters policy includes liability and personal property coverage, but you can choose just one or the other if it best fits your needs.

Enjoy peace of mind knowing your stuff is covered no matter where you go.

If you want protection while living in military housing, a USAA Renters Insurance policy can help provide coverage for your stuff as well as liability coverage.

And we have benefits tailored to military members, including a discount on your premium if you live on base or post.‍ ‍ See note 8

Learn more about renters insurance for military members.

Typically, your roommate’s stuff isn’t covered by your policy unless you accidentally damage it.

Insurance articles

Do I need insurance for my college dorm or apartment?

Article: 6 minutes

Read article: Do I need insurance for my college dorm or apartment

Why you should purchase electronic insurance

Article: 5 minutes

Read article: Why you should purchase electronic insurance

First-time apartment renters guide

Article: 6 minutes

Read article: First-time apartment renters guide

Related footnotes:

  1. IN PENNSYLVANIA, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL A PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE ADVERTISED HEREIN.

Related footnotes:

  1. Availability of renters insurance to residents of another country is limited to qualified members.

  2. All renters policies with personal property coverage include up to $5,000 of identity theft coverage.

  3. For coverage to apply, property must be under a bill of lading or other professional shipping document. Breaking, marring and scratching are excluded.

  4. With replacement cost coverage, at our option, subject to policy limits and policy deductible, if you actually replace the property we will pay you the lesser of our cost to restore, repair or replace the damaged property or the amount you actually spent to restore, repair or replace the property. Coverage applies to damage or loss due to events listed in your policy.

  5. Savings are off total premium. Not available in all states or in all situations. To qualify for a discount on the property policy, a USAA Auto Insurance policy must be active within 60 days of issuing the property policy. Discounts will apply at renewal for existing property product(s). Discount subject to change. Restrictions apply.

  6. Multiple product savings do not apply in all states or to all situations. Savings subject to change. Restrictions apply.

  7. All coverages may not be available in all locations.

  8. Renter's On-base discount is only available to qualifying members. Some locations may offer a higher discount. Other restrictions apply.

Related footnotes:

  1. Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and are subject to change.

  2. Coverage descriptions are brief and subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Read your insurance policy for details. Applications subject to underwriting.

  3. Property and casualty insurance underwritten by United Services Automobile Association (USAA), USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, NOBLR Reciprocal Exchange, based in San Antonio, Texas; USAA EU DAC (Europe), and USAA S.A. UK Branch (pending cancellation to align with the pending branch authorization application) and is available only to persons eligible for property and casualty group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

    Coverages subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

6470828