Renters Insurance in Baltimore

Whether you were born a Baltimorean or are a recent transplant, getting renters insurance in Baltimore is a pro move to protect the things you care about.

Let’s get into the basics of renters insurance coverage in Baltimore, and go through some scenarios of where it could really come in handy.

What does renters insurance cover in Baltimore?

Let’s break down the components of what your policy covers and your coverage options. Here are the main types of coverage you’ll want to know about:

Personal Property

‘Personal property’ coverage makes sure your personal belongings are protected, whether you’re relaxing at your apartment or off traipsing across Europe. So if your living room furniture is ruined due to water damage from that burst pipe, or your phone is stolen while you’re taking a trip to Paris, your renters insurance policy has your back.

Loss of Use

What about if disaster strikes? If you can’t stay at your home because of covered losses (like a fire or windstorm), your ‘loss of use’ coverage provides reimbursements for temporary housing and additional living expenses such as food, laundry, hotel parking, and more.

Liability coverage

If someone is injured in your apartment, or anyone on your policy causes damage to someone else’s property or stuff, your insurance company should have things like legal fees and property damage covered.

Medical Protection

Your insurance provider covers medical expenses if your guests get injured at your place, or if you accidentally hurt people outside of your home as well. Note that your renters insurance policy does not cover medical payments if you or your roommates are injured—only non-residents and guests.

Is renters insurance required in Baltimore?

Renters insurance is not required by law in Baltimore, but your individual landlord might specifically require it. And if your lease specifies that you need renters insurance, well… that’s that.

Even if it isn’t required, safeguarding your stuff with renters insurance is still arguably a good idea. For example, if a burglar sneaks into your apartment while you’re traveling and steals your valuables, renters insurance can help cover the costs to replace your stolen items. And perils like burglary and theft in Baltimore might be more common than you’d think. There’s an average of 1,220 burglaries and 2,795 thefts in Baltimore per year for every 100,000 residents, according to usa.com*.

The good news is that it’s easy to sign up for a renters insurance policy with Lemonade, and you’ll thank yourself later if your stuff gets stolen or damaged! When signing up for Maryland renters insurance, your landlord might request they be added as an ‘interested party’ on your policy. This just means they’ll be kept in the loop when you make any changes to your renters insurance coverage —or if you cancel your policy. It’s super easy to add them using the Lemonade app.

How much does renters insurance cost in Baltimore?

The average monthly cost of renters insurance in Baltimore is $18, according to ValuePenguin. That’s 12% more than the average cost in the state of Maryland.

Did you know that the cost of Lemonade renters insurance across the US is around $14 a month, with policies starting as little as $5/month? It’s important to keep in mind that your policy price depends on a lot of factors—like where you live, your deductible, and the actual amount of coverage you need.

But the truth is, the best way to get a sense for how much you’ll pay for renters insurance is to build a quote. Click below to get started.

What’s the right amount of renters insurance coverage to get in Baltimore?

There’s no easy answer to that question, and it depends on how much stuff you have to cover, and what it’s worth. As we discussed above, your policy has a few main categories: Contents (your stuff); Loss of Use (temporary living expenses); and then personal liability and medical bills.

You’re able to set the coverage limits for these categories when you sign up for a Lemonade policy. Lower coverage limits might save you a few bucks on your monthly premiums—but they might also leave you with insufficient coverage when you have to make a claim. You’ll also need to figure out your deductible. It’s a balancing act, and one that requires you to think about your property and lifestyle. Take a few minutes to apply to see your renters insurance quote to get a sense of your insurance options.

Also, if you’ve got valuables that are especially pricey or important—things like engagement rings, fancy cameras, musical instruments, or artworks—you can add ‘scheduled personal property coverage’ for those items. At Lemonade we simply call it ‘Extra Coverage’—here’s a bunch more info about that.

Who needs renters insurance in Baltimore?

All renters in Baltimore should get renters insurance, since it offers vital financial protection at a very low cost.

Like we mentioned above, your landlord or property manager may require renters insurance, but there are so many scenarios where you’d be grateful to have your stuff covered in Baltimore with renters insurance.

You’re a college student

Renters insurance provides college students who live off campus a safety net, ensuring you can focus on your studies without the worry of unexpected financial burdens from things like theft or accidents.

Picture this: You drive down to an off-campus coffee shop for some much needed brain fuel during exams cramming. You park your car and head inside, leaving your laptop and AirPods Max on the passenger seat. While you’re inside waiting for your matcha latte, a thief smashes your passenger window and steals your electronics.

Having car insurance that includes comprehensive coverage covers the broken car window, but you’d need renters insurance to get reimbursed for the things that were stolen from the car.

You’re engaged or married

It’s easy to cover your engagement ring, wedding ring, or just about any piece of jewelry with a renters insurance policy.

At Lemonade, $1,500 worth of jewelry is insured in the base plan for theft. In other words, the total cost of all your jewelry is covered only up to $1,500 if someone comes in to take your stuff. But you’ll likely need more coverage than that to fully protect your new bling.

You can also purchase Extra Coverage (also known as scheduling) to cover just about any damage to your engagement ring—except normal wear and tear—up to its full value. That means that if the ring gets lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get it replaced, without paying a deductible.

To include Extra Coverage for your engagement ring on a Lemonade Renters policy, you’ll just need to submit some simple documentation on the Lemonade app.

If you chip your sparkler on a V5 route at the bouldering gym, or it gets swiped from the gym locker while you’re in the shower, you’ll wish you’d said “I do” to Extra Coverage.

You’re a hobbyist

Renters insurance can help safeguard your stuff when you have a passion or hobby that includes expensive gear or valuable items—like a camera, musical instrument, or art.

Imagine you just bought a GoPro Hero 11 for a leisure scuba diving excursion in the Philippines. A standard renters insurance policy covers your camera against named perils like theft, fire, or vandalism.

But if a Parrot fish gets too friendly with the camera and bites the lenses of your GoPro, leaving it with the crack, you’ll need Extra Coverage to help with the costs to get your cracked camera repaired or replaced.

You’re a diehard cyclist

Bikes are more than just a vehicle, they’re a lifestyle. But have you considered how renters insurance can be a vital ally for your cycling passion?

Picture this: You cover your high-end road bike that you use for daily commutes and weekend adventures and store your bike in your apartment’s shared garage. One morning you head to the garage to get your wheels out for a leisure Saturday ride, only to discover it’s been stolen. Your renters insurance steps in to save the day, helping cover the cost to replace your stolen bike.

If your bike is stolen or vandalized while it’s in your home, garage, or even while you’re out and about, Lemonade renters insurance can help cover the cost of replacement or repair. Meaning you can get back to riding without the heavy burden of an unexpected financial hit.

But what about accidents while you’re cycling? If you accidentally collide with a pedestrian or damage someone’s property with your bike, your policy’s personal liability coverage could cover the other person’s resulting medical or repair bills.

Plus, when you add Extra Coverage for your road bike, your ride will be covered for just about anything except for wear and tear, without a deductible. But it’s best to check your policy for details of what is and isn’t covered.

You’re a pet parent

Your renters policy’s personal liability coverage could help cover medical expenses of another dog or person related to a dog bite if your dog bites them, as well as additional damages. That’s one of the many reasons why pet parents should get renters insurance.

Renters insurance won’t cover your pets medical expenses though (that’s where pet insurance comes in).

How can I lower the cost of renters insurance in Baltimore?

Here are a few ways that you can save on your renters insurance payments with Lemonade.

1. Bundle your Lemonade insurance policies

One of the easiest ways to save money on your renters insurance is to bundle it with our car or pet or life insurance.

When you bundle your policies, you’ll be eligible for a Lemonade bundle discount. The more policies you bundle, the more you’ll save.

2. Install security devices

Your home doesn’t need to be ‘smart’ in order to install some devices that will help to lower renters insurance cost. Start with a standard fire alarm and burglar alarm, and you’ve already lowered your risks (for additional tips to secure your home, check out this post). And lowered risks equals lowered premiums. Which equals more lattes?

3. Increase your deductible

Another way to save on your renters insurance payments is to increase your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.

By increasing your deductible, you can lower your monthly premium.

4. Adjust your coverage

Lastly, you can adjust your coverage to fit your needs. The more coverage you have, the higher your premium will be. If you’re looking to save money, consider reducing your coverage to only what you need. Just be sure that you have enough coverage to protect your belongings and liability, and to meet any requirements for coverage that may be laid out in your lease agreement.

Don’t forget: You can always update your coverage limits, whenever and wherever, on the Lemonade app with no brokers or paperwork involved.

Paw-some spots for dog owners in Baltimore

Got a sweet Charm city pup, you might want to show them all that the city has to offer! Check out these fun parks and watering holes to enjoy with your pup!

1. Patterson Park Dog Park: Located within the historic Patterson Park, this dog park offers separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, and water fountains for both humans and pets.
2. Druid Hill Park Dog Park: Set within the expansive Druid Hill Park, this dog park provides ample space for dogs to run and play off-leash, with shaded areas and water stations available.
3. Locust Point Dog Park: Situated in the heart of the vibrant Locust Point neighborhood, this dog park features a fenced-in area for off-leash play, as well as benches and waste disposal stations.
4. Canton Dog Park: Tucked away in Canton, this dog park boasts separate areas for small and large dogs, agility equipment, and a gravel surface that stays clean even after rain.
5. Barcocina: A pet-friendly restaurant with a lively outdoor patio overlooking the waterfront, offering tasty Mexican-inspired cuisine and refreshing drinks for both humans and their furry companions.
6. Leinie’s Lodge & Beer Garden at Clipper Mill: This pet-friendly outdoor beer garden invites guests to enjoy craft brews and casual fare in a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor seating suitable for pets.
7. Lake Roland Park: A natural oasis within Baltimore County, Lake Roland Park features scenic trails and open spaces perfect for leisurely walks with your dog, offering a tranquil escape from city life.

Fun facts bout Baltimore

1. Birthplace of the National Anthem: Baltimore is where Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812. The song was inspired by the defense of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore.
2. First Umbrella Factory: Baltimore is home to the first umbrella factory in the United States, founded by Francis Black in 1828.
3. Railroad: Baltimore is home to the first railroad station in the United States, the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad, which was chartered in 1827. The B&O Railroad was one of the earliest and most influential railroads in the country.
4. Charm City: Baltimore is often referred to as “Charm City.” The nickname is thought to have originated from a 1975 meeting of advertisers seeking to improve the city’s reputation.
5. Johns Hopkins Hospital: Founded in 1889, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore was the first research hospital in the United States and is still one of the leading medical institutions globally.

Baltimore: Beyond the guidebooks

1. The American Visionary Art Museum: This museum showcases the work of self-taught artists and features quirky, thought-provoking exhibits. It’s a must-visit for those interested in outsider art and unconventional creativity.
2. The Elk Room: Tucked away in Baltimore’s Harbor East, The Elk Room is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for its intimate atmosphere and inventive drinks. Finding the entrance adds to the allure of this hidden gem.
3. The Charmery: This local ice cream shop offers inventive flavors made with locally-sourced ingredients. With unique options like Old Bay Caramel and Berger Cookies and Cream, it’s a sweet hidden gem in Baltimore.
4. The Baltimore Museum of Industry: This museum offers a fascinating look into Baltimore’s industrial past with interactive exhibits on topics like manufacturing, maritime commerce, and printing. It’s a hidden gem for history buffs and curious minds alike.

* Averages calculated from 2010 to 2014 stats.

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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.