Renters insurance has a few dials, and most people set them by guessing. The right amounts aren't hard to figure out — and our coverage calculator does the math for you in two minutes. Here's the logic behind it.
Personal property: what it costs to re-buy everything
Walk room by room and total the replacement cost of your belongings — furniture, electronics, clothes, kitchenware. Most renters land between $20,000 and $50,000, and most under-estimate. Set Coverage C to that number, and choose replacement cost (not actual cash value) so you're paid to buy new.
Liability: at least your net worth
Carry liability at least equal to what you'd want protected if you were sued — $100,000 is the practical floor, and $300,000 costs only a little more. If you have real savings, a $1–2M umbrella policy stacks cheaply on top.
Loss of use and medical payments
Loss of use is usually bundled at 20–40% of your property coverage — just confirm it's there. Medical payments ($1,000–$5,000) covers minor guest injuries without a liability claim; bump it to $5,000 for a few dollars.
High-value items: schedule them
Standard policies cap categories like jewelry, watches, cameras, and bikes (often $1,000–$2,500 total). If you own something valuable, add a scheduled endorsement for it — appraised value, usually no deductible.
Fastest path: the renters coverage calculator turns your stuff, assets, and deductible into the right Coverage C / liability / add-ons — then sends you straight to compare carriers for that coverage.
Frequently asked questions
How much personal property coverage do I need?
Enough to re-buy everything you own new — usually $20,000–$50,000 for most renters. Do a quick room-by-room total and choose replacement-cost coverage.
How much liability coverage do I need for renters insurance?
At least $100,000, with $300,000 only slightly more. Carry at least as much as your net worth; add an umbrella policy if you have significant assets.
Is $100,000 of renters liability enough?
For most renters, yes. If you have substantial savings or assets, step up to $300,000 or add an umbrella policy.
Do I need replacement cost coverage?
Yes — it pays to buy items new instead of their depreciated value, usually for only a small premium increase.
Related: Renters Coverage Calculator →