Compare contents insurance for tenants
Find and compare contents insurance for tenants online in just a few minutes
What is contents insurance for renters?
Contents insurance for renters covers the cost of replacing or repairing your belongings if they’re lost, stolen or damaged. It usually includes cover for fire, flood, and theft.
Your landlord should have building policy in place; this is not the responsibility of the renter; however, protecting your personal belongings is.
What's the difference between renters, tenants and contents insurance?
There’s no real difference between renters insurance and tenants insurance; they’re simply two names for the same type of cover. Both refer to contents insurance designed for people living in rented homes.
Contents insurance, on its own, is a broader term. It covers your belongings whether you rent or own your home. When tailored for renters, it protects your personal items in a property you don’t own, such as laptops and TVs.
So, whether it’s called renters, tenants or contents insurance for renters, it’s all about protecting the things that matter to you in your rented space.
Do I need contents insurance as a renter?
It's definitely worth considering. Most landlords protect the building but not your belongings. Without contents insurance, you’d have to pay the full cost to replace items that are stolen, damaged by fire or flood, or accidentally broken.
What does renters insurance cover?
Contents insurance for renters typically includes:
- Theft and vandalism – If your items are stolen or your place is broken into.
- Fire, flood & burst pipes – Damage to household goods from these events in the home you're renting.
- Accidental damage – Such as dropping a phone or spilling red wine.
- Liability cover – If you accidentally damage third-party property or injure someone
Some insurers bundle liability cover; others offer it as an optional extra, so double-check your policy to see what's included.
How much does renters insurance cost?
On average the annual cost of contents insurance is around £61.45*, but costs will vary depending on:
- Your content's total value
- Level of cover, including single items, accidental damage, liability
- Security & alarms installed in your home
- Location and target demographic, such as students or sharers
*Based on Uswitch data, June 2023 - June 2025
How do I reduce the cost of renters insurance?
Looking to cut the cost of your cover? Here are a few simple ways to save on renters insurance:
- Only insure what you need – Be realistic about the value of your belongings. Overestimating can bump up the cost of your premium.
- Improve your home security – Extra locks, alarms or joining a neighbourhood watch scheme can help bring your price down.
- Choose a higher excess – If you’re happy to pay more if you claim, increasing your excess can lower your monthly costs. But only do this if you can afford to pay the excess amount if something happens.
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons – Check what you’re actually getting with optional extras like accidental damage or gadget cover. Only pay for what’s useful to you.
- Shop around and compare – Prices vary, so it pays to compare deals before you renew. Loyalty doesn’t always mean better value.
What happens to my tenants insurance if I live in a shared house?
You’ll each need your own cover. Your insurer only protects your personal possessions. Shared items like sofas or kitchenware can be covered by one policy, but check with your provider first. To qualify for shared cover, agree in writing how costs and claim arrangements work between flatmates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need renters insurance if my landlord has insurance?
You may still need renters insurance if your landlord has insurance. Their cover protects the building; your personal belongings are your responsibility.
What could invalidate renters insurance?
Using the property for business, leaving valuables in an insecure way like leaving windows unlocked, or failing to report a change of address could invalidate your insurance. Always read the policy conditions.
How much is contents insurance for renters?
Contents insurance for renters typically costs around £61.45*, depending on your cover level, contents value, and security measures.
*Based on Uswitch data, June 2023 - June 2025
What information do I need to know to take out renters insurance?
You’ll need your home address, estimated total value of contents, details about security such as alarms and locks, and any additional cover you want, like accidental damage or liability.