Best & Cheapest Renters Insurance In Tennessee For 2025

Almost 34% of households in Tennessee are renters who need the best and cheapest renters insurance. Several factors influence cost in Tennessee but the two biggest factors that will directly influence your premiums have to do with your location, primarily your risk of natural disasters like tornadoes and your risk of theft.

The average cost of renters insurance in Tennessee is approximately $348 per year or about $29 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 Tennessee

Tennessee Farmers and AAA are the cheapest renters insurance companies in Tennessee. Tennessee Farmers costs an average of $10 per month, while AAA costs around $13.

Best Renters Insurance Companies In Tennessee 2025

State Farm is the best renters insurance company in Tennessee, with average monthly premiums of $15.

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

How Much Is Renters Insurance In Tennessee?

The average cost of renters insurance in Tennessee is typically around $29 per month, or about $348 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.

Average TennesseeRenters Insurance Costs – By City

Where you live in Tennessee 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 Tennessee:

What Factors Affect The Price Of Renters Insurance In Tennessee?

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

• Natural Disaster Risk: Tennessee experiences several natural disasters including severe storms, tornadoes, floods, and winter storms so locations in areas known for tornadoes or near water can have higher premiums.
• Rural vs. Urban: In Tennessee, Memphis has the highest crime rates while Newport, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Athens also report high property crime. Renters in these cities are more likely to face higher premiums because of the risks of property theft or vandalism.
• 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.

Is Renters Insurance Required In Tennessee?

In Tennessee, renters insurance is not legally required by the state, but many landlords or property management companies may require tenants to have a policy in place. While the law does not mandate renters insurance, landlords often include this requirement in the lease agreement as a way to protect both the tenant and the property owner.

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 Tennessee

Renters insurance providers in Tennessee 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 Tennessee

The most common renters insurance claims in Tennessee include damage from natural disasters, such as windstorms, winter storms, tornados, and floods. Households also report claims for incidents like fire and smoke damage, vandalism, and water damage often caused by burst pipes or appliance malfunctions. Theft claims are frequent in urban areas or neighborhoods with higher crime rates, where personal belongings may be at risk.

Does Renters Insurance In Tennessee Cover Winter Storms?

Winter storms can come with freezing rain, snow, and ice which can lead to power outages, burst pipes, and flooding. It is important to look at your policy to see which types of events are covered.

A standard renters insurance policy in Tennessee will cover winter storm damage from hail, wind, snow, and ice. Unexpected issues like a burst pipe might also be covered if they cause damage to personal property. However, after a winter storm when snow and ice begin to melt, any damage to your personal belongings from a subsequent flood will typically require additional flood insurance.

Does Renters Insurance In Tennessee Cover Thunderstorms?

Yes, a typical renters insurance policy in Tennessee will cover damage from severe thunderstorms including lightning strike damage, wind damage, and hail damage. Be advised however that severe thunderstorms and any subsequent heavy rainfall and flooding are typically not covered and require additional flood coverage.

Does Renters Insurance In Tennessee Cover Fire?

Yes, renters insurance in Tennessee 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 Tennessee Cover Tornadoes?

Tornadoes are a serious risk in Tennessee but renters insurance generally covers tornado damage in Tennessee. Tornadoes are typically 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.

Does Renters Insurance In Tennessee Cover Flooding?

Renters insurance in Tennessee does not cover flooding caused by heavy rains, storm surges, or rising water. Flooding is considered a separate peril, and standard renters policies exclude this type of damage. To protect against flooding, renters in Tennessee must purchase separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.

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.

Note: While Tennessee requires flood insurance for federally backed mortgages or properties in special flood hazard areas, that requirement is restricted to homeowners and only covers damage to the physical structure, not your personal belongings as a renter. 

Does Renters Insurance In Tennessee Cover Wind Damage?

Yes, renters insurance in Tennessee generally covers wind damage caused by events such as windstorms, tornadoes, and hail. Wind-related damage to personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, is usually covered under a standard renters policy.

It’s important to review your policy to confirm that wind damage is included and to consider additional coverage if necessary for extreme weather events.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover In Tennessee?

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.

Flood Coverage

Additional flood coverage can provide protection for your personal belongings all year round as Tennessee is highly susceptible to flooding after heavy rainfall from spring and summer thunderstorms as well as in the winter from winter storms.

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