Renters Insurance in Portsmouth, NH and Stratford, CT
Whether your landlord requires renters insurance or you just want to know what would happen after a fire, a break-in or a burst pipe, a renters policy is one of the simplest ways to protect what you own. Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance is an independent insurance agency with offices in Portsmouth, NH and Stratford, CT. Our insurance agents compare renters insurance from 30+ carriers for apartments, condos and rented homes across New England.
We've been open since 2005, we're licensed in 10 states, and we're the most-reviewed independent insurance agency in New Hampshire, with 1,000+ Google reviews across our two offices.
What Renters Insurance Covers
Every policy is a little different, but most renters insurance is built around four protections:
- Personal property: your furniture, clothes, electronics, kitchen gear and other belongings after a covered loss such as fire, smoke, theft or certain kinds of water damage. Coverage usually follows your things, so a laptop stolen from your car or a bag taken while you travel may be covered too.
- Personal liability: if a guest is hurt in your apartment or you accidentally damage a neighbor's unit, liability coverage can help pay for the claim and for your legal defense, up to your limits.
- Additional living expenses: if a covered loss makes your place unlivable, this helps pay for a hotel or short-term rental and other extra costs while repairs are made.
- Medical payments: pays for minor medical bills if a visitor is injured at your home, regardless of fault, up to a small limit.
Two choices make a big difference: whether your belongings are covered at replacement cost (what it costs to buy new) or actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation), and which deductible you pick. We'll show you both side by side.
What Renters Insurance Usually Doesn't Cover
- The building itself. Your landlord's policy covers the structure, not your belongings or your liability.
- Flood. Rising water and storm surge need a separate flood policy, which can cover contents for renters.
- Your car. Damage to your vehicle falls under auto insurance, although items stolen from the car may be covered by your renters policy.
- High-value items above the policy's sub-limits, such as jewelry, collectibles or some electronics. These can usually be scheduled for more coverage.
Renters Insurance in Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth has a lot of older buildings split into apartments, and a water leak or fire in one unit can affect several others. Renters insurance in Portsmouth, NH covers your belongings and your liability if something that starts in your unit damages a neighbor's. If you rent near the water, ask us whether a contents-only flood policy makes sense, since renters policies exclude flood.
Our Portsmouth, NH insurance agency is at 601 Islington St, Unit 206, Portsmouth, NH 03801. We also write renters policies for people across the Seacoast and the rest of New Hampshire, and for students and family members renting in other New England states.
Renters Insurance in Stratford, CT
Renters in Stratford and the rest of Fairfield County often have a landlord or property manager who requires a policy before move-in, sometimes with a minimum liability limit. We'll match the policy to what your lease asks for and make sure the landlord's name is listed if the lease calls for it. If your apartment is close to Long Island Sound or the Housatonic River, we can also talk about contents flood coverage.
Our Stratford, CT insurance agency is at 160 1st Ave, Stratford, CT 06615, and works with renters across Connecticut.
How Much Renters Insurance Do You Need?
Start with your belongings. Walk through each room and estimate what it would cost to replace everything at once; most people are surprised how fast it adds up. Then think about liability: your lease may set a minimum, and if you have savings or other assets to protect, a higher limit or an umbrella policy can be worth the small extra cost. We'll go through it with you and price a couple of options.
Bundling Renters Insurance With Car Insurance
Many carriers offer a discount when renters and car insurance are on the same account, and having both with one agency means one place to call. Our post on auto and renters insurance bundles explains how it works. If you're deciding between renting and buying, see the differences between homeowners and renters insurance, and if you buy a condo later, condo insurance vs. homeowners insurance.
Why Use an Independent Insurance Agent for Renters Insurance?
A renters policy is small, but the details still matter: deductibles, limits, replacement cost, and how a carrier handles theft and water claims. As an independent agency, we compare several carriers instead of one, explain the differences in plain language, and stay available when you move, get a roommate or buy something valuable. We have 15 employees across our two offices, and you'll deal with the same team after you buy.
Reviewed by Jon Merwin
Get a Renters Insurance Quote
Have your address, move-in date, a rough value for your belongings, and any requirements from your lease handy. Then request a quote online, call (603) 431-4020 or email insure@portsmouthatlanticins.com.
Renters Insurance FAQs
Do I need renters insurance if my landlord doesn't require it?
It isn't required by law, but it's usually worth having. Without it, you'd pay to replace your belongings yourself after a fire or theft, and you'd have no liability coverage if a guest is hurt in your home.
Does my landlord's insurance cover my belongings?
Generally, no. A landlord's policy covers the building and the landlord's own liability. Your furniture, clothes and electronics, and your personal liability, need your own renters policy.
Does renters insurance cover theft?
Most renters policies cover theft of your belongings, including many thefts away from home, subject to your deductible, limits and any sub-limits for items such as jewelry.
Does renters insurance cover water damage?
It depends on the cause. Sudden damage, such as a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance upstairs, is often covered. Flooding from rising water is not, and needs a separate flood policy.
Can you write renters insurance in both New Hampshire and Connecticut?
Yes. We have offices in Portsmouth, NH and Stratford, CT, and the agency is licensed in 10 states, so we can also help a student or family member renting in another state.