ResidentShield Renters Insurance Review
Editor's Rating
ResidentShield is not the best choice for most renters — it charges much more for standard coverage than its competitors. In addition, because ResidentShield policies are written by a number of different companies, not all renters receive the same level of customer service.
Even if your landlord suggests ResidentShield, consider buying coverage elsewhere. You're never obligated to buy a policy from a specific company, even if you're required to buy renters insurance.
ResidentShield renters insurance: Our thoughts
Bottom line: ResidentShield's basic renters insurance coverage is extremely expensive, with very few benefits or perks to show for it. We recommend that renters shop elsewhere for coverage.
ResidentShield's renters insurance rates are more than double the average rate among its competitors. However, ResidentShield quotes may be more competitive for renters with poor credit. The company doesn't check your credit score, which means your credit won't affect your insurance rate.
As a renter, one of the main benefits of ResidentShield compared to other providers is that your landlord will automatically be named as an interested party on your policy, which notifies them if your policy lapses or is canceled.
However, signing up your landlord or management company as an interested party is an option almost every renters insurance company provides, and the process only takes a minute or two. The much higher cost substantially outweighs this minimal convenience.
ResidentShield is owned by a property management software developer called Yardi Systems Inc. As a result, a property manager may recommend it because ResidentShield's coverage integrates closely with the Yardi software platform, making it easy for landlords to verify that you have coverage.
Compare ResidentShield to other top renters insurance companies | |
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While landlords can require you to buy renters insurance, they may not force you to use a specific company.
We highly recommend that renters check with multiple insurance companies to find the cheapest price — especially when you stand to save hundreds of dollars per year.
ResidentShield quotes
ResidentShield renters insurance is much more expensive than its competitors. ResidentShield charges an average of $487 per year for standard renters coverage, or $41 per month. That's more than double the average price from its competitors.
Find Cheap Renters Insurance Quotes in Your Area
A policy from ResidentShield is three times more expensive than the cheapest option, Lemonade. Renters who choose Lemonade pay $336 less per year for the same coverage.
ResidentShield renters insurance coverages
ResidentShield offers basic renters insurance coverages, plus a few optional coverage add-ons for renters looking for extra protection.
Coverage | Details | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bed bug coverage | Covers the costs of treating and eliminating bed bugs from your home | $1 |
| Equipment protection program | Covers damage to your laptop, cell phone, TV or other electronics | $1.42 |
| Pet damage liability | Covers up to $500 in damage after your rental deposit and pet deposit have been exhausted | $1.50 |
| Water and sewer overflow* | Pays for damage if water from a sewer or sump pump backs into your home. Does not include flooding. | $1 |
Coverage is subject to a $250 deductible.
ResidentShield allows renters to add up to four non-related roommates to a single policy, which can be useful for younger renters and college students.
Renters insured with ResidentShield have the ability to protect their belongings with replacement cost coverage , however this option isn't available through its online quote tool. It also offers earthquake coverage, but only to renters in California.
In addition, the following basic coverages are included in ResidentShield's standard policy:
- Personal property coverage: Pays for the repair or replacement of your belongings if they are damaged or stolen.
- Personal liability: Pays for damages to others if you are held liable; for example, if someone slips in your apartment.
- Guest medical payments: Pays for medical expenses of your guests if they are injured at your home.
- Loss of use coverage: Pays for a hotel or other accommodation if your home is unlivable due to a covered peril.
Does ResidentShield offer discounts?
ResidentShield does not provide information about their discounts. Sometimes insurance companies consider factors like safety features or claims history when setting rates, without explicitly identifying them as discounts. That's not the case with ResidentShield. During the quote process, you aren't asked about any of these items, so having them won't be reflected in your rates.
ResidentShield customer service reviews and ratings
ResidentShield renters insurance is underwritten by four different companies: Century-National Insurance, Cypress Property & Casualty, Praetorian Insurance and Spinnaker Insurance.
ResidentShield underwriter ratings
Company |
NAIC score
| Financial strength rating |
|---|---|---|
| Century-National | 1.35 | A+ (A.M. Best) |
| Cypress | 0.00 | A (Demotech) |
| Praetorian | 0.68 | A (A.M. Best) |
| Spinnaker | 1.09 | A- (A.M. Best) |
In the event that you need to file a claim, you'll work directly with the company that underwrites your policy. Having four different underwriting companies can result in an unreliable customer service experience for renters. You can't choose which company underwrites your policy because it's based on where you live.
For example, each of the companies has a different score on the NAIC Complaint Index, which tracks the number of complaints a company receives relative to its size. Cypress didn't receive any complaints, which is excellent. Praetorian also received fewer complaints than expected, but both Century-National and Spinnaker had more complaints than their competitors.
If Cypress is the underwriter in your area, you'll probably have a pretty good customer service experience.
But if you're working with Century-National, you may not receive the same level of service, which could be frustrating if you have to file a claim.
One bright spot is that all of ResidentShield's underwriting companies received exceptional financial strength ratings, meaning each company has the financial ability to pay out claims, even in difficult economic times.
Frequently asked questions
How much does renters insurance from ResidentShield cost?
Renters insurance from ResidentShield costs $487 per year, or $41 per month, on average. That's more than three times as expensive as its cheapest competitor, Lemonade.
Does ResidentShield sell car insurance?
No, ResidentShield does not offer car insurance. Renters looking to
How do I contact ResidentShield?
Renters can contact ResidentShield customer service at (800) 566-1186, or via email at [email protected]. Claims can also be submitted through the ResidentShield website.
How do you cancel a ResidentShield policy?
Renters will need to call ResidentShield customer service at (800) 566-1186 to cancel their policy. If your landlord requires you to have proof of insurance, make sure that you purchase a new policy before canceling your ResidentShield policy to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Methodology
To compare renters insurance rates, we gathered over 100 quotes across 23 of the largest cities in Texas. We compared ResidentShield rates to some of the largest insurance companies in Texas — Allstate, Amica, Lemonade and Travelers.
Our sample renter is a 25-year-old single man who lives alone. He has an average credit score and no claims history. Quotes are based on the following limits:
Coverage | Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal property | $30,000 |
| Personal liability | $100,000 |
| Medical payments | $1,000 |
| Loss of use | $9,000, or base limit |
| Deductible | $500 |