Best & Cheapest Renters Insurance In Wisconsin For 2025

According to the National Association of Realtors, Wisconsin has over 800,000 renters, making up nearly 33% of households in the state.

The average cost of renters insurance in Wisconsin is approximately $192 per year, or about $16 per month. This makes it an affordable way to protect your personal belongings and liability. There are, however, several factors that can influence costs, namely flood risk and tornado risk.

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 Wisconsin

Erie and West Bend Mutual are the cheapest renters insurance companies in Wisconsin. Erie costs an average of $7 per month, while West Bend Mutual costs around $8.

Best Renters Insurance Companies In Wisconsin 2025

West Bend Mutual is the best renters insurance company in Wisconsin, with average monthly premiums of $8.

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

How Much Is Renters Insurance In Wisconsin?

The average cost of renters insurance in Wisconsin is typically around $16 per month, or about $192 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 Wisconsin Renters Insurance Costs – By City

Where you live in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin:

What Factors Affect The Price Of Renters Insurance In Wisconsin?

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

• Crime Rates: Areas in major cities including Milwaukee, Lake Delton, and West Milwaukee with higher crime rates typically have higher premiums.
• Fire Protection Rating: Homes in Wisconsin may not have adequate fire protection, especially if they are older, and this can increase 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 Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin

Renters insurance providers in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

The most common renters insurance claims in urban cities in Wisconsin have to do with theft, fire or smoke damage, vandalism, or water damage from burst pipes. Throughout the southern part of the state, claims typically have to do with tornado damage and floods while the entire state sees high reports of wind damage, hail damage, and flood damage.

Does Renters Insurance In Wisconsin Cover Severe Storms?

Renters insurance in Wisconsin will typically extend to damage from severe storms, including wind damage and hail damage. Wisconsin regularly experiences severe storms that can cause property damage from lightning strikes, strong wind, or hail. However, these storms can also result in heavy rainfall and secondary flooding which is not covered.

If you want additional protection against the risk of flood damage from severe storms you’ll need to invest in flood policies.

Does Renters Insurance In Wisconsin Cover Fire?

Yes, renters insurance in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Cover Tornadoes?

The southern part of the state sees a high risk of tornadoes. Thankfully, renters insurance generally covers tornado damage in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin Cover Flooding?

Renters insurance in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Cover Wind Damage?

Yes, renters insurance in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

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.

Flood Coverage

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the state and they are often unpredictable, caused by warm winters, snow melt, and frequent rainfall. Under normal conditions flood damage whether from a severe storm or tornado is not covered by a renters insurance policy but you can invest in additional flood coverage as a separate policy.

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.

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