Renters Insurance in Ohio: What It Covers and What It Costs
Renters insurance in Ohio costs about $28 a month on average (about $336 a year), according to ValuePenguin's 2026 analysis of quotes from Ohio's 25 largest cities. For that, you get protection for your belongings, liability coverage if someone is hurt, and money for a hotel if your apartment becomes unlivable.
That average assumes $30,000 of personal property coverage, $100,000 of liability, $1,000 of medical payments and a $500 deductible.
Your landlord's insurance doesn't cover your things
A landlord's policy covers the building, not your furniture, laptop or clothes. It also won't pay if you accidentally cause damage or someone is injured in your unit. That's what renters insurance is for.
What renters insurance covers
- Personal property: your belongings after fire, smoke, theft, vandalism, windstorm, hail and many water leaks, often even when they're away from home
- Liability: if you're responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property, including a neighbor's unit
- Medical payments: small medical bills for guests hurt in your home, regardless of fault
- Loss of use: hotel and extra living costs while your rental is being repaired after a covered loss
What it doesn't cover
- Flood damage, which needs a separate flood policy
- Earthquakes
- Pest damage and wear and tear
- High-value items above the policy's sub-limits (jewelry, collectibles) unless you add a rider
How to choose the right amount
Walk through your home and estimate what it would cost to replace everything: furniture, electronics, clothes, kitchen items. Many renters are surprised it adds up to $20,000 or more. Choose replacement cost coverage, which pays to buy new items, instead of actual cash value, which pays only their depreciated value.
Ways to save
- Bundle with your car insurance; see our bundling guide
- Pick a higher deductible if you have savings
- Ask about discounts for smoke detectors, security systems and paying annually