Best & Cheapest Renters Insurance In Washington State For 2025

There are over 1 million renters in Washington State, representing around 34% of households. While many factors influence the cost of renters insurance, the two biggest factors in Washington are urban locations like Seattle, and locations near water, prone to flooding, especially the Puget Sound region.

The average cost of renters insurance in Washington State is approximately $240 per year, or about $20 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 Washington State

Grange Insurance and Lemonade are the cheapest renters insurance companies in Washington State. Grange Insurance costs an average of $9 per month, while Lemonade costs around $10.

Best Renters Insurance Companies In Washington State 2025

State Farm is the best renters insurance company in Washington State, with average monthly premiums of $16.

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

How Much Is Renters Insurance In Washington State?

The average cost of renters insurance in Washington State is typically around $20 per month, or about $240 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 Washington State Renters Insurance Costs – By City

Where you live in Washington State 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 Washington State:

What Factors Affect The Price Of Renters Insurance In Washington State?

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

• Crime Rates: Areas in major cities including Fife, Tacoma, Spokane, and Seattle with higher crime rates typically have higher premiums.
• Flood Zones: Areas along the Puget Sound region are prone to flooding from heavy snowmelt and rainfall so they typically have higher premiums.
• Earthquakes: Areas along active seismic zones are more likely to risk earthquake damage and subsequently have higher monthly premiums.
• 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 Washington State?

In Washington State, 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 Washington State

Renters insurance providers in Washington State 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 Washington State

The most common renters insurance claims in Washington State include damage from natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods. In heavily populated urban areas claims have to do with fire and smoke damage, water damage from broken pipes, and theft.

Does Renters Insurance In Washington State Cover Earthquakes?

Earthquakes are a common problem in Washington state but typically renters insurance policies in Washington do not cover earthquakes. Earthquakes are considered a ground movement which is often excluded.

For this, you may need additional coverage or a separate policy like an earth movement or ground movement policy, or a “Difference in Conditions” policy. 

Does Renters Insurance In Washington State Cover Fire?

Yes, renters insurance in Washington State 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 Washington State Cover Flooding?

Renters insurance in Washington State 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.

Those who live near water, especially along the Puget Sound region which is most at risk for heavy flooding should consider protection against flooding, by purchasing 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 Washington State Cover Wind Damage?

Yes, renters insurance in Washington State generally covers wind damage caused by events such as windstorms, 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 Washington State?

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.

Earthquake Coverage

Renters in Washington State can purchase separate earthquake coverage sold as an endorsement or separate policy. This is highly recommended for those who live in the seismic belt of the state.

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.

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