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Oregon is a beautiful place, whether tenants prefer Portland or the rocky coastline. However, they must protect themselves, and you want to have peace of mind knowing that their personal property is covered. Therefore, it's wise to learn about renters insurance.

Most landlords have landlord insurance, but they're not sure why tenants should be buying renters insurance coverage for their possessions. Today, you'll learn all about it.

The Division of Financial Regulation in Oregon has a great brochure about renters insurance, and it's a excellent read. However, we will cover everything you should know about renters insurance in Oregon. Let's get started!

What Is Oregon Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance is for tenants of all types, and it covers many unexpected events. Most of the time, it offers additional living expenses, liability coverage, and personal property coverage. Plus, it's broad to protect tenants in various situations.

However, it's important for tenants and landlords to know what options are available for renters insurance in Oregon. Before investing, it's crucial to get an idea of what it helps with, and this article will give you the details.

Average Cost of Renters Insurance in Oregon Per Year

Tenants often prefer the cheapest renters insurance in Oregon they can find. The average price for renters insurance is about $14 per month, which is $168 per year.

How Much Does Oregon Renters Insurance Cost (Based on Popular Cities)?

According to ValuePenguin, the price tenants pay will depend on where they live. Those in Beaverton see the cheapest renters insurance premium options, but it's more expensive in Portland. Let's see the numbers:

  • Salem - $165/year
  • Portland - $186/year
  • Hillsboro - $152/year
  • Forest Grove - $165/year
  • Albany - $168/year

Is Renters Insurance Required in Oregon?

No state laws mandate tenants carry renters insurance in Oregon. However, landlords can require it by putting a clause in the lease. Overall, that's a good idea.

Likewise, landlords can request proof of renters insurance or even ask to be added to the policy as an interested party. This means they're updated on changes and cancellations.

What Does a Renters Insurance Policy Cover in Oregon?

Renters insurance is an excellent idea, but how will it help your tenants? It's important to know what the cheapest renters insurance companies offer in their policies. Also, remember that it won't cover their roommates; they'll need a separate policy. Here are the coverage options:

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage will protect the tenant's things, whether they're at home or not. It often focuses on vandalism, theft, and some water damage, though other coverages could be available for higher renters insurance premiums.

Medical Protection

The insurer will cover any medical bills if a guest is injured or the tenant hurts someone on the property. However, it doesn't cover medical payments for the policyholders and family members.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is there if someone gets hurt on the property or if a policyholder causes damage to another person's things.

Loss of Use

If the tenant cannot live in the home because of a covered loss, they will be reimbursed for their additional living expenses, such as hotel bills, laundry, food, and more.

What Does Renters Insurance in Oregon NOT Cover?

Most renters insurance policies will cover liability and property damage, but there are a few things it doesn't protect tenants from. These include:

  • High-cost Items - Jewelry, electronics, and artwork are usually scheduled separately at a higher expense.
  • Non-covered Losses - Renters insurance companies might not cover all events, such as floods and earthquake damage. In most cases, they offer riders or endorsements that tenants can buy to get more comprehensive coverage.
  • Policy Limits - Each policy has a limit, which is what the company will pay. Anything over that amount (after the deductible is paid) is the responsibility of the tenant.

How to Choose the Right Policy

You can help your tenants get appropriate liability and personal property coverage with these tips:

  • Price - It's crucial to find something that fits in the tenant's budget, so cost is a concern. However, it's not the only factor to consider.
  • Discounts - These can help renters save money on premiums, so it's wise to check each company's options.
  • Coverage Options - Basic policies will vary between companies, and tenants might need extra coverage to protect their belongings. Make sure the brand has many choices available.
  • Technology - Tenants like the convenience of mobile and online services. Therefore, look for brands that have online resources and customer portals.
  • Customer Satisfaction - When a tenant must file claims, they are upset and frustrated. Companies should make the process as easy as possible.

Available Discounts in Oregon

It's possible for tenants to keep renters insurance rates low by using their preferred company's discounts. Each brand is different, but here are a few common options:

  • Multi-policy discounts
  • Early shopper discounts
  • E-documentation discounts
  • Pay-in-full discount
  • Protective devices discounts
  • Senior discounts

How Does a Renters Insurance Policy Protect the Landlord or Property Manager?

Renters insurance in Oregon is definitely helpful for tenants, but how will it benefit you as the landlord? Here are a few reasons to consider it:

  • Fewer Lawsuits - Renters insurance in Oregon will protect the landlord from lawsuits if a tenant's things are damaged because of a fire or natural disaster. In most cases, the landlord's liability insurance won't cover these events.
  • Pay Less for Property Damage - Similar to lawsuits, tenants can demand landlords pay for property damages if they can't. A renters policy will cover this for them so that you don't have to!
  • Lower Insurance Premiums - In some cases, requiring tenants to have renters insurance won't necessarily lower your rates. However, they won't increase because of multiple claims (with lawsuits and damages).
  • Accept Furry Friends - Many tenants have pets, and it's hard for landlords to justify allowing them. However, renters insurance might cover property damage from pets and liability for dog bites and other injuries. Still, tenants should check with the insurer to make sure it's covered.

Top 5 Best Renters Insurance Companies in Oregon

Are you ready to learn about the best cheap renters insurance companies available in the state? Though you won't be buying it personally, you'll feel more confident renting to a tenant if they choose one of these brands:

1. Lemonade Renters Insurance

Lemonade Renters Insurance

Lemonade is a great choice for tenants who want the best renters insurance company. It offers a tech-forward and streamlined experience and will handle almost all interactions with a mobile app. In fact, tenants can sign up, manage claims, and get help.

Though many people will focus on the basic coverage, including liability protection, Lemonade does offer Extra Coverage endorsements to cover fine art, jewelry, musical instruments, cameras, and bikes. Likewise, it provides replacement cost coverage, which means tenants are reimbursed for the full cost of the item instead of factoring in depreciation.

Another perk of Lemonade insurance is that it covers personal property theft in self-storage facilities up to $1,000. Plus, claims are often paid instantly. Still, the digital-first approach makes it hard to contact a human for help.

2. Assurant

Assurant

Many people have never heard of Assurant, though it's an excellent renters insurance company. This specialized provider offers various endorsements along with the solid standard coverage, which includes mold damage and roommate damage. However, the downside is that it doesn't offer a bundling discount.

Still, Assurant is unique because it only offers liability insurance and property damage assistance. There is no personal property coverage. Tenants can easily satisfy the landlord's lease requirement without spending too much money. However, property protection is often considered a necessity for most renters.

3. State Farm

State Farm

If tenants prefer the best renters insurance in Oregon, they might consider State Farm. It's a nationally known company with 100 years of experience and a solid financial strength. However, that doesn't stop the brand from providing affordable rates for basic coverage levels. Plus, there are tons of online resources available, so customers will understand their policies.

State Farm also uses local agents, so the products can vary. However, most renters can get inflation coverage and various endorsements. Plus, the discounts will help tenants save money and get the protection they need.

4. Allstate

Allstate

Allstate was founded in 1931 by Sears executives, and it has over 90 years of experience in the industry. It now offers many products and has a strong financial backing. Policyholders will feel confident that this brand will protect their personal belongings.

In fact, Allstate might offer the best renters insurance in Oregon because it provides three levels of protection. Basic is the cheap renters insurance, but there's also Enhanced and Standard. Enhanced is the most expensive, but it is more comprehensive.

There's even a unique senior discount! However, this brand uses a network of local agents, so options might change depending on the state.

5. Toggle

Toggle

Toggle is a newer company and was founded in 2018. However, it's part of the Farmers family, so it brings that 90 years of experience with it. If tenants want cheap renters insurance, they may find this is an excellent solution. However, it also provides customizable options to fully protect tenants.

With Toggle, the personal property coverage gets split into multiple categories, such as furniture and technology. Each has its own limits. In fact, tenants can wave personal coverage (though they'll still have $1,000 in blanket coverage) and living expenses for something bare-boned that will meet a landlord's minimum requirement. However, they can increase limits where they need it most.

What Is DoorLoop?

Learning about renters insurance in Oregon is crucial because it will help you understand why it's necessary. However, you also have to track and organize your paperwork, and DoorLoop will help. The all-in-one property management software assists landlords of any size, whether they manage residential or commercial properties.

DoorLoop can help by:

  • Offering a tenant portal
  • Managing portfolios
  • Managing online maintenance requests effortlessly
  • Giving you a free, custom website for tenant applications and marketing vacancies
  • Managing accounting tasks
  • Collecting rent on autopilot

Are you ready to experience the difference DoorLoop offers? Learn more about the software and schedule a free demo now!

Why Work with DoorLoop

With DoorLoop, requiring tenants to have renters insurance in Oregon is effortless! Here are the ways it helps you:

  • Allow tenants to submit renters insurance companies they prefer.
  • Let tenants apply directly for renters insurance on the tenant application or portal. Everything is powered by SURE and Lemonade, depending on your state.

Learn how DoorLoop will help you keep track of a tenant's renters insurance. It's so easy!

David is the co-founder & CMO of DoorLoop, a best-selling author, legal CLE speaker, and real estate investor. When he's not hanging with his three children, he's writing articles here!

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