Is renters insurance required in Arkansas?
No. In Arkansas, the law doesn’t require you to have renters insurance. But landlords often do require it as part of a lease agreement. It may help pay for another person’s medical bills or repairs to their property if you’re found legally responsible for their injuries or property damage. Renters liability coverage may also help cover your legal expenses if you’re sued over an incident that occurs in the place you’re renting. Keep in mind that your landlord’s insurance provides coverage for the building itself, but this likely does not include your personal belongings.
What does Arkansas renters insurance typically cover?
Typically, renters insurance policies in Arkansas can provide coverage against damage to or loss of personal belongings if caused by:
- Fire
- Vandalism and theft
- Lightning strikes
- Wind
- Hail
- Explosions
- Falling objects
- The weight of snow or ice
Floods, which are common in parts of Arkansas, are not covered, but special flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may be available for renters.
How much does renters insurance generally cost in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, renters insurance can cost as little as $18.50 a month (or $222 per year) for around $35,0001 in coverage, more than the national average, according to 2021 data (the most recent available) from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Of course, insurance premiums in most states have changed since then. In addition, what you pay may be different depending on things like how much personal property you decide to cover, what deductible you choose and risks specific to your location.
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Learn From Experience
Do you have more questions about renters insurance? We have answers.
Even though you’re just getting started, your personal possessions are probably worth more than you realize. Now imagine you have to run out and replace everything at today’s prices. That’s going to be a very expensive shopping trip — unless you have renters insurance to help cover the cost.
Your renters policy helps cover the contents of your apartment for a number of perils — including theft. If someone walks off with your laptop or sound system, your policy can help cover the cost to go out and buy a new one.
The amount of coverage you should consider getting depends on the combined value of all your personal possessions. Make a written inventory of what you brought into the place. Now think of what it would cost to replace everything with new merchandise at current prices.