Best & Cheapest Renters Insurance In Michigan For 2025

Over 1 million households in Michigan rent, representing around 27% of the population. That said, two of the biggest pricing factors for renters in the area are winter storm damages and crime rates in the Detroit area.

The average cost of renters insurance in Michigan is approximately $216 per year, or about $18 per month. This makes it an affordable way to protect your personal belongings and liability.

Having had over 15 years of experience as a licensed property and casualty agent, I’ve helped many clients find the right renters insurance to suit their needs and budget. This deep industry knowledge allows me to provide insights that save you time and money while making sure you have the right coverage.

Cheapest Renters Insurance Companies In Michigan

Auto-Owners and USAA are the cheapest renters insurance companies in Michigan. Auto-Owners costs an average of $5 per month, while USAA costs around $12.

Best Renters Insurance Companies In Michigan 2025

State Farm is the best renters insurance company in Michigan, with average monthly premiums of $17.

Use the table below to view the best renters insurance companies in Michigan, and their average rates.

How Much Is Renters Insurance In Michigan?

The average cost of renters insurance in Michigan is typically around $18 per month, or about $216 annually. However, the exact cost can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the location of the rental property, the value of your personal belongings, the coverage limits, and any additional coverage options you may choose. For example, renters in areas prone to hurricanes or flooding may face higher premiums due to the increased risk of damage.

Average Michigan Renters Insurance Costs – By City

Where you live in Michigan can have a significant impact on the cost of renters insurance.

Here’s a table showing the average cost of renters insurance in 10 major cities in Michigan:

What Factors Affect The Price Of Renters Insurance In Michigan?

Several factors influence the cost of renters insurance in Michigan. Understanding these can help you manage your premium:

• Location: Areas near water or prone to tornadoes, winter storms, and floods often have higher premiums.
• Crime: Areas with high crime rates like Detroit, have much higher premiums, around $60 per month, nearly three times that of rural areas of Michigan.
• Value of Personal Belongings: The more valuable your possessions, the higher your coverage limits and premiums.
• Deductible: A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium but increase out-of-pocket costs.
• Claim History: A history of claims may increase your rates.
• Rental Property Type: Apartments may cost less to insure than houses.
• Safety Features: Smoke detectors, security systems, and deadbolts may lower premiums. Similarly, renters in neighborhoods with gates, doormen, or additional security (especially in areas with high crime otherwise) can see a slight drop in price.

Is Renters Insurance Required In Michigan?

Michigan does not require that you carry renters insurance by law. However, the Department of Insurance and Financial Services strongly urges renters to carry insurance and many landlords or property management companies may require tenants to have a policy in place.

For tenants, having renters insurance is a wise decision, even if it’s not required by law. It helps safeguard personal property, which may be costly to replace out-of-pocket. Furthermore, renters insurance may provide coverage for temporary living expenses if the rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.

While not mandatory, renters insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It’s important to review the lease agreement and check with the landlord to see if it’s a requirement, as failure to comply could result in penalties or lease termination.

Common Renters Insurance Discounts In Michigan

Renters insurance providers in Michigan offer various discounts that can reduce your premiums:

• Bundling Policies: Combining auto and renters insurance with the same company can lead to savings.
• Security Features: Installing security systems or smoke alarms can result in discounts.
• Claim-Free Discounts: If you haven’t filed claims in several years, you may qualify for lower rates.
• Property Age: Newer, well-maintained homes may qualify for discounts.
• Loyalty Discounts: Long-term customers may receive reduced rates over time.

Common Renters Insurance Claims In Michigan

The most common renters insurance claims in Michigan include damage from natural disasters, particularly wind and hail damage, followed by damage from freezing temperatures, including burst pipes and flooding. Theft claims are frequent in urban areas or neighborhoods with higher crime rates, like Detroit in particular, where personal belongings may be at risk.

Does Renters Insurance In Michigan Cover Burst Pipes?

Renters insurance in Michigan typically covers water damage from a burst pipe especially if it was because of an accidental event.

However, burst pipes are more common in Michigan as a result of ice dams, snow storms, and heavy snow loads in the winter. Renters insurance policies may have stipulations about preventing frozen pipes, and failure to prevent these forms of damages could negate coverage.

Tip: Check your lease agreement for whether these things are your responsibility as the tenant or that of the landlord as the property owner. 

Does Renters Insurance In Michigan Cover Fire?

Yes, renters insurance in Michigan covers fire damage to personal property and the rental unit itself. If a fire destroys belongings or causes damage to the apartment or house you’re renting, your renters insurance policy will typically cover the cost of repairs or replacement. This includes damage from smoke, heat, and soot.

Renters insurance also provides liability coverage if the fire spreads and causes damage to neighboring units. It’s important to keep an updated inventory of belongings to ensure adequate coverage.

Does Renters Insurance In Michigan Cover Tornadoes?

Michigan has an average of 15 tornadoes every year with winds reaching over 200 miles per hour. Renters insurance typically covers damage by tornadoes, as these are considered wind-related incidents, and most renters insurance policies include coverage for damage caused by windstorms. If a tornado damages personal property or the rental unit itself, renters insurance will typically cover repair or replacement costs.

However, it’s important to review your policy to ensure that the specific coverage for wind and tornado damage is included. Additional coverage may be needed for high-value items, depending on the policy.

Note: According to state readiness programs, renters in Michigan, after a tornado, should do what they can to prevent further damage to the property like putting a tarp over a damaged roof as insurance may not cover damages that occur after the storm. 

Does Renters Insurance In Michigan Cover Flooding?

In Michigan, “floodplains” refer to areas that have a 1% chance of complete flood any given year and 6% of land in Michigan falls under this category, including 200,000 homes.

Renters insurance in Michigan does not cover flooding caused by heavy rains, storm surges, or rising water. However, renters in Michigan can purchase separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.

Michigan has seen substantial growth in flood insurance for renters and homeowners, with over 20,000 policies in effect since 2020.

Flood insurance will cover damage to personal property and the structure of the rental unit caused by rising water, ensuring comprehensive coverage in flood-prone areas.

Does Renters Insurance In Michigan Cover Wind Damage?

According to the National Weather Service, Michigan is seeing rising trends in severe thunderstorms and rainfall. These storms cause devastating impacts to areas in flood zones and put homes at risk for severe wind.

However, renters insurance policies in Michigan will cover wind damage to personal property including things like furniture, electronics, and clothes. This also extends to hail damage in most policies but you can check your policy to see if a windstorm or hail storm are listed as “named perils” in your policy.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover In Michigan?

Renters insurance provides essential protection for your belongings and liability, offering financial security in the event of unexpected incidents. Understanding what is covered under a renters insurance policy helps you make informed decisions about your coverage needs. Below, we break down the key components of renters insurance coverage.

Personal Property Coverage

Renters insurance typically covers personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances, in the event of theft, fire, vandalism, or other covered disasters. It helps you replace or repair your possessions up to the policy’s coverage limit.

Liability Coverage

Liability protection is an essential part of renters insurance. It covers legal expenses and medical costs if someone is injured while on your property. For example, if a guest slips and falls in your home, liability coverage can help pay for their medical bills and any legal fees if you are sued.

Additional Living Expenses

If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered incident, such as a fire or storm, renters insurance can cover additional living expenses. This includes the cost of temporary housing, meals, and other expenses while your home is being repaired or replaced.

Medical Payments To Others

This coverage provides small, no-fault medical payments if someone is injured on your property, regardless of who is at fault. It helps cover minor medical expenses without the need for a lawsuit or liability claim.

Loss Of Use Coverage

If you cannot use your rental due to a covered event, loss of use coverage can help with extra costs such as hotel stays and transportation.

Winter Weather Damage

Renters in Michigan may need extra coverage or protective steps against winter weather damage which causes things like:

• Burst pipes
• Ice dams
• Wind damage
• Building collapse from heavy snow load
• Wind storms
• Ice storms
• Snow storms

In fact, the Department of Insurance and Financial Services regularly reminds Michiganders to review their insurance before winter storms to make sure they have the right coverage. Some of the biggest problems associated with winter weather include heavy snowfall, cold temperatures, and winter winds.

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