Assurant might not be the best-known name in the insurance world, but its renters policies are worth considering. Assurant renters insurance includes coverage that most other insurance companies charge extra for (or don’t include at all), offering more value for your premium. However, the company receives far more consumer complaints than expected for an insurer of its size.

If you need less coverage, Assurant sells a bare-bones “Liability Only” policy to renters living in its partner properties.

Best for: Those looking for unique add-ons like bedbug coverage and spoiled food coverage.

How we rate renters insurance companies

Our star ratings are based on consumer complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; financial strength grades from AM Best; coverage and discounts available; and the overall consumer experience. See our criteria for evaluating renters insurance companies.

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Assurant renters insurance pros and cons

Standard renters policies cover the full replacement cost of your belongings.	Few discounts are offered.
Bedbug damage, food spoilage and additional living expenses for flood evacuation are covered in some states.	Receives far more than the expected number of consumer complaints for a company of its size.

How Assurant renters insurance rates

4.0

NerdWallet rating 

NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Assurant renters insurance earned 4 stars out of 5 for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account coverage and discounts, ease of filing a claim, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and more.

State availability

Assurant renters insurance is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

Assurant renters insurance coverage

Landlords sometimes require tenants to purchase a policy with a minimum amount of renters liability insurance, but otherwise, the coverage you choose is generally up to you. Below are the four types of coverage included in most standard renters policies:

	Covers your clothing, furniture, electronics and other belongings.
	Pays for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your home undergoes covered repairs.
	Pays out if you’re responsible for injuries to other people or damage to their property.
	Covers injuries to other people in your home, regardless of fault.

The standard Assurant renters insurance policy covers not only the things you’d expect, but also a few items most insurers don’t include.

For example, the policy offers replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings rather than actual cash value. That means if you have to file a claim, you’ll get enough money to buy brand-new items rather than a lower amount reflecting their depreciated value. Many insurance companies charge extra for replacement cost coverage.

Although most renters insurance doesn’t cover bedbugs, in some states Assurant’s policies will pay for extermination and other bedbug-related costs. Depending on where you live, you may also be covered for spoiled food if your power goes out or for additional living expenses if you have to relocate due to a flood. (Note that the policy doesn’t include coverage for flood damage — you’ll need to purchase separate flood insurance for that.)

You can add optional coverage to your policy for the following scenarios:

• Rent payment if you lose your job.

• Damage from a backed-up drain or sewer.

Looking for a cheaper renters insurance policy? If you live in one of Assurant’s partner properties located across the U.S., you can choose the company’s Liability Only policy. This no-frills option covers only damage that you cause by accident, to either your own property or a neighbor’s (such as leaving the bathtub running or starting a kitchen fire). It also covers some personal liability expenses if your dog bites a guest.

Discounts

Depending on where you live, you may be able to get a discount for having safety and security devices such as fire alarms or sprinkler systems.

Consumer complaints

Assurant had far more than the expected number of home insurance complaints to state regulators relative to its size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (The NAIC’s home insurance complaints cover a range of policy types, including renters and condo insurance.)

Consumer experience

Website: You can get a quick and easy Assurant renters insurance quote on the company’s website and read useful information about what’s covered by your policy. Once you’re insured with Assurant, you can log in to the online portal to update your address, change your payment method and see your policy documents.

Claims: You can file and track a claim online. Claims can also be filed over the phone.

Renters insurance buying guide

Before you compare renters insurance companies, gather key information such as the address of the rental and any safety and security features the unit has.

You should also figure out how much coverage you need. Take a quick inventory of your belongings: How much would it cost you to replace them? Include all furniture, electronic devices, clothing, jewelry and household items. This total is the minimum amount of personal property insurance you should have.

Your liability limit should be high enough to cover your net worth, while your deductible should be an amount you’d feel comfortable paying in an emergency.

When evaluating renters insurance quotes, make sure each rate estimate includes the same coverage limits and deductibles so you know you’re getting a fair comparison. While it’s tempting to buy the cheapest policy, you may also want to read reviews of your preferred company to make sure it offers good customer service.

How to file a renters insurance claim

File as soon as it’s safe. The sooner you report a theft or damage to your home, the sooner your insurer can assign an adjuster and start working on paying out your claim. Some companies let you file claims online or through their app, while in other cases you may have to call your agent or insurer instead. Have your policy number handy.

Document the damage. Bolster your claim by taking photos or video of all damage. If something was stolen, report it to the police before you contact your insurance company. Your insurer may ask for a copy of their report.

Prevent further damage. After you’ve taken pictures of everything broken or destroyed, take steps to prevent additional damage, such as putting a tarp over a broken window to protect your belongings inside. Keep receipts for any supplies you buy, as your insurer may reimburse you later.

Other renters insurance companies to consider

Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other renters insurance companies:

Frequently asked questions

What other types of insurance does Assurant offer?

In addition to renters insurance, Assurant also offers shipping insurance, mobile device insurance and flood insurance, among others.

How do I contact Assurant?

You can contact Assurant by phone.

What does Assurant renters insurance cover?

Assurant’s basic renters insurance includes personal and property liability coverage, as well as coverage for your belongings. It also covers damage caused by mold.

What other types of insurance does Assurant offer?

In addition to renters insurance, Assurant also offers shipping insurance, mobile device insurance and flood insurance, among others.

How do I contact Assurant?

You can contact Assurant by phone.

What does Assurant renters insurance cover?

Assurant’s basic renters insurance includes personal and property liability coverage, as well as coverage for your belongings. It also covers damage caused by mold.