Goodcover’s Complete Guide to Renters Insurance in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is home to over 900,000 residents, and many of them are choosing to rent. In fact, Census Bureau data shows over 56% of occupied homes in the city are rentals.

As a renter, it’s essential to understand how renters insurance in Columbus, Ohio, works so you’re prepared to handle any disasters.  

So, if you're currently renting or plan to sign a lease soon, you may have some questions. For instance, do Ohio landlords require insurance? What risks do renters face in the area? How much does basic protection cost, and what additional coverage options do you need?

This guide answers these common questions and more about renters insurance in Columbus, Ohio. 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Is Renters Insurance Required in Ohio?
• How Much Is Renters Insurance in Columbus, Ohio?
• What Does Renters Insurance Cover in Columbus?
• What Does Columbus Renters Insurance Not Cover?
• Top Resources for Tenants in Columbus

Is Renters Insurance Required in Ohio?

Ohio doesn't have a statewide mandate on renters insurance. But your landlord might still require you to have some sort of plan — usually liability coverage. Depending on your city, assets, and desired deductible, you may need to get $50,000-$500,000 in liability protection. 

In bigger cities, like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, you may need more coverage than if you’re renting a home in a small town. Don't let the big numbers scare you off, though. Liability coverage can be affordable and is included in all renters insurance policies. 

So, what does liability coverage protect against?

Say a visitor slips on a throw rug and falls. Your policy would help with your guest’s medical payments and your legal fees, if necessary.

But liability is just one part of your renters insurance. You also get personal property coverage and temporary housing assistance when you get a policy from one of the best renters insurance companies.

How Much Is Renters Insurance in Columbus, Ohio?

The average cost of renters insurance in Columbus, OH, is around $142 annually (or about $12 monthly). That includes $20,000 in personal property coverage and $100,000 in liability protection with a $500 deductible.

Compared to the national average ($159), these plans are affordable, and the costs are in line with other Midwest metro areas.

Of course, factors like your neighborhood risk profile, exact building type, and coverage amounts will affect your renters insurance rate. 

For example, if you live in an upscale downtown neighborhood, you’ll see higher insurance premiums than someone living in a quiet suburb.

Here’s what it costs to get Goodcover’s affordable renters insurance in Columbus, Ohio: 

And if you’re living with roommates, we encourage you to share a plan. That way, your insurance is more affordable, and you get to stay protected. In Ohio, Goodcover’s policies cover everyone on the lease – so get protected and save some cash at the same time.

Again, the amount of coverage you choose will impact the price. Picking higher coverage limits might mean higher premiums, but you’ll also get more protection. 

Likewise, choosing a lower deductible will raise your monthly rates. But you’ll also have smaller out-of-pocket costs when you make a claim on a covered loss down the road.

That’s why we recommend carefully evaluating your unique situation. For instance, if you have lots of special jewelry, it may make sense to purchase a more expensive plan. Or you could get extended coverage for specific items. 

What Does Renters Insurance Cover in Columbus?

Renters insurance coverage is your safety net if catastrophe strikes, providing critical financial backup and peace of mind when you need it most. For instance, your policy may cover some of the most common natural disasters in Cowtown, such as extreme heat, rainstorms, and snowstorms.

That would fall under property damage coverage. You also get liability coverage and temporary housing assistance.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage reimburses you if covered problems, like fires, freezing pipes, storms, or plumbing leaks, damage your possessions. 

For example, say lightning fries your appliances. Or an unexpected cold snap causes pipes to burst and ruin your clothes and furnishings. In either case, your policy may help pay to repair or replace your personal items.

It can also help in the case of break-ins or vandalism. Say someone breaks into your downtown apartment, steals your bicycle, and smashes your furniture. Your policy may help replace your personal belongings. With a 1 in 30 chance of experiencing property damage in Columbus, getting adequate coverage will protect you and your stuff.

Some insurance companies only offer the depreciated actual cash value (ACV) of lost or damaged items. But Goodcover pays the full replacement cost value (RCV), so you can replace your belongings more easily.

And if you’ve got extra valuable items you want to protect, such as an engagement ring, you can get SUPERGOOD extended coverage.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage supplies financial aid if you’re considered at fault for an unintentional injury or property damage. 

For example, you could break your neighbor’s window while trimming back an unruly tree in your backyard. Or a guest at your March Madness party could take a spill and twist their ankle. 

Your liability coverage may help pay the legal fees, settlements, and medical payments in situations like this. Without it, all of the costs would come out of your or your landlord’s pockets.

Even minor injuries can lead to medical expenses and litigation. Because of this, many landlords require liability protection.

Temporary Housing Assistance

If you’re temporarily displaced from your rental, the additional living expenses can add up. However, your policy’s temporary housing assistance can help pay the tab.

For example, if an electrical fire forces you to move out for weeks during repairs, this coverage will kick in. It may help pay for a short-term rental or a hotel room while you wait for your home to become habitable again. 

If you don’t have kitchen access and need to eat out more often, it can help with that, too. Plus, it may help cover public transit fees and other essential expenses that add up while you’re unable to stay in your home.

This coverage is also known as loss of use protection. It's there so you can focus on getting your life back to normal rather than worrying about finances after an emergency. 

What Does Columbus Renters Insurance Not Cover?

Your policy provides robust protection, but there are some scenarios renters insurance just doesn’t cover. Understanding these exclusions is vital — it helps you determine where you need more coverage and how much of it to get. 

For instance, if you have a car, you need separate auto coverage. And you can bundle and save on your renters and auto insurance through Goodcover Auto.

Plus, to get coverage for major natural disasters like flooding, earthquakes, and tornadoes, you’ll need a specialty plan. Any sort of intentional damage (also known as fraud) in your home won’t be covered by your renters policy, either. 

The same goes for accidental damage to your property. However, you can get Goodcover’s SUPERGOOD extended coverage to protect you in this instance. It also helps protect more expensive items, such as jewelry, cameras, and musical instruments.

Lastly, if you have a furry friend, you might need extra protection based on its breed. Many insurance companies exclude dog bites completely or certain breeds, like Dobermans, pit bulls, and rottweilers, from liability insurance claims. Goodcover does not restrict breeds — we love all of your furry family members.

At Goodcover, we typically protect against personal liability from dog bites up to $10,000. 

Top Resources for Tenants in Columbus

As a renter, it’s important to understand how your unique situation affects your Ohio renters insurance policy. We believe that’s how you can secure the best coverage for you.

Here’s a list of tenant resources so you can be better informed about renting and insurance in Columbus, Ohio:

• Franklin County Rent Assistance
• Columbus Housing and Renters Programs
• Insurance For Renters in Ohio
• Landlord Tenant Law in Ohio
• Ohio Tenants Resources

If you’d like to see what pricing is like with Goodcover, you can get a free, personalized renters insurance quote faster than you can pick the next show to binge on Netflix. 

Once you’re ready to switch, you can email your current plan to compare@goodcover.com. We’ll help you cancel your old plan and find the right coverage for you. No long phone calls with insurance agents, no fuss, and no uncertainty. 

Note: This post is meant for informational purposes; insurance regulation and coverage specifics vary by location and person. Check your policy for exact coverage information.

For additional questions, reach out to us – we’re happy to help.