North Carolina Renters Insurance

Is renters insurance required in North Carolina?

No, renters insurance isn’t required by state law in North Carolina. But many landlords do require renters insurance, also known as tenants insurance, as part of a lease agreement. Requiring renters insurance can help landlords in case of a dispute with a tenant over damage caused by something like a fire or storm. The landlord’s insurance covers the structure of the rental you live in but not generally your personal belongings like furniture, television or clothing. So, if a fire scorches your couch or a thief takes your computer, you’re on the hook for repairing or replacing your things.

What does renters insurance cover in North Carolina?

Renters insurance generally provides three main types of coverage in case of a fire, burglary, vandalism and other events.

• Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace your personal belongings if they are stolen, damaged or destroyed in a covered event like a house fire.
• Liability coverage helps protect your financial assets if another person is injured or their property is damaged, they sue you and you’re at fault.
• Loss of use coverage pays for rent, food and other costs if you have to live somewhere else because your rental unit is damaged in a covered event.

But be aware that some major risks are not covered in standard North Carolina renters insurance policies. Flooding is one of North Carolina’s most common hazards, but flood damage isn’t covered; separate flood insurance is available. In hurricane-prone areas along the coast, damage caused by such megastorms needs extra coverage for the main risks: wind and hail (the same is true for homeowners). A Farmers^® representative can walk you through the available options in North Carolina.

Typical renters insurance policies in North Carolina cover damage caused by:

• Windstorms
• Hail 
• Lightning strikes 
• Fire 
• Vandalism and theft 
• Explosions 
• Falling objects 
• The weight of snow or ice

How much is renters insurance in North Carolina?

The cost of your renters insurance depends on several factors, including:

• Where you live
• How much coverage you want
• What types of coverage you choose
• Your deductible

Even after customizing your policy, you can lower costs with money-saving discounts on insurance in North Carolina offered by Farmers. You may qualify for discounts if you buy multiple policies, or install a smoke detector or sprinkler. Ask your Farmers representative about renters insurance discounts in North Carolina.

Is renters insurance worth having in North Carolina?

Even if you don’t own a lot, what you do have can be worth protecting. If you splurged on a high-end bike and it disappears from the rack outside your favorite cafe, renters insurance can pay to replace it. Without renters insurance, repairing or replacing your belongings is up to you if something happens.