Renters insurance in Washington averaged about $165 a year, or about $14 a month, in 2023, slightly below the $173 U.S. average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). A Washington renters policy covers your belongings against fire, theft and storms, plus your liability to others, but typically not earthquakes, floods or landslides, which the state’s insurance commissioner says need separate coverage.
Key takeaways
- Renters insurance in Washington cost an average of $165 a year in 2023, compared with $173 nationally, 27th most expensive of the 50 states and D.C., according to NAIC data.
- The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) says a landlord’s policy does not provide liability protection for you or cover your belongings against theft, fire or damage.
- Renters policies typically exclude earthquakes, floods, landslides and sinkholes; earthquake coverage can be added to a renters policy or bought separately (OIC).
- Washington has one of the highest risks of large, damaging earthquakes in the U.S., according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
- For leases entered into after December 31, 2026, Washington landlords must tell tenants in writing that the landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover their belongings and that they should consider renters and flood insurance (RCW 59.18.060).
How much is renters insurance in Washington?
Washington renters paid an average of $165 a year in 2023, $8 below the national average. Washington was 27th most expensive of the 50 states and D.C. The OIC’s own guide puts typical renters insurance at about $120 to $216 a year in the state. Here is how Washington compares with its neighbors, using NAIC 2023 data:
| State | Average yearly premium (2023) | About per month |
|---|---|---|
| California | $171 | $14 |
| Washington | $165 | $14 |
| Montana | $163 | $14 |
| Oregon | $160 | $13 |
| Idaho | $152 | $13 |
| U.S. average | $173 | $14 |
Your price depends on your address, coverage limits, deductible and claims history. Washington’s insurance commissioner tried to ban the use of credit-based insurance scores, but in 2022 a court ruled the rule exceeded the commissioner’s authority, the OIC reported, so insurers can still consider credit (how credit affects renters insurance). The OIC also notes that renters policies usually pay actual cash value unless you buy replacement cost coverage (actual cash value vs. replacement cost).
Is renters insurance required in Washington?
Washington law does not require renters insurance, but a landlord can require it in the lease (is renters insurance required?). The OIC is direct about why it matters: the owner’s insurance “does not provide liability protection or cover your personal property against theft, fire, or damage” (does landlord insurance cover tenants?).
A 2026 change to RCW 59.18.060 makes that message part of the lease. For leases entered into after December 31, 2026, landlords must disclose in writing that the landlord’s insurance does not cover the loss of the tenant’s personal possessions, that tenants should consider purchasing renter’s insurance and flood insurance, and that the property may be in a flood area.
Washington’s security deposit rules come from the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act:
- Written terms. A landlord can collect a deposit only with a written rental agreement and a signed checklist describing the unit’s condition (RCW 59.18.260).
- Normal wear and tear. A landlord can’t keep any of the deposit for wear resulting from ordinary use (RCW 59.18.260).
- Return deadline. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit or give a full and specific statement of the basis for keeping any of it (RCW 59.18.280).
What are the biggest renters insurance risks in Washington?
Earthquakes, river flooding from atmospheric rivers, and wildfire east of the Cascades are Washington’s signature risks, and a standard renters policy covers only some of them:
| Risk | Covered by standard renters insurance? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | No | Add earthquake coverage to your renters policy or buy it separately |
| River flooding from atmospheric rivers | No | Buy NFIP or private contents-only flood insurance at least 30 days ahead |
| Landslides | No | Typically excluded, according to the OIC |
| Wildfire and smoke | Yes | Fire and smoke are covered, and loss of use helps pay for somewhere to stay |
| Windstorms | Yes (windstorm) | Your belongings are covered; the building is your landlord’s |
| Theft, at home or away | Yes | Covered minus your deductible, including items stolen from your car |
Earthquakes
The Washington Department of Natural Resources says the state has “one of the highest risks of large and damaging earthquakes” in the country, and the last great Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake struck in 1700. The Washington Emergency Management Division notes that a Cascadia quake could reach magnitude 9. The most recent major test was the magnitude 6.8 Nisqually earthquake on February 28, 2001, which injured about 400 people and caused more than $4 billion in damage.
Renters policies typically exclude earthquake damage. The OIC says you can add earthquake coverage to a renters policy or buy a separate policy. Ask your insurer how the earthquake deductible works before you buy, since it can differ from your regular deductible.
Atmospheric rivers and flooding
Western Washington’s floods often come from atmospheric rivers. In December 2023, NOAA reported that atmospheric rivers pushed the Skagit, Grays and Snoqualmie rivers to major flood levels. Renters policies don’t cover flood, and the OIC lists floods, landslides and sinkholes among the typical exclusions. Contents-only flood insurance through the NFIP covers up to $100,000 of belongings, usually after a 30-day wait (FEMA, 2024). Details: flood insurance for renters.
Wildfire east of the Cascades
About 70% of Washington’s wildfires occur in Eastern Washington, according to the state’s hazard mitigation plan. Fire and smoke damage to your belongings is covered by renters insurance, and loss-of-use coverage can help with hotel and meal costs if you have to leave (does renters insurance cover fire?).
Renters insurance in Seattle and Spokane
Most Seattle households rent: the city’s owner-occupied housing rate was 43.7% in the Census Bureau’s QuickFacts estimates, so about 56% of households rent. In Spokane, the owner-occupied rate was 58.8%, so about 41% rent. In Seattle’s older apartment buildings, earthquake coverage is the main gap to think about; in Spokane, on the wildfire-prone east side of the state, fire coverage and loss of use matter more. Both are reasons to know your coverage limits.
How can Washington renters pay less?
- Compare at least three quotes for the same limits and deductible (how to get renters insurance).
- Choose a deductible you could comfortably pay after a theft or storm.
- Bundle with your auto insurance and ask about discounts for smoke detectors, alarms and deadbolts.
- Keep a home inventory; the OIC suggests taking a video of each room a couple of times a year.
What should I do after a fire, storm or theft?
- Make sure everyone is safe, and call the police for any theft.
- Take photos or videos of the damage and your belongings before you clean up.
- Report the loss to your insurer promptly and keep receipts for temporary repairs, hotel stays and meals.
- If you have trouble with a claim, call the OIC consumer hotline at 800-562-6900 or file a complaint online.
The full walkthrough is in how to file a renters insurance claim. To the south, see renters insurance in California.
Washington renters insurance FAQ
How much is renters insurance in Washington state?
Renters insurance in Washington averaged about $165 a year, roughly $14 a month, in 2023, slightly below the $173 U.S. average, according to NAIC data. The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner puts typical prices at about $120 to $216 a year. Compare every state.
Does renters insurance cover earthquakes in Washington?
No, not usually. The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner says renters policies typically exclude earthquakes, but earthquake coverage can be added to a renters policy or bought separately.
Does renters insurance cover flooding in Washington?
No. Renters policies typically exclude floods, landslides and sinkholes, according to the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Renters can buy contents-only flood insurance, up to $100,000 through the National Flood Insurance Program, usually with a 30-day waiting period. Flood insurance for renters explained.
When does a Washington landlord have to return my security deposit?
Under RCW 59.18.280, a Washington landlord must return the deposit, or give a full and specific statement of why any of it is kept, within 30 days after the tenancy ends. A landlord can’t keep any of it for normal wear and tear.
Who do I call in Washington about a renters insurance problem?
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s consumer hotline is 800-562-6900, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and you can file a complaint online. What to do after a denied claim.
Sources
- NAIC: Dwelling Fire, Homeowners Owner-Occupied, and Homeowners Tenant and Condominium/Cooperative Unit Owner’s Insurance Report: Data for 2023 (July 2026)
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: How renter insurance works (accessed 2026)
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Earthquake insurance (accessed 2026)
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Connect with us (accessed 2026)
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: File a complaint (accessed 2026)
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Court rules on credit score ban (July 2022)
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 59.18.060, Landlord duties (accessed 2026)
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 59.18.260, Deposits (accessed 2026)
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 59.18.280, Return of deposit (accessed 2026)
- Washington Department of Natural Resources: Earthquakes and faults (accessed 2026)
- Washington Emergency Management Division: Remembering the Nisqually earthquake (accessed 2026)
- Washington Emergency Management Division: State hazard mitigation plan, wildfire (2013)
- NOAA NESDIS: Atmospheric rivers drench the Pacific Northwest (December 2023)
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Seattle city (accessed 2026)
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Spokane city (accessed 2026)
- FEMA / NFIP: Flood insurance for renters (2024)
New to this? Start with What is renters insurance?
This site offers general information, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage, prices and rules vary by insurer, policy and state, so always read your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about your situation.