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Renters insurance: Frequently asked questions

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Help Topics

  • About
  • Coverage
  • Policy
  • Claims

Help Topics

  • About
  • Coverage
  • Policy
  • Claims

About

What is Root?

We believe the services you need for everyday life should serve you better, so we’ve built a company that does that. We started by tackling the archaic car insurance industry. Through data and technology, we base car insurance rates on how people actually drive. The result is a more fair, more affordable, and much easier experience.

These same principles allow us to reimagine even more of the everyday services you need, like renters insurance. Seamless, affordable coverage for the things you value most—that’s what we deliver.

What is renters insurance?

Renters insurance protects you and your stuff when you rent your home. It can help with the  costs to replace your stuff if anything is ever damaged or stolen, and it can help protect you (and your wallet) if someone is ever injured on your property.

Do I need to have renters insurance?

That depends. Some landlords do require that you have renters insurance—and we make it easy to add your landlord to your policy right in the app. 

But even if its not required where you live, it’s still a pretty good idea. It’s cheap (like, really cheap—it starts as low as $6/month), and without it, you could be stuck paying a lot of money to replace your stuff if anything happened to it. And if someone gets hurt on your property, you could be on the hook for their medical bills, and those can add up quickly.

Coverage

Can I increase or reduce my coverages?

You can choose between three different plans when buying your renters insurance—Base, Essential, and Premier. Base offers the least amount of coverage and is the cheapest, while Premier offers more coverage at a higher price. If you’d like to change your coverage plan after you’ve purchased your policy, we can help you do that—just email us at help@joinroot.com.

What is Personal Property coverage?

Personal Property coverage helps cover the costs when something happens to your things, like storm damage and theft.

What is Personal Liability coverage?

Personal Liability coverage helps pay when you or a family member are legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage. We offer Personal Liability coverage as part of our renters insurance to help cover any medical expenses or legal costs.

Does renters insurance cover pets?

Pets are not covered as property, so your policy wouldn’t pay if they were injured. But, it would help pay for a human’s medical expenses if your dog bit someone.

Does renters insurance cover jewelry?

Yes. Jewelry is covered under Personal Property coverage. Root will pay up to $1500 total for jewelry, per claim. This is the max Root covers for jewelry, no matter what your Personal Property coverage limit is.

Does renters insurance cover things outside of my apartment?

Yes, renters insurance covers many of the items that you own, even if they’re not in your apartment. Have stuff in storage? That’s covered. Is your kid in college? Your kid’s stuff in their dorm room is covered. Have items with you when you’re traveling? They’re covered, too.

But renters doesn’t cover everything. For example, your car wouldn’t be covered, even if you own it. (To cover your car, get a free car insurance quote—you could save hundreds.)

Policy

How do I cancel my policy?

Renters insurance: To cancel your renters policy, you can call us at 1-866-980-9431.

Renters and car bundle: If you bundle car and renters, you can cancel your renters policy right in the app from your Renters Policy screen. Canceling your renters policy will not cancel your auto insurance policy. 

What if I move?

To update your address, you can call us at 1-866-980-9431. If you move to a state not covered by Root, you’ll need to cancel your renters policy.

Can roommates share renters insurance?

Nope. You cannot put a roommate on your renters insurance policy. You each have to have your own policies.

However, there are others who would be covered by your insurance:

  • Relatives who live with you

  • Someone under the age of 21 who is in your care

  • Someone under the age of 21 who is in the care of a relative who lives with you

  • A relative who is a student under the age of 24, if they’re enrolled in school full-time and lived in your home prior to moving out for school

  • Someone who is a student under the age of 21—in your care or in the care of a relative who lives with you—if they’re enrolled in school full-time and lived in your home prior to moving out for school

Claims

How do I file a claim?

To file a claim, call our claims department at 866-323-6867.

How fast will a claim be paid?

We’ll start working on your claim immediately. Every claim is different, but our goal is to complete your claim as quickly as possible.

How do I contact someone about renters insurance?

Shoot us an email at help@joinroot.com or give us a call at 1-866-980-9431. We’re here to help.

It’s your stuff. Protect it.

Get coverage for you and your stuff, starting at $6/month. Bundle with car insurance to save even more.

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Root Inc.

80 E. Rich Street

Suite 500

Columbus, OH 43215

Copyright ROOT 2024. ROOT is a registered servicemark of Root Insurance Company, Columbus, OH. Disclaimer for quotes: We reserve the right to refuse to quote any individual a premium rate for the insurance advertised herein. Disclaimer for coverage: Coverage is available in the event of a covered loss. Exclusions may apply. Not available in all states. Disclaimer for savings: Based on savings reported by actual customers who purchased a new Root policy between October 2019 - July 2020; changes in coverage levels not evaluated. For California residents: Telematics is not used and resulting represented savings are not applicable. Referral program not applicable. Roadside Assistance purchased as separate coverage. Visit joinroot.com/califaq for more information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.