AAA does not sell renters insurance directly, but some state AAA clubs partner with insurance companies that do

AAA is primarily an auto club and auto insurance provider. Most AAA clubs do not write renters policies themselves. However, a handful of state AAA organizations — including AAA of Northern California, AAA of Southern California, and AAA of Hawaii — have partnered with insurance carriers to offer renters coverage to their members. If you belong to one of these clubs, you can ask whether renters insurance is available through your membership.

If your AAA club does not offer renters insurance, you will need to shop elsewhere. The good news is that renters insurance is widely available from dozens of carriers, and many offer discounts if you already insure your car with them. Some people find it simpler to buy renters insurance from the same company that insures their vehicle, whether that company is AAA or someone else.

To find out whether your specific AAA club offers renters coverage, call the member services number on your membership card or visit your club's website. They can tell you in one call whether the product is available in your state and what the cost would be.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA is an auto club and auto insurer; most state AAA organizations do not offer renters insurance.
  • A small number of AAA clubs in California and Hawaii have partnered with carriers to offer renters policies to members.
  • If your AAA club does not offer renters insurance, you can buy it from other insurers, many of which offer discounts when bundled with auto insurance.
  • Calling your AAA club directly is the fastest way to learn whether renters coverage is available where you live.

Which AAA clubs offer renters insurance

AAA of Northern California, AAA of Southern California, and AAA of Hawaii are the primary state clubs known to offer renters insurance to members through partnerships with insurance carriers. These partnerships vary by state and can change, so the list may not be complete or current.

Other state AAA clubs may have added renters products since these partnerships began, or may be planning to. The only reliable way to know what is available in your state is to contact your club directly. You can find your state club's phone number and website through the national AAA website or by calling the member services line on your membership card.

How to find renters insurance if your AAA club does not offer it

If your AAA club does not offer renters insurance, you have several straightforward options. The largest renters insurers include State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive, and Lemonade, though dozens of smaller carriers also write renters policies. Many of these companies offer discounts — typically 5 to 25 percent — if you bundle renters insurance with an auto policy.

You can get quotes from multiple insurers online in 10 to 15 minutes by entering your address, the value of your belongings, and your desired deductible. Most insurers let you compare quotes side by side before you commit. If you already have auto insurance with a carrier that offers renters coverage, starting there often saves time and may may have access to you for a bundling discount.

Some people prefer to work with an independent insurance agent, who can shop quotes from multiple carriers on your behalf. Independent agents do not work for a single company and can often find discounts you would not see on your own. You can find independent agents in your area through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website or by searching online.

What renters insurance covers and why you might want it

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, and other items you own — if they are damaged or stolen. It also covers liability if someone is injured in your rental unit and sues you, and it pays for temporary housing if your apartment becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event like a fire.

Renters insurance does not cover the building itself; your landlord's insurance covers the structure. It also does not cover damage from floods or earthquakes in most policies, though you can buy those as separate add-ons in some states. The cost is usually between $10 and $30 per month, depending on where you live, what deductible you choose, and how much coverage you need.

Comparing AAA membership benefits to other insurance discounts

AAA membership offers benefits beyond auto insurance — roadside information, travel discounts, and member pricing at hotels and restaurants. If you are considering AAA primarily for renters insurance, you should compare the total cost of membership plus the renters premium against buying renters insurance alone from another carrier.

AAA membership typically costs $50 to $150 per year depending on the level of service you choose. If your AAA club offers renters insurance, ask what the annual premium would be and whether membership includes any discount on that premium. Then compare that total cost to quotes from other insurers. Sometimes the membership fee makes sense for the other benefits; sometimes buying renters insurance separately is cheaper.

Steps to take if you want renters insurance through AAA

First, confirm whether your state AAA club offers renters insurance by calling member services or checking the club's website. If it does, ask for a quote and what documents you will need — usually your lease, a list of high-value items, and your desired deductible amount.

If your AAA club does not offer renters insurance, you can either join AAA for other benefits and buy renters insurance elsewhere, or skip AAA membership and purchase renters insurance directly from an insurer. Either way, you will want to get quotes from at least two or three carriers to compare price and coverage options before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need renters insurance if I rent an apartment?

Renters insurance is not legally required in any state, but your landlord may require it as a condition of your lease. Even if it is not required, it protects your belongings and covers your liability if someone is injured in your unit. Most renters find the cost — usually $10 to $30 per month — worth the protection.

Can I get a discount on renters insurance if I have AAA auto insurance?

If your AAA club offers renters insurance, you may receive a member discount. If you buy renters insurance from a different carrier, you can ask whether they offer a discount for bundling with your AAA auto policy. Many insurers offer 5 to 25 percent discounts for bundling, though the discount applies only if you move your auto policy to them.

What if I have very expensive belongings — will renters insurance cover all of them?

Standard renters policies have limits on certain categories of items, such as jewelry, electronics, or cash. If you own high-value items, you may need to add a rider or schedule to your policy to cover them fully. When you get a quote, tell the insurer about any items worth more than $1,000 and ask whether they need separate coverage.

How long does it take to buy renters insurance?

You can buy renters insurance online in 15 to 30 minutes. Coverage typically begins the same day or the next day, depending on the insurer. If you buy through an agent or over the phone, the process may take a few hours longer, but the timeline is similar.