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Search by Quote ID → Search by Date of BirthWhat is Renters Insurance?
Renters insurance is a form of protection that provides assistance whenever the unexpected occurs. In Texas, where tornadoes, heatwaves, and other extreme weather conditions are common, having renters insurance can provide invaluable protection against potential damage or loss of personal property. Additionally, renters insurance extends coverage to personal liability and additional living expenses in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
Mercury Insurance offers some of the cheapest renters insurance rates in Texas without compromising quality coverage. Whether you’re renting an apartment outside of Houston or living in a modern loft in the heart of Dallas, you can get a policy tailored to your specific needs at a price that fits your budget.
Get a fast, free quote today and discover how easy and affordable safeguarding yourself and your valuables is.
Texas Renters Coverage
Items and Expenses Covered by Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is designed to protect your personal belongings and cover certain expenses in the event of a loss. It’s important to understand the specifics of rental insurance, especially in the Lone Star State, where everything from heat waves to severe winter storms can occur. Here are some of the primary items and expenses renters insurance typically covers in Texas:
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Personal belongings: Renters insurance covers personal property, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances, in the event of covered losses. Many policies extend coverage to belongings outside the rented premises, offering protection for items stolen from your car or while traveling. However, if you have jewelry, antiques, fine art, or other high-value items, you may need additional coverage to protect these valuables.
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Liability protection: If someone gets injured on your rented property or if you accidentally damage someone else's property, your rental insurance can cover the associated legal and medical costs, including court judgments, legal fees, and medical bills.
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Additional living expenses: If your rented home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, renters insurance can cover associated costs, including hotel bills, meals, and other expenses incurred while your home is being repaired.
Incidents Covered by Renters Insurance
The specific incidents covered can vary among insurance providers, but several common perils are usually included in standard renters insurance policies in Texas.
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Fire and smoke: Any damage or loss resulting from a fire or smoke, whether it originates in your own unit or a neighboring unit, is typically covered. This would include damage to your belongings and any necessary temporary living expenses while repairs are being made.
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Theft and vandalism: If your personal belongings are stolen from your rental unit or vandalized, renters insurance will typically cover the cost to replace or repair them. This coverage often extends to items stolen from your vehicle or while traveling.
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Water damage: Rental insurance typically covers water damage from internal sources, such as a burst pipe or an overflowing bathtub.
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Severe weather damage: With Texas being prone to severe weather, renters insurance often includes coverage for damage caused by windstorms, hail, lightning, and the weight of ice, sleet, or snow.
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Visitor injuries: If someone gets injured in your rental unit and you’re found legally responsible, your renters coverage can help cover the associated medical and legal costs.
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Falling objects: Damage caused by falling objects such as tree limbs is usually included in renters insurance coverage.
What Renters Insurance Doesn’t Cover
While renters insurance in Texas provides comprehensive coverage for a variety of incidents, certain events and items aren't typically covered, including:
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Floods: The risk of certain natural disasters like floods and hurricanes is high in Texas. However, standard renters insurance doesn’t typically cover flood-related damages. Consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy if you live in a flood-prone area, especially along the Gulf of Mexico.
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Earthquakes: Standard rental insurance usually doesn't cover damages caused by earthquakes. While earthquakes may not be a daily concern in Texas, the state is not immune to seismic activity. Consider purchasing a separate policy if you live in an area susceptible to this risk.
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Damage caused by pests, rodents, and vermin: Many insurance companies consider infestations preventable, so renters insurance usually won't cover this damage. In Texas, where the warm climate can attract various pests and rodents, it's important to take preventative measures to protect your property against potential damage.
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Business activities: If you run a business from your rental home, your renters insurance likely won't cover business-related losses or liability. You’ll need a separate business insurance policy for that.
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Intentional damage: If you or someone covered by your policy intentionally damages your property, your renters insurance won't cover it.
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Motor vehicles: While renters insurance can cover items stolen from your car, it doesn't cover the car itself. For that, you'll need a separate auto insurance policy.
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Cyber-related losses: Given the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, you might consider purchasing separate coverage for cyber-related incidents. This could protect you from losses associated with computer or home system attacks, cyber extortion, and online fraud.
Why Is My Landlord Asking for Me to Get Renters Insurance?
In Texas, rental insurance is not legally required by the state. However, landlords have the right to require tenants to carry renters insurance as part of the lease agreement. If you're asked to get renters insurance, here are some potential reasons:
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Landlord liability: If someone gets injured in your rental unit and you're found to be responsible, your renters policy can cover the medical expenses and legal fees. This helps to protect your landlord from being held financially responsible for these costs.
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Prevention of damage claims: While landlords in Texas are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the rental property, they’re not responsible for your personal belongings. If a disaster such as a fire damages the rental property, your landlord's insurance will cover the structural damages, but not your personal property. Renters insurance can cover the cost of replacing your belongings, so you won't need to seek compensation from your landlord.
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Recovering damage costs: If you accidentally cause damage to your rental unit, such as a fire or water damage, your landlord's insurance will cover the cost of repairing the property. However, the landlord will first have to pay a deductible. If you have renters insurance, your landlord can recover the deductible from your insurance company, so they’re not going out of pocket for your mistake.
Get Cheap Renters Insurance in Texas from Mercury
At Mercury, we understand the diverse needs of renters across the vast state of Texas. Our renters insurance policies are designed to provide reliable protection for you and your personal property, ensuring you're covered after any unexpected event, no matter where you reside in the Lone Star State.
Save More with Discounts
Mercury offers affordable renters insurance with options to fit various budgets. We also provide discounts to help you save even more on your policy, including our home and auto bundle discount and our paid-in-full discount, where you can save up to 10% by paying your entire yearly premium upfront.
Your Questions About Affordable Renters Insurance in Texas – Answered
What is the average renters insurance cost in Texas?
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, the average cost of renters insurance in Texas is $20 per month.
What is the cheapest rental insurance in Texas?
Mercury offers some of the cheapest renters insurance rates in Texas because of its wide range of coverage options and numerous discount opportunities. By bundling renters and auto insurance, you can enjoy significant savings. Additionally, you can save up to 10% of your policy by paying your annual premium upfront. These cost-saving measures and Mercury’s competitive pricing make it a preferred choice for many Texans needing reliable, affordable renters insurance.
Is it illegal to not have renters insurance in Texas?
No, it’s not illegal to not have renters insurance in Texas. However, many landlords and property management companies require you to carry renters insurance as part of their lease agreement.
What Mercury Insurance products are available to Texas residents?
Mercury offers several products to Texas residents, including:
How do I find a Mercury agent in Texas?
Visit our Texas Insurance Agents page and look for options in your area, or get a free quote online today!