UPDATED: JULY 06, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Why do I need renters insurance? The landlord has a dwelling policy on their rental property that covers the buildings and land, but you need coverage for yourself and your belongings as a renter. That’s the difference between renters insurance and homeowners insurance. Renters’ insurance is very affordable in Alabama; everyone can afford a cheap renters insurance policy for ease of mind. It will only cost you between $18 and $47 per month.
What Does Renters Insurance Cover In Alabama?
A basic renters insurance policy covers your personal property against covered perils such as theft, storm damage, water leaks, and fire. Liability coverage will cover you if you’re at fault for accidents or injury to others.
It would be best if you also considered adding the loss of use coverage known as additional living expenses. These are the three types of coverage included in most renters insurance policies. A renters policy is the same in every state.
Personal property
Your personal property is the contents of your home, such as furniture, clothing, and other valuables, in case of a covered loss. The landlord’s policy will not cover these items if there is theft or damage to the home. You should assess the value of your possessions to purchase the amount of insurance you will need in case of a total loss.
Liability coverage
Through renters coverage, liability protection covers you if you’re at fault for damages or accidents to others. For example, liability pays for the person’s medical expenses if someone is bit by your dog. It would be your responsibility since it’s your dog, not the landlord’s dog.
Additional living expenses
Loss of use coverage pays for your family to stay elsewhere while repairs at home are completed if the home is uninhabitable after a covered loss. If a fire happens at the house, the coverage will pay for your stay at another location while the landlord’s policy takes care of the smoke, water, and fire damage.
What is not included in Alabama renters insurance?
Most renters’ insurance carriers have exclusions for the perils of flood, earthquake, and sinkhole damages. However, if your renters’ insurance provider is part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), flood coverage may be included in your renter’s policy. USAA Insurance includes coverages for flood and earthquake automatically.
How much does Alabama renters insurance cost?
Renters’ insurance coverage in Alabama is a very affordable insurance policy. Depending on your coverage options, the average cost is between $18 with State Farm and $47 monthly with Farmers Insurance. The factors determining the renter’s insurance premium are location, amount of coverage, deductible, discounts, and replacement cost versus actual cash value.
Location
If you live in Huntsville, Alabama, on the Tennessee border, you can expect to pay, on average, $25 per month for renters insurance. If you live in Mobile, Alabama, located on the Gulf of Mexico, you can expect to pay, on average, $50 per month. There is a higher risk of hurricanes in Mobile.
Coverage options
The typical amounts on a renters insurance policy are 30,000 in personal property coverage, 100,000 in personal liability coverage, and 40% of personal property coverage in additional living expenses, with a $500 deductible. It would be best if you also opted for replacement costs instead of the actual cash value of your personal belongings.
Deductibles and discounts
The higher the deductible, the lower your insurance premiums. You will pay less for your Alabama renters insurance coverage if you can afford an out-of-pocket amount of $1000 or higher. You will receive a multi-policy discount if you have your auto insurance coverage with the same insurance provider.
Affordable renters insurance in Alabama
While the national average rate for renters insurance policies is $15 per month, Alabama has been rated #9 in the United States for burglary and vandalism; therefore, the cost of renters insurance is more significant. There are ways to reduce that cost.
Renters insurance discounts
There are many renters insurance discounts, but a few discounts that may be applicable are discounts for being claim-free, security measures, multi-policy, paperless, and senior citizen discounts.
Discounts for security
Your rental home may already have some security measures that will allow you to get discounts on your rental insurance policy. Do you have deadbolts on your doors, live in a gated community, and have smoke alarms or cameras in your rental unit? Look for these discounts when you get a quote from renters insurance providers.
Best renters insurance companies in Alabama
While USAA and State Farm have very high rankings in renters insurance providers in Alabama, you should always shop around for renters insurance quotes. Renters’ insurance rates vary with each company, and the renters’ insurance coverages can also differ.
FAQs
How much is renters insurance per month in Alabama?
The average cost of renters insurance in Alabama is $29 per month.
Does Alabama require renters insurance?
While no law in Alabama states you’re legally required to have renters insurance, some landlords require you to have a renters insurance policy to rent a home from them. But for as little as $25 per month, why wouldn’t you want renters insurance coverage?
Does Alabama renters insurance cover theft?
Yes, Alabama renters insurance policies cover theft. Renters’ policies generally include theft, vandalism, fire, water leaks, storm damage, and liability.
Can you buy Alabama renters insurance online?
Yes, you can get renters insurance quotes and insurance online in all states.
What are the typical causes of renters insurance claims in Alabama?
The most typical causes of renters insurance claims in Alabama are theft and vandalism.
Roll Tide!
Alabama is a great state to live in, whether you own or rent. Whether it’s Birmingham or Talladega, you can find the cheapest renters insurance online for your area. Renters’ insurance policies are very affordable, and everyone should have coverage to protect themselves and their property. With our online tools, we can show you how.
