Coverage options
For your belongings
As a renter, you likely have personal belongings worth considering coverage for. While your landlord's insurance typically covers the building structure, it generally doesn't cover your personal property. Renters insurance is designed to help address this gap by providing coverage for your belongings.
You have several coverage choices for your personal belongings. You can choose from two coverage levels:
Basic coverage (also called Broad Form coverage)
Basic coverage is designed to help cover your belongings for specific risks listed in your policy, including:
Fire or lightning
Theft or vandalism
Wind or hail
Freezing of plumbing
Spoilage of refrigerated products
Premier coverage (also called Risk of Direct Physical Loss coverage)
A broader coverage option. In addition to what the basic policy includes, coverage may also extend to accidents like:
Power surge damage to appliances
Damage from spilled paint
- Breakage of antiques1
Claim settlement options
You can also choose from the following claim settlement options:
Actual cash value is designed to help address the cost to repair or replace your belongings, minus depreciation.
Replacement cost is designed to help pay the cost to repair or replace your belongings at today's prices. For example, if a five-year-old TV is damaged in a covered loss, replacement cost coverage is designed to help pay for a comparable model at current prices, minus your deductible.
Liability and Medical Payments Coverage
Liability coverage
Liability coverage is automatically included with your renters insurance and is designed to help address costs if someone is injured on your property, you're responsible for damages to someone else's property, or you're sued for those injuries or damages and have legal defense costs. You can:
Choose liability limits up to $1 million
Add optional liability coverages (for in-home businesses, watercraft, etc.) for an additional cost
- Add a personal umbrella liability insurance policy if you need more than $1 million in coverage.2
Medical Payments coverage
Medical Payments Coverage may help address medical costs for others injured on your property. You can choose up to $25,000 in coverage.
More coverage options
Your situation may call for coverage beyond what the base policy includes. Additional options are available at an added cost.
Scheduled personal property for specific items
Some items are only covered up to specific limits. Some examples:
Jewelry, watches and furs: $2,500
Silverware, goldware and pewterware: $2,500
Money and other currency: $200
Firearms: $2,500
Watercraft (like boats, jet skis and trailers): $1,500
Recreational motor vehicles (like ATVs and 4-wheelers): $500
If you have questions about specific items, contact your representative to discuss whether additional coverage options may be appropriate.
Coverage for additional risks
The following risks aren't included with the base policy coverage, but additional coverage may be available for:
Identity theft
Earthquake damage
Sump pump failure and/or back-up of sewer or drain
Flood insurance
Renters insurance doesn't cover flood damage, and flood insurance may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). We can help connect you with coverage through the federal program if you qualify3.
Why renters insurance may be worth considering
A common misconception is that a landlord's property insurance covers tenants' belongings. Landlord policies typically cover only the building structure, leaving personal property without coverage unless renters have their own policy.
Personal property coverage for your belongings
The total value of personal belongings in a typical rental (furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchen items, etc.) can add up significantly. Without renters insurance, replacing damaged or stolen items after a covered event would be an out-of-pocket expense.
Liability coverage
If someone is injured in your rental or you accidentally damage someone else's property, you could be held legally responsible. Renters insurance liability coverage is designed to help address these costs, including potential legal defense expenses.
Often required by landlords
Many lease agreements require tenants to maintain renters insurance. Check your lease agreement to determine if renters insurance is required and what specific coverage amounts are needed.
Additional living expenses coverage
If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, additional living expenses coverage is designed to help address temporary housing and related costs while repairs are made or you find alternative housing.
Available discounts on renters insurance
Several discounts may help reduce the cost of your renters insurance policy.
Multi-Policy Discount
You could qualify for the Multi-Policy Discount if you have a renters policy and one of these policies or accounts with us:
Auto insurance
Life insurance
Disability income insurance
A COUNTRY Trust Bank account or Annuity product with a balance over $1,000
Welcome Discount
If you purchase a new Renters insurance policy, you will receive the Welcome Discount.
Loyalty Discount
The Loyalty Discount will apply to Renters insurance policies that have been in place for three years or more. This renters insurance discount starts automatically after the Welcome Discount expires.
Good Payer Discount
If you pay your bills on time, you could qualify for our Good Payer Discount on your Renters insurance policy as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
Claim Free Discount
If you don't have any renters insurance claims for five years in a row, you'll qualify for this discount on your Renters insurance policy.
Back-up System Discount
If you have added our Sump Pump Failure/Back-up of Sewer or Drain Coverage Endorsement on your Renters insurance policy and have one or more back-up systems in place, including a water pressure or battery back-up on your sump pump or a permanently installed generator, you may qualify for our Back-up System Discount.
Preferred Payment Discount
If you pay your renters insurance premium bill on an annual basis, you'll qualify for the Preferred Payment Discount.
Ready to start a renters insurance quote?
We'll help you find the renters insurance that works for you.
Frequently asked questions
While renters insurance isn't legally required in most situations, many landlords require tenants to carry renters insurance as a condition of the lease. Even when not required by a landlord, renters insurance may be worth considering if you own personal property you couldn't easily afford to replace out-of-pocket, or if you're concerned about potential liability exposure if someone is injured in your rental.
Renters insurance typically includes three main types of coverage:
Personal Property Coverage is designed to help cover your belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchenware, etc.) from covered perils like fire, theft, vandalism, wind, hail, and certain water damage.
Liability Coverage is designed to help address costs if you're held responsible for injuries to others or damage to others' property, including potential legal defense costs.
Additional Living Expenses Coverage (also called loss of use) is designed to help with temporary housing and related costs if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.
Note: Your landlord's insurance covers the building structure but typically doesn't cover your personal belongings or your liability exposure as a tenant.
The amount of renters insurance that may be appropriate depends on the total value of your personal belongings. To help determine this:
Inventory your belongings - Make a list or video of your possessions, including furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchen items, and other personal property
Estimate replacement costs - Determine what it would cost to replace these items at today's prices
Consider high-value items - Identify any items that may exceed standard policy limits (jewelry, electronics, collectibles)
Evaluate liability needs - Consider your potential liability exposure and whether standard limits are sufficient for your situation
Your COUNTRY Financial representative can help you determine appropriate coverage amounts based on your specific situation.
Many landlords and property management companies require tenants to maintain renters insurance as a condition of the lease agreement. Requirements vary by landlord; check your lease agreement for specifics on what coverage amounts may be required and any other conditions. Even if not required, renters insurance may still be worth considering.
Standard renters insurance typically doesn't cover:
Flood damage (flood insurance may be available through the NFIP)
Earthquake damage (available as an endorsement)
Damage caused by pests or vermin
Damage from lack of maintenance or wear and tear
A roommate's belongings (each renter needs their own policy)
Business property or liability (requires business insurance)
Certain high-value items above policy limits (may be addressed with endorsements)
Your vehicle (requires auto insurance)
Additional coverage options are available for some of these situations. Your representative can explain what's included in your policy and what additional coverage may be appropriate.
No. Renters insurance only covers the named policyholder's personal belongings. If you have a roommate, they would need their own separate renters insurance policy to cover their possessions and have their own personal liability coverage.
Renters insurance policies can typically be transferred to your new rental address. Contact your COUNTRY Financial representative when you know you'll be moving to:
Update your policy with the new address
Adjust coverage if needed based on the new rental property
Confirm your premium, which may change based on the new location
Contacting your representative before your move date may help maintain continuous coverage.
If you experience a covered loss, you can file a renters insurance claim by:
Calling 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879)
Filing online through your COUNTRY Financial account
Using the COUNTRY Financial mobile app
Contacting your local representative
When filing a claim, be prepared to provide:
Your policy number
Date and description of the loss
Photos or video of damage (if safe to document)
Police report (if applicable, such as for theft)
List of damaged or stolen items with estimated values
A claims representative will contact you to explain the next steps and guide you through the process.
COUNTRY Financial® is a family of affiliated companies (collectively, COUNTRY) located in Bloomington, IL. Learn more about who we are.
Home insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company® or COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.
Discounts and availability vary by state.
Alabama residents: Review the Alabama Bill of Rights for additional information.
1 May be subject to internal policy limits.
2 An auto policy may also be required.
3 Flood insurance policies are offered through CC Services, Inc., from various third-party carriers not affiliated with COUNTRY Financial®, in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program. The issuing carrier is responsible for all claims determination as well as claims paying ability. For more information about CC Services, Inc., read the License and Name Information in our full Terms & Conditions.
The descriptions provided are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute an insurance policy or to modify, amend, or extend the terms, conditions, or coverages of any insurance policy. Coverage, terms, limitations, and exclusions vary. For complete details, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or contact a COUNTRY Financial representative today.
For product and service information, read our Terms & Conditions. Read our full Financial Services Handbook.