Cheapest & Best Renters Insurance In Columbus 2025
Erie provides the most affordable renters insurance in Columbus, OH, with an average price of just $7 per month. On the other hand, Nationwide is regarded as the top overall option in the area.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $200 per year on their renters insurance.
Erie offers the lowest-cost renters insurance in Columbus, OH, with an average monthly premium of about $7. However, if you’re looking for more coverage options and better service, Nationwide is a solid choice, though its premium is higher at around $20 per month.
Columbus, often called The Arch City, experiences over 25,000 property crimes each year, impacting roughly 28 out of every 1,000 residents. With the risks of crime and natural disasters, having renters insurance is a wise decision to safeguard your belongings and provide financial protection and peace of mind.
Cheapest Renters Insurance Companies In Columbus
If you’re searching for budget-friendly renters insurance in Columbus, Erie provides the lowest rates, with an average monthly premium of about $7. To help you compare your choices, the table below outlines the five most affordable providers.
| Company | Average Monthly Cost |
| Grange Mutual | $10 |
| State Farm | $14 |
| Erie | $7 |
| Lemonade | $17 |
| USAA | $9 |
Best Renters Insurance Companies In Columbus
Erie is a great choice for renters in Columbus looking for affordable insurance. However, the cheapest option isn’t always the best when it comes to coverage and service. In my opinion, Nationwide stands out as the best overall provider. It offers a variety of policy options, numerous discounts, and excellent bundling deals, along with superior customer service compared to other insurers in the area.
| Company | Average Monthly Cost |
| Travelers | $22 |
| State Farm | $14 |
| Amica | $26 |
| Lemonade | $17 |
| Nationwide | $20 |
Average Cost Of Renters Insurance In Columbus
Renters in Columbus usually pay about $20 per month or $240 per year for insurance. However, your specific rate can vary based on factors such as coverage limits, location, deductible, and the insurer’s pricing structure. The table below compares average rates from five top providers in the city.
| Company | Average Monthly Cost |
| Lemonade | $19 |
| USAA | $12 |
| Amica | $28 |
| State Farm | $17 |
| Nationwide | $23 |
Average Cost Of Renters Insurance In Columbus By Deductible
A deductible is an amount you’re responsible for paying before your renters insurance kicks in to cover a claim. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, while a lower deductible typically leads to higher monthly costs. The table below illustrates how renters insurance rates in Columbus change based on different deductible options.
| Deductible Amount | Average Monthly Cost |
| $250 | $20 |
| $500 | $19 |
| $1,000 | $18 |
| $1,500 | $17 |
| $2,000 | $15 |
Factors That Impact Renters Insurance Costs In Columbus
Several factors influence the cost of renters insurance in Columbus:
Home Safety Features: Installing security systems, smoke detectors, or sprinkler systems can lower risks and may qualify you for discounts.
Deductible Amount: A higher deductible reduces your monthly premium, while a lower deductible increases costs since the insurer assumes more risk.
Claim History: If you’ve made multiple claims in the past, insurers may consider you a higher-risk policyholder, resulting in higher premiums.
Location: Living in areas prone to crime or natural disasters like tornadoes or flash floods can lead to higher insurance rates.
Credit Score: Many insurers take credit scores into account, with lower scores often resulting in higher premiums.
Coverage Limits: Policies with broader coverage or add-ons such as replacement cost coverage and identity theft protection usually cost more.
Common Causes Of Loss In Ohio
Renters in Ohio frequently file claims for fire, theft, water damage, storms, and wildfires. Understanding these risks can help tenants select the right coverage to protect their belongings and finances.
Theft
With over 25,000 property crimes reported annually in Columbus and more than 197,000 statewide, renters insurance is essential. It covers stolen belongings and may include liability protection if someone is injured during a break-in. However, damage to vehicles or the rental unit itself is typically not covered.
Fire
Fires, particularly in multi-unit buildings, can spread quickly and cause severe damage. Renters insurance helps replace personal belongings lost in a fire.
Winter Storms
Harsh winter weather in Ohio, including snowstorms, tornadoes, and hailstorms, can lead to costly damage. Renters insurance typically covers most weather-related losses.
Water Damage
Plumbing leaks, burst pipes, and roof issues can result in significant damage. Standard renters insurance covers internal water damage, but flood-related damage requires separate coverage.
Wildfires
Ohio, particularly the southeastern region, has a moderate wildfire risk. Most renters insurance policies cover wildfire-related damage.
Floods
Columbus is prone to flooding, but standard renters insurance does not cover flood damage. Purchasing separate flood insurance is recommended for added protection.
Other Covered Losses
Many policies also include coverage for vandalism, accidental damage, and some natural disasters, providing extra financial security.
By being aware of these risks, renters can make informed choices and select a policy that offers comprehensive protection.
Our Methodology
To evaluate renters insurance providers, we focused on essential factors like pricing, coverage options, claims processing, and customer service. Our research involved collecting quotes from multiple insurers in Columbus for standard policies that include $20,000 in personal property coverage and $100,000 in liability protection.
We also examined deductible options, coverage for specific risks such as floods and earthquakes, and discounts for bundling renters and auto insurance. Customer satisfaction played a key role in our analysis, with ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports helping us identify insurers known for reliable service and smooth claims handling.
Additionally, we considered Columbus-specific risks, such as theft and water damage, which influence coverage needs. By analyzing these factors, our guide provides a well-rounded comparison of renters insurance options in Ohio.
Quotes Analyzed
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About Bob Phillips
