Best & Cheapest Renters Insurance In North Carolina For 2025

The annual average cost of renters insurance in North Carolina is $288 per year or $24 per month. As approximately 1/3 of all households in North Carolina are rented, one-third of residents in North Carolina need to find the best and cheapest renters insurance.

The right coverage provides an affordable way to protect your personal belongings and liability, but the two biggest factors that influence cost are your risk of natural disasters particularly in coastal areas, and your risk of theft especially in urban areas.

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 North Carolina

AAA and North Carolina Farm Bureau are the cheapest renters insurance companies in North Carolina. AAA costs an average of $9 per month, while North Carolina Farm Bureau costs around $11.

Best Renters Insurance Companies In North Carolina 2025

State Farm is the best renters insurance company in North Carolina, with average monthly premiums of $18.

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

How Much Is Renters Insurance In North Carolina?

The average cost of renters insurance in North Carolina is typically around $24 per month, or about $288 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 North Carolina Renters Insurance Costs – By City

Where you live in North Carolina 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 North Carolina:

What Factors Affect The Price Of Renters Insurance In North Carolina?

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

• Natural Disasters: Coastal areas are very susceptible to floods and the coastal plain region is particularly susceptible to hurricanes which means rental properties in these areas may face higher premiums.
• Crime Rates: Areas in urban cities with higher crime rates will also see higher premiums on average. This includes Durham, Henderson, Greensboro, Fayetteville, and Lumberton.
• 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 North Carolina?

In North Carolina, 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 North Carolina

Renters insurance providers in North Carolina 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 North Carolina

The most common renters insurance claims in North Carolina include damage from natural disasters, such as windstorms, snow storms, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. For homes, there are other incidents like water damage, vandalism, fire, and smoke damage. Theft claims are frequent in urban areas or neighborhoods with higher crime rates, where personal belongings may be at risk.

Does Renters Insurance In North Carolina Cover Hurricanes?

As a coastal state, the coastal plain region is especially vulnerable to damage from hurricanes but coverage from a renter’s insurance policy gets a little tricky. This is because hurricane-related destruction from wind is typically covered but standard policies do not include hurricane-related destruction from flooding or storm surges.

To protect against hurricane damage, renters can add a windstorm endorsement or purchase separate hurricane insurance.

This additional coverage can help with repairs to personal property and provide protection in case of significant damage due to the storm, offering peace of mind during hurricane season.

Does Renters Insurance In North Carolina Cover Fire?

Yes, renters insurance in North Carolina 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 North Carolina Cover Tornadoes?

Tornadoes may be less frequent than hurricanes but in the spring and summer, they can still cause damage. Thankfully, yes, renters insurance generally covers tornado damage in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina Cover Flooding?

Renters insurance in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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.

Does Renters Insurance In North Carolina Cover Snow and Ice Damage?

Yes, according to ReadyNC, snow, and ice storms that cause damage to your personal belongings are typically covered under a standard renters insurance policy in North Carolina. This extends to the weight of ice, snow, or sleet causing damage to personal belongings.

However, you’ll need to check the terms of your renter’s insurance policy because snow and ice storms, when they melt, can lead to flooding and damage from the secondary flooding as opposed to the primary snow, and ice is typically not covered.

Does Renters Insurance In North Carolina Cover Wind Damage?

Yes, according to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, renters insurance in North Carolina 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.

However, damage caused by hurricanes may require additional windstorm coverage or a rider, as hurricanes are considered a separate risk. 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 North Carolina?

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.

Hurricane Coverage

Standard renters insurance policies do not extend to flood damage from hurricanes but hurricanes are a risk to renters especially those along the coast. To protect against hurricane damage, renters can add a windstorm endorsement or purchase separate hurricane insurance.

Flood Coverage

Floods are the most common natural disaster in North Carolina. Flash floods can occur in the mountains or along coastal areas and coastal areas or homes along rivers and lakes can be at risk for flooding from things like winter storms. To protect against personal belongings damaged from floods you will need separate flood insurance.

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