Finding the Best Renters Insurance in Alabama
Many Alabamians rent their house or apartment. If you’re a renter in Alabama, you might be asking if getting renters insurance is a good idea. The first thing to do is look at what this type of insurance has to offer you and your home. Your landlord’s insurance is likely focused on protecting their investment with coverage for the rental property as a whole. Their insurance may cover appliances and fixtures that came with your unit or house, but it will not cover your personal belongings or damages you are responsible for. Consider the cost of replacing your most valuable possessions, finding somewhere else to live, or doing major repairs to your home – can you afford that financial burden? If the answer is no, renters insurance has you covered. Renters insurance protects you from personal liability, covered events like theft and fire, and even from paying additional living costs if your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable and you need to live elsewhere. For some, this peace of mind is priceless, but many Alabamians worry about the cost of renters insurance. We’re here to help you find renters insurance in your area that meets your financial and coverage needs.
| Renters Insurance Costs in Alabama | Rates |
|---|---|
| Avg. Rate of Renters Insurance in Alabama Annually | $227.52 |
| Avg. Rate of Renters Insurance in Alabama Per Month | $18.96 |
A Bird's-Eye View of Renters Insurance in Alabama
Alabama is ranked the 3rd the most expensive state for renters insurance, coming in well above the national average. In other words, getting renters insurance in Alabama isn’t cheap. On top of that, 45% of renters in Alabama are considered “cost-burdened”, spending more than 30% of their income on rent. The average cost for renters insurance in Alabama is $X.XX per month or $X.XX per year. Most cities in Alabama have comparable rates. Pelham is one of the lowest-priced cities for renters insurance at $X.XX per month or $X.XX per year, while Foley tops out the list at $X.XX per month or $X.XX per year. Cost is always a concern, but insurance prices aren’t fixed, even within a city. Insurers calculate renters insurance rates using many factors, only one of which is location. To get the most affordable rates while still meeting your coverage requirements, be sure to look at what factors insurance providers consider when making quotes.
| City in Alabama | Costs Per Month for Renters Insurance | Average Costs Per Year for Renters Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | $21.39 | $256.64 |
| Montgomery, AL | $19.96 | $239.52 |
| Huntsville, AL | $21.11 | $253.28 |
| Mobile, AL | $32.09 | $385.12 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $21.23 | $254.72 |
| Hoover, AL | $18.03 | $216.32 |
| Dothan, AL | $22.21 | $266.56 |
| Auburn, AL | $20.04 | $240.48 |
| Decatur, AL | $22.04 | $264.48 |
| Madison, AL | $20.76 | $249.12 |
| Florence, AL | $23.12 | $277.44 |
| Phenix City, AL | $21.12 | $253.44 |
| Prattville, AL | $20.05 | $240.64 |
| Gadsden, AL | $23.96 | $287.52 |
| Vestavia Hills, AL | $18.51 | $222.08 |
| Alabaster, AL | $18.64 | $223.68 |
| Opelika, AL | $20.57 | $246.88 |
| Enterprise, AL | $22.23 | $266.72 |
| Bessemer, AL | $22.80 | $273.60 |
| Daphne, AL | $35.31 | $423.68 |
| Athens, AL | $22.16 | $265.92 |
| Northport, AL | $21.09 | $253.12 |
| Homewood, AL | $21.95 | $263.36 |
| Pelham, AL | $17.19 | $206.24 |
| Trussville, AL | $19.72 | $236.64 |
| Fairhope, AL | $36.24 | $434.88 |
| Anniston, AL | $23.29 | $279.52 |
| Albertville, AL | $25.57 | $306.88 |
| Prichard, AL | $32.12 | $385.44 |
| Oxford, AL | $23.04 | $276.48 |
| Mountain Brook, AL | $18.44 | $221.28 |
| Helena, AL | $17.73 | $212.80 |
| Troy, AL | $21.43 | $257.12 |
| Foley, AL | $36.37 | $436.48 |
| Tillmans Corner, AL | $35.51 | $426.08 |
| Selma, AL | $24.20 | $290.40 |
| Center Point, AL | $23.32 | $279.84 |
| Cullman, AL | $23.96 | $287.52 |
| Millbrook, AL | $20.45 | $245.44 |
| Hueytown, AL | $23.13 | $277.60 |
| Talladega, AL | $23.71 | $284.48 |
| Saraland, AL | $33.55 | $402.56 |
| Alexander City, AL | $21.25 | $255.04 |
| Hartselle, AL | $22.52 | $270.24 |
| Scottsboro, AL | $25.35 | $304.16 |
| Calera, AL | $18.67 | $224.00 |
| Ozark, AL | $22.24 | $266.88 |
| Muscle Shoals, AL | $23.29 | $279.52 |
| Gardendale, AL | $19.92 | $239.04 |
| Fort Payne, AL | $25.25 | $303.04 |
Is Renters Insurance Required in Alabama
In Alabama, renters insurance isn’t mandatory. A tenant may decide if they want to purchase renters insurance unless the landlord includes it in their rental contract, in which case the tenant must buy renters insurance to live at that property. Despite being optional, renters insurance is often a good idea. Unlike in many states, Alabamians can’t withhold rent if the landlord doesn’t make important repairs. If you have an irresponsible landlord, it’s even better to get insured against anything that might happen inside your home. If the landlord doesn’t keep on top of important repairs, like a leaky roof or broken heater, your personal property could get damaged, or your home may even become uninhabitable as a result of this negligence. In extreme cases like this, you could likely sue the landlord for damages, but in the meantime, you’d be faced with a significant financial burden. Renters insurance provides coverage for your personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses. You can prepare for getting insurance quotes and submitting future claims by doing an inventory of your valuables. No one expects damages, losses, or injuries, but it’s best to be covered if and when these events happen.
How Much is Renters Insurance in Alabama
Unfortunately, when it comes to getting low-cost renters insurance in Alabama, not everything is in your control. Renters in Alabama tend to pay higher insurance premiums; it has one of the top home theft rates in the country and because damage from hurricanes and flooding is common. Renters insurance rates can also be quite different from city to city. From big cities like Birmingham and Montgomery to smaller ones like Fairhope, you'll see a big change in renter insurance averages. We've collected information on average renters insurance costs for each city in Alabama, so you can get an idea of what your quote might look like. Keep in mind that your actual quote may differ because your city is just one of the many factors that go into deciding insurance rates. Your home's construction and age, financial history, deductible, and more can impact the cost of your renter's insurance in Alabama.
| Price of Renters Insurance in Alabama by County | Rate Per Month | Rate Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Autauga County, AL | $21.02 | $252.20 |
| Baldwin County, AL | $27.82 | $333.80 |
| Barbour County, AL | $22.87 | $274.40 |
| Bibb County, AL | $20.90 | $250.80 |
| Blount County, AL | $22.18 | $266.20 |
| Bullock County, AL | $25.27 | $303.20 |
| Butler County, AL | $22.77 | $273.20 |
| Calhoun County, AL | $21.62 | $259.40 |
| Chambers County, AL | $21.10 | $253.20 |
| Cherokee County, AL | $22.88 | $274.60 |
| Chilton County, AL | $20.30 | $243.60 |
| Choctaw County, AL | $23.67 | $284.00 |
| Clarke County, AL | $23.38 | $280.60 |
| Clay County, AL | $21.42 | $257.00 |
| Cleburne County, AL | $21.15 | $253.80 |
| Coffee County, AL | $22.48 | $269.80 |
| Colbert County, AL | $21.70 | $260.40 |
| Conecuh County, AL | $23.60 | $283.20 |
| Coosa County, AL | $21.17 | $254.00 |
| Covington County, AL | $24.02 | $288.20 |
| Crenshaw County, AL | $22.67 | $272.00 |
| Cullman County, AL | $21.23 | $254.80 |
| Dale County, AL | $21.82 | $261.80 |
| Dallas County, AL | $23.95 | $287.40 |
| Dekalb County, AL | $22.45 | $269.40 |
| Elmore County, AL | $20.03 | $240.40 |
| Escambia County, AL | $25.48 | $305.80 |
| Etowah County, AL | $21.32 | $255.80 |
| Fayette County, AL | $22.65 | $271.80 |
| Franklin County, AL | $23.05 | $276.60 |
| Geneva County, AL | $23.77 | $285.20 |
| Greene County, AL | $26.17 | $314.00 |
| Hale County, AL | $21.87 | $262.40 |
| Henry County, AL | $21.73 | $260.80 |
| Houston County, AL | $21.65 | $259.80 |
| Jackson County, AL | $22.38 | $268.60 |
| Jefferson County, AL | $20.55 | $246.60 |
| Lamar County, AL | $22.23 | $266.80 |
| Lauderdale County, AL | $22.33 | $268.00 |
| Lawrence County, AL | $22.78 | $273.40 |
| Lee County, AL | $19.37 | $232.40 |
| Limestone County, AL | $20.65 | $247.80 |
| Lowndes County, AL | $25.37 | $304.40 |
| Macon County, AL | $22.32 | $267.80 |
| Madison County, AL | $20.67 | $248.00 |
| Marengo County, AL | $22.38 | $268.60 |
| Marion County, AL | $23.82 | $285.80 |
| Marshall County, AL | $22.25 | $267.00 |
| Mobile County, AL | $28.18 | $338.20 |
| Monroe County, AL | $24.25 | $291.00 |
| Montgomery County, AL | $19.77 | $237.20 |
| Morgan County, AL | $20.95 | $251.40 |
| Perry County, AL | $26.17 | $314.00 |
| Pickens County, AL | $21.65 | $259.80 |
| Pike County, AL | $21.62 | $259.40 |
| Randolph County, AL | $21.67 | $260.00 |
| Russell County, AL | $21.52 | $258.20 |
| Shelby County, AL | $18.40 | $220.80 |
| St. Clair County, AL | $21.05 | $252.60 |
| Sumter County, AL | $25.12 | $301.40 |
| Talledega County, AL | $21.42 | $257.00 |
| Tallapoosa County, AL | $20.13 | $241.60 |
| Tuscaloosa County, AL | $20.95 | $251.40 |
| Walker County, AL | $24.60 | $295.20 |
| Washington County, AL | $30.52 | $366.20 |
| Wilcox County, AL | $24.43 | $293.20 |
| Winston County, AL | $25.32 | $303.80 |
What Does Renters Insurance Cover in Alabama
The amount of coverage you're seeking will influence the cost of your insurance plan. The very least your renter's insurance in Alabama will cover is a personal liability (typically up to $100,000), your personal belongings, and loss of use. There are two basic types of coverage: actual cost value and replacement cost, both of which can pay up to a specified policy limit. Actual cost value repairs or replaces your belongings for their value minus depreciation. Replacement cost coverage, on the other hand, will simply replace your lost or damaged belongings. For example, you would get a new sound system even if yours was a few years old and worth much less today. Personal liability coverage protects you financially from claims for damage to others property or bodily injury. Loss of use coverage helps pay for additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event. These basic coverages may be enough for your needs, or you may seek additional coverage. For example, Alabama faces a variety of natural hazards such as tornadoes, floods, and winter storms. More than the average amount of flooding occurs in Alabama, but standard policies don't cover it. You might consider purchasing extra coverage for floods or other uncovered events.
Best Renters Insurance Companies in Alabama Based on Consumer Ratings
There are a lot of resources available to point you toward the best renters insurance companies in Alabama. For example, JD Power conducts consumer studies to determine the rankings of renters insurance companies, while NAIC’s complaint index compares a company’s performance to others in the market. State Farm is one such company, having served as one of the country’s top insurance providers for over 50 years. JD Power’s rating reflects this legacy, giving State Farm a 4 out of 5. NAIC assigned State Farm a complaint ratio of only 0.2. USAA received the highest JD Power rating in the state with a 5, while Nationwide gets the lowest at 2. The insurer with the lowest NAIC complaint ratio in The Yellowhammer State is COUNTRY, with 0.13, compared to Liberty Mutual’s 0.53, the highest complaint ratio in the state. A company with a low complaint ratio points toward better customer service, while a high JD Power rating indicates high overall customer satisfaction. Things like coverage offerings, plan pricing, customer service, and the claims process can all impact reported satisfaction. We’ve assembled these ratings for your convenience in the table below, but you may want to look for more details on why each company received their rating.
| Alabama Renters Insurer | JD Power Rating | NAIC Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 3/5 | 0.31 |
| Farmers Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 3/5 | 0.39 |
| Liberty Mutual Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 2/5 | 0.53 |
| Nationwide Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 2/5 | 0.31 |
| State Farm Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 4/5 | 0.2 |
| Travelers Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 2/5 | 0.3 |
| USAA Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 5/5 | 0.15 |
| MetLifeC Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 3/5 | 0.19 |
| Alfa Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | N/A | 0 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co. Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 4/5 | 0.21 |
| Centauri Insurance Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | N/A | 0 |
| Cincinnati Insurance Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | N/A | 0.18 |
| COUNTRY Ratings for Renters Insurance in Alabama | 3/5 | 0.13 |
Compare Renters Insurance in Alabama for the Best Rates
Figuring out what you want from a renters insurance policy is step one. Gathering information about your belongings, rented home or apartment, and belongings help prepare you for getting an accurate quote. The next step is to look at multiple providers and compare their offerings and pricing for renters insurance in Alabama. How do you get the best possible quote from these companies? If you want to get the most affordable renters insurance in Alabama for your needs, you’ll want to get familiar with the available discounts. JD Power found that people who bundle their home or renters insurance with their auto insurance have higher satisfaction. Bundling often leads to policy discounts and better communication with your insurance company. If you’ve never had a claim before, certain providers will offer claim-free discounts that can save you up to 20% on your premiums. Some companies will also provide a small discount for setting your payments to be automatically withdrawn from your bank account. Referring a friend or family member to your chosen provider could result in a discount or other bonuses. There are many opportunities to save; speak with an insurance agent to find out which discounts and promotions you’re eligible for based on your unique circumstances.