)
Carley Clark is a freelance financial writer based in Michigan. She has written for several well-known brands, including Benzinga, CNN Underscored, GOBankingRates, and FinanceBuzz. Carley earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Spring Arbor University in 2018 and later worked as a revenue auditor for a casino before transitioning to writing. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing video games, and going for walks with her dog.
)
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
Updated
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
In exchange for ocean breezes and year-round sunshine, renters in Tampa, Florida, face the occasional hurricane or tropical storm. That’s why renters insurance is a smart idea.
A renters insurance policy can protect your belongings from common risks in the Sunshine State, including storms and other risks, like theft or fire. It also provides liability coverage if someone is injured in your rental home. While it isn’t a legal requirement, your landlord or rental company may require it as a part of your lease agreement.
Let’s look at what renters insurance in Tampa covers, the best insurers in the area, and how to save on your policy.
Renters insurance in Tampa typically costs between $15 and $23 monthly.
Standard renters policies don’t cover floods, so renters may want to consider a separate policy.
Some insurers offer discounts for smoke detectors, deadbolts, and security systems.
How renters insurance works in Tampa
Renters insurance in Tampa is fairly straightforward. Policies generally include three main coverages: personal property, liability, and additional living expenses.[1]
Purchasing renters insurance is simple. You can usually sign up online in just a few minutes:
Request a quote. Compare policies from multiple insurance companies in Tampa, reviewing coverages and exclusions.
Choose coverage limits. Create an inventory of your belongings to get an idea of how much coverage you need.
Select a deductible. A higher deductible typically lowers your premium but increases your out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.
Choose a policy. Pick the policy that best balances coverage with price.
The insurance industry uses factors like your location, property coverages, deductible, and claims history to determine the cost of your renters policy. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation oversees rates and licensing for all renters insurance companies.
Filing a renters insurance claim
If you need to file an insurance claim, the process is usually straightforward. In cases of theft or vandalism, you’ll need to submit a police report, then proceed with your claim. Otherwise, most insurers let you report the event and submit documentation online or through their mobile app. You’ll likely need pictures of the damage, and it’s helpful to have a home inventory so you can report the value of any damaged items.
Best renters insurance companies in Tampa
Many quality companies offer renters insurance in Tampa. The best renters insurance company for you will depend on your budget, coverage needs, and the specific risks where you live.
Allstate offers customizable coverage and multiple discounts to fit different budgets. GEICO is ideal for renters who want to bundle policies and service members looking for military discounts.
Lemonade is known for its fast, digital claims process and affordable premiums. Progressive has highly rated mobile apps and discounts for bundling multiple policies. And State Farm has a large network of local Tampa agents who can assist with signups and claims.
Here are our top picks and their average monthly rates for a policy with $15,000 in personal property coverage.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Premium | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $18 | Discounts |
| GEICO | $15 | Military members |
| Lemonade | $12 | Affordability |
| Progressive | $14 | Digital experience |
| State Farm | $15 | Agent support |
What renters insurance covers in Tampa
A renters insurance policy covers your personal contents and protects your finances from unexpected events, such as natural disasters, theft, and legal claims. Here are the primary types of coverage most renters insurance policies include:[1]
Personal property coverage
If a covered event damages your belongings, such as clothes, furniture, electronics, and other possessions, personal property coverage can help replace them. Some insurers pay the replacement cost, meaning the price to replace items at current prices. Others pay the actual cash value, which factors in depreciation.
Liability coverage
Liability insurance covers medical and legal costs if someone sustains injuries in your rental home or you accidentally cause property damage.
Additional living expenses coverage
Also known as loss of use, this coverage provides reimbursement for temporary housing and related costs if your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril.
While terms vary by insurance company, policies typically cover many of the most common risks in Tampa, including:
Fire
Smoke damage
Theft
Vandalism
Wind damage
Lightning
Hurricanes
Water damage from plumbing leaks
Renters insurance generally doesn’t cover floods, earthquakes, or normal wear and tear. It also often excludes valuables that exceed policy limits, like jewelry, antiques, or collectibles. But you may be able to add policy endorsements, such as jewelry insurance.
Unique considerations for renters insurance in Tampa
Renters insurance is essential in Tampa to protect against hurricanes, tropical storms, and other risks. While a standard policy covers theft, fire, and windstorms, you may need extra insurance protection for other perils, such as:
Flooding: Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause heavy rain and storm surge. Standard renters insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to consider a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
Sinkholes: Florida is susceptible to sinkholes, which renters insurance typically doesn’t cover. Tampa renters might want to add sinkhole coverage to protect their belongings.
Humidity and mold: Florida is the most humid state in the U.S., which is unsurprising considering that the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico surround it. Persistent moisture can lead to mildew or mold damage, so it’s a good idea to check if and when your policy covers this type of damage.
When reviewing your insurance coverage, make sure your policy explicitly includes windstorm and hurricane damage. Also, check if it covers sinkholes and mold, or whether you can add them as endorsements. If you’re not sure if you should purchase flood insurance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps can show you whether you live in a high-risk area.[2]
Protect Your Stuff for as Little as $5/mo.
Unlock renters insurance savings and discounts
How to save on renters insurance in Tampa
Renters insurance is relatively affordable in Tampa, ranging from $15 to $23 per month, on average, depending on how much coverage you want. Here are a few ways you can lower your premium even more:[3]
Shop around
Comparing insurance options and quotes can help you find the most protection for the best rate.
Bundle policies
Some companies offer discounts if you bundle two or more policies, such as auto and renters insurance.
Raise your deductible
You can lower your premium by selecting a higher deductible. Just make sure to choose a deductible amount you could afford after a loss.
Improve home security
You may qualify for a discount if you install security devices, since it lowers the insurer’s risk.
Maintain good credit
Some insurers use credit-based insurance scores when determining rates, and they charge lower rates if you have a healthy credit history.
Renters insurance in Tampa FAQs
Renters insurance, sometimes called tenant or apartment insurance, offers essential protection for Tampa residents. The information below may help you decide if it’s right for you.
What company has the best renters insurance?
The best renters insurance in Tampa will depend on your unique coverage needs. Our top picks include Allstate, GEICO, Lemonade, Progressive, and State Farm.
How much is renters insurance in Tampa, FL?
Renters insurance in Tampa can range between $15 and $23 monthly, depending on how much coverage you want. Your premium can vary based on your location, rental home, coverage limits, and deductible.
Is renters insurance required in Tampa?
No. But many landlords require it as a part of your lease agreement before you can move into a rental home. Even if they don’t, protecting your belongings and liability is still a good idea.
How much renters insurance do you need in Tampa?
You should have enough insurance to cover the replacement cost of your belongings (as opposed to the cash value, which factors in depreciation). Experts often recommend at least $300,000 in liability protection.
How do you file a claim for renters insurance in Tampa?
If you need to file a claim, first take pictures of the damage. If your items were stolen, you’ll have to make a police report. Then provide any receipts or value evaluations. After that, you’ll fill out any necessary paperwork.
Most insurers let you file an insurance claim online, through their mobile app, or by phone. You can usually find the claims process on your insurer’s website.
Related articles
)
How to Get Renters Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide
)
5 Reasons Why Renters Insurance Is Important
)
How Renters Insurance Jewelry Coverage Works
)
Is Renters Insurance Worth It?
)
Average Cost of Renters Insurance
)
What Renters Insurance Covers
)
Cheapest Renters Insurance
)
Best Renters Insurance Companies
)
How to Get Renters Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide
)
5 Reasons Why Renters Insurance Is Important
)
How Renters Insurance Jewelry Coverage Works
)
Is Renters Insurance Worth It?
)
Average Cost of Renters Insurance
)
What Renters Insurance Covers
)
Cheapest Renters Insurance
)
Best Renters Insurance Companies
Sources
)
Carley Clark is a freelance financial writer based in Michigan. She has written for several well-known brands, including Benzinga, CNN Underscored, GOBankingRates, and FinanceBuzz. Carley earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Spring Arbor University in 2018 and later worked as a revenue auditor for a casino before transitioning to writing. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing video games, and going for walks with her dog.
)
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
)
)
)