How To Get Renters Insurance

How To Get Rental Insurance From The Hartford

From customizable coverage options to exclusive AARP member benefits, renters insurance from The Hartford helps protect what matters most. Plus, you can quickly and easily get a quote in minutes over the phone or online.
Author:
Lily DiGregorio
Lily DiGregorio,Staff copywriter
Lily DiGregorio
Staff copywriter specializing in auto and home insurance for The Hartford.
Updated: 06/03/2026
Read Time: 6 minutes
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Key Takeaways

  • Renters insurance helps protect you, your guests and your belongings from a wide range of events, making it a smart choice for many individuals.
  • The Hartford is here to make things easy, detailing six key steps to getting insurance and certain factors to consider.
  • We answer the question, “Where can I get renters insurance?” by outlining the fast and easy ways to get an AARP® Home Insurance from The Hartford1 policy.

Why Renters Insurance Is Beneficial

Whether it’s theft, weather damage or a guest twisting their ankle while visiting, knowing what renters insurance is and how it helps protect you and your things is key to ensuring you get the exact coverage you need. At The Hartford, we believe getting the right renters insurance policy for your lifestyle should be quick and simple, so we’ve broken down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
woman researching how do i get renters insurance online

6 Simple Steps for How To Buy Renters Insurance

Getting the coverage you need doesn’t have to be complicated. To keep things simple, we’ve listed these six essential steps to getting protection.

1. Understand What Your Landlord’s Insurance Does and Doesn’t Cover

Landlord insurance helps cover the building structure and shared spaces, like the roof or lobby, but not a renter’s personal belongings. In addition, landlord insurance doesn’t help protect you from liability risks or medical expenses after an accident, making renters insurance a necessary choice for peace of mind.
 

2. Learn the Basics of Renters Insurance Coverage Options

Renters insurance is typically made up of multiple coverages that work together to help protect you financially. For example:
 
  • Personal property coverage helps pay to repair or replace your belongings if they’re stolen or damaged.
  • Liability coverage helps cover legal costs if someone is injured in your rental and sues.
  • Loss of use coverage helps pay for temporary living expenses if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, like a fire.
You can also add optional endorsements for extra protection, such as higher limits for valuables.
Keep in Mind:
The types of coverage you choose and the limits you set directly affect how much protection you have and how much your renters insurance costs.
 

3. Take Inventory of Your Personal Belongings

Being prepared is key to ensuring you and your things are protected from unexpected events and accidents. One simple but effective way to do this is by creating a home inventory of your personal belongings. This includes noting items that you want to be sure are replaced if anything happens to them, like electronics, jewelry, art or furniture. If you can, include receipts or dates of purchase as well as the estimated or actual value. This will help ensure you have the right coverage amounts to fully cover your things.
 

4. Decide on Coverage Limits and Deductibles

When choosing personal property limits, estimate the total value of your belongings so you have enough coverage to repair or replace them after a covered loss. Liability limits should also be high enough to help protect you from potentially expensive legal or medical costs if someone is injured in your rental.
 
A deductible is what you pay out of pocket before insurance applies. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you’ll be subject to higher out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.
Tip:
Balancing your limits and deductible helps ensure you’re protected without paying more than you need to.
 

5. Compare Renters Insurance Providers and Discounts

Shopping around for quotes helps you see how coverage options and prices vary, so you’re not overpaying for protection you may not need or are underinsured. Pay close attention to limits, deductibles and any optional endorsements as they all influence your overall value and renters insurance cost.
 
It’s also wise to compare available discounts for bundling policies or having safety features like smoke alarms. These can help lower premiums without reducing coverage.
 

6. Request a Renters Insurance Quote and Start Your Coverage

With AARP Home Insurance from The Hartford, it’s quick and easy to start your coverage. Simply get a quote and purchase your policy online or call a representative at 877-422-2345.
The Hartford is available 24/7 if you need to file a claim for renters insurance.
 

Additional Considerations for Getting Renters Insurance

Other factors you may want to consider when getting renters insurance include:
 
  • Requirements from landlords: Make sure to check your lease, since some landlords may require proof of insurance or certain coverages on your policy.
  • If you have roommates: Understanding when you may want renters insurance for roommates or if you want your own policy is key to ensuring everyone has the protection they need.
  • Actual cash value versus replacement cost: If you need to replace your things after a covered loss, it’s important to know the difference between the actual cash value of your items versus replacement cost. Replacement cost is how much it would cost to replace your things at today’s prices, while actual cash value is the difference between a replacement cost value and depreciation, meaning it accounts for age, wear and tear.
  • Bundling discount potential: By bundling car and home insurance with The Hartford, you can save up to 12% on your auto policy and 20% on your renters insurance.**

What Do You Need When Getting Renters Insurance?

When shopping for renters insurance, it’s helpful to be prepared with key information:
 

Personal Information

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Email

Rental Home Information

  • Details about where you live, like whether you’re in an apartment unit or townhouse
  • Name of anyone who lives with you that you want to include on your policy, like a spouse

Policy Start Date

When you’re ready to purchase your policy, you can decide when you need it to start.
 

Insurance History

This can include things like:
 
  • Details about any covered losses or insurance claims you’ve filed in the recent past
  • The name of your most recent insurance company
  • The start and end dates of your most recent insurance policy

Safety Features

  • Burglar alarms
  • Fire or smoke alarms
  • Monitored security

Other Factors

  • Sometimes insurance companies will ask for the estimated distance to the nearest fire service.
  • In some cases, you’ll be asked whether you run a small business from your unit as you may need different coverage in that case.
  • You may not be asked while getting a quote, but it’s good to keep in mind the value of your personal belongings to assess if you want extended coverage.

What Documents Do You Need for Renters Insurance?

To get renters insurance, you’ll need to provide:
 
  • Basic information, like your name and location
  • Details about anyone you want included on the policy
  • Your current insurance company and coverage
If your landlord is requiring proof of renters insurance, the information may need to include your:
 
  • Name and address
  • Policy number
  • Insurance company and their contact information
  • Effective start and end dates for the policy
  • Coverages

What To Consider When Comparing Renters Insurance Providers

If you’re wondering how to find and choose renters insurance, we’ve compiled some key aspects to consider.

Your Coverage Needed

Taking advantage of customizable coverage options and additional endorsements to extend your protection is crucial to safeguarding yourself and your things. Make sure you fully understand what your policy does and does not help cover.

Your Limit

A limit is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay after a renters insurance claim. Be sure to pick limits high enough to protect you from unexpected (and expensive) costs.

Your Deductible

A home insurance deductible is an amount you must pay after a covered loss before insurance coverage kicks in. It directly impacts how much you’ll pay for insurance and for out-of-pocket expenses. Be sure to pick one that suits your budget.
couple researches how do you get renters insurance online

How Can I Get a Renters Insurance Quote Online With The Hartford?

For over 40 years, The Hartford has offered customizable renters insurance coverage options and exclusive benefits just for AARP members. With AARP Home Insurance from The Hartford, you can enjoy industry-leading customer service, savings and the confidence knowing you’re receiving specialized care for people 50 and older. Get a quote online in minutes or call The Hartford at 877-422-2345 today.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Do I Get Renters Insurance?

You can and should get your own renters insurance policy as most will not extend coverage to unrelated roommates.
In most cases, you can purchase your renters insurance online or over the phone with coverage starting the same day. Be sure to check with your insurer to confirm you won’t have any lapse in coverage.
You can be denied renters insurance for various reasons that may differ by insurance company, such as your location or past claims history.
Most renters insurance policies can take effect the same day you purchase coverage, but the best way to know for sure is to work with your insurance company directly.
Getting renters coverage if you live in an apartment is no different than if you live in a townhouse or condo. Simply start a renters insurance quote online or over the phone and answer the prompted questions.

Related Articles

** Average annual savings are based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford’s newest rate plan between 9/1/24 and 8/31/25. Average auto insurance savings $597 and average home insurance savings $366. Your savings may vary. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure. Auto/Home discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance program from The Hartford. The Hartford does not write new business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL.
 
§ Availability of RecoverCare benefit and benefit levels vary by state. The Hartford RecoverCare Advantage® is a registered mark of The Hartford.
 
§§ Terms and conditions apply.
 
‡ Terms and conditions apply. Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible are not available to CA policyholders.
 
‡‡ Terms and conditions apply. Availability varies by state.
 
‡‡‡ Based on one car and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and characteristics of vehicle(s)/driver(s).
 
Additional disclosures below.
AARP® Homeowners Insurance
Quick Links
FAQs
Coverages
Additional Resources
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. The Hartford does not write new Home business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.