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Buyers who learn how to negotiate house prices lay the foundation for a mutually acceptable deal. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or not, these strategies to negotiate home prices may help you score a property at the price that works best for you.

Why You Should Negotiate House Prices

While negotiating the price of a home as a buyer can seem intimidating, the benefits often outweigh the fear. For starters, negotiating lets the seller know you’re serious about the home. And if the asking price is over what you feel comfortable with, negotiating can help you see if there is any wiggle room.

A successful negotiation gives you the opportunity to create a concise offer that you’re happy with and that helps you stay within your budget. It feels great to get the house you want without putting yourself in a stressful financial situation.

Things to Know Before Negotiating Home Prices

Know Your Market

The market will dictate how much leverage you have to negotiate a home price. So start by determining whether it’s a hot seller’s market or a buyer’s market.

The power is typically in your hands if the number of homes for sale exceeds the number of willing buyers. Markets can vary from city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood. So check with your real estate professional to be certain what type of market you’re working with.

Know the Value of an Agent

Can you buy a house without a real estate agent? Sure, but it’s not a decision to make lightly.

Besides the fact that real estate agents know what’s reasonable for the current market conditions, they have valuable experience that can help you navigate offers and counteroffers. And because they aren’t emotionally attached to the outcome, they are better set up to get the best deal without making ​​excessive concessions.

But you don’t want to work with just any agent. You want to work with someone who is a buying and selling expert, has connections with other agents in the area, and is knowledgeable about the community you’re interested in.

Got your eye on a house for sale by owner? You can find a real estate agent or go it alone.

Recommended: Finding a Good Real Estate Agent When Buying a House

How Much Can You Negotiate on Average?

One of the best ways to get an idea of how much you can negotiate is to research the prices of “comps,” recently sold homes in your target area that are similar to the property you’re trying to buy.

A real estate agent will have access to market trends. But you can obtain the information yourself on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and Trulia. If you’re moving from out of state, this guide to the cost of living by state can give you a sense of what housing expenses to expect. In a large state such as California, it’s helpful to consider the cost-of-living breakdown for individual cities.

Zillow also lists how long for-sale properties have been on the market, which can give you some insight into how negotiable a list price may be.

Unless you’re in a hot seller’s market, you may be able to offer 10% under the asking price and even ask the seller to pay closing costs or certain other concessions.

How to Negotiate a House Price as a Buyer

Once you have a sense of the market and an agent to help you negotiate, the next step is to get your finances in order so you’ll be in a strong position to negotiate. Sellers are apt to be most enthusiastic about buyers who have been preapproved, as opposed to prequalified, for a mortgage.

While both involve a lender taking a peek at your financial information, such as income, credit history, debts, and assets, preapproval involves an in-depth application and verification process. It’s a great way to send your offer to the front of the pile.

If you already own a home, selling it ahead of time could also put you in a better position to negotiate: It means you won’t have to wait until your home is sold to go forward with the buying process.

This “chain-free” approach requires careful timing and possibly setting up a temporary living space. While it’s not feasible for everyone, it is an option to keep in mind if you’re hoping to increase your odds of success in a competitive market.

Recommended: How Long Does a Mortgage Preapproval Last?

Now it’s time to make a smart offer.

Tips on Negotiating House Prices

Keep Your Cool

From the first time you walk through the home, it’s a good idea not to show all your cards by appearing overeager, even if you’re totally in love with the place. If you come across as desperate for the house, sellers may feel they can expect a higher offer from you.

Don’t be afraid to point out any drawbacks that give you pause, and give yourself time to shop around before you get serious about putting money on the table.

Get an Inspection

Found a property you love? While your mortgage lender might not require a home inspection — and while forgoing one may make your offer more appealing to the seller — it’s probably in your best interests to have one.

Without a home inspection, the only information you have about the house comes from what the seller is able (or willing) to disclose and what you observe during your tour. Home inspections can reveal hidden issues like cracks in the foundation or plumbing problems.

Along with helping you plan for unforeseen repair costs ahead of time, the inspection can also give you leverage to ask the sellers to knock down their price a bit, offer you a credit for closing costs, or fix the problem themselves. Your real estate agent can help you decide how to negotiate the house price after the inspection.

Put Your Offer in Writing

Many experts recommend putting your offer in writing and adding as much detail as possible. That way you avoid any disagreements on what was said and can negotiate on factors beyond price.

When competing against multiple offers on a house, buyers may waive one or all contingencies to sweeten their offer. Contingencies are simply conditions that must be met in order to close the deal.

An appraisal contingency can be an opportunity to negotiate the home price or back out if the property does not appraise at the price in the purchase contract.

A clear title contingency also gives the buyer a way out if liens or disputes are associated with the property.

And it can’t hurt to ask for help with closing costs.

Plead Your Case

In a competitive market, you might also consider adding a personalized letter to your offer. It might sound cheesy, but selling a home can be just as emotionally fraught as buying one. Describing why you love the house or how you imagine your family growing with the property can help your offer stand out from others, even if you aren’t the highest bidder.

Avoid offending a seller with a lowball offer, particularly if you’re negotiating in a seller’s market or purchasing a beloved property that’s been in the family for years. If you do decide to bid around 20 percent under the asking price, make sure you’re willing to walk away.

When it comes time to make an offer, consider not only the list price but closing costs and any repair or renovation expenses.

Knowing When to Walk Away From an Offer

Although you’ll generally hear back on (realistic) offers within a few business days, sellers aren’t legally obligated to respond to your offer at all. Including an expiration date in your offer will give you a firm calendar date on which you’ll know for a fact you didn’t get the home, which means you’ll be able to redirect your efforts.

Purchasing a home can take a long time. There’s no reason to waste your energy when it’s a moot point.

A seller who responds to your offer but who isn’t inclined to move on the price of the house might be willing to instead make repairs that are needed and that are identified during the inspection of the property. And consider asking the seller to throw in items like furniture or play equipment that they might be planning to take with them. If they decline and you still don’t feel good about the price, it’s time to walk away.

The Takeaway

Negotiation goes on in love and war, in a salary decision, with parents and toddlers, and in real estate. If you’re a buyer, the more you know about negotiating home prices, the better.

As important as it is to shop around for the right home — and negotiate for the right price — it’s also important to find the right home mortgage loan. SoFi offers competitive fixed-rate mortgage loans, and qualified buyers can put down as little as 3%.

Find your rate on a SoFi Mortgage Loan in just minutes.

FAQ

How do you politely ask for a lower price?

Rely on your real estate agent to help you determine a good offer price. Then consider writing a personal letter to accompany the offer, addressing the seller by name if possible and conveying, in a friendly tone, a sincere message about what you like about the house or how you can imagine your family living there.

How much can you negotiate when buying a house?

How much you can negotiate depends on how “hot” the market is. In a competitive seller’s market you may not be able to negotiate at all. Rely on your real estate agent to guide you. A property that has been on the market for a long time may provide more opportunity for negotiation.

What is not a smart way to negotiate when buying a home?

Avoid making a very low initial offer — you risk offending the seller. And don’t criticize the seller’s taste by, say, pointing out that the kitchen decor isn’t to your liking. Finally, if you are preapproved for a mortgage that is greater than your offer price, don’t tip your hand; instead, ask your lender to tailor the preapproval letter to the amount you are offering.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Congrats, new driver: Hitting the open road on your own can mean freedom and just plain fun. But remember that safety comes first — and part of driving safely is having sufficient car insurance coverage.

The world of auto insurance can be confusing, especially for new drivers, who also often face the challenge of higher insurance premiums. Still, there are ways to save money on insurance, both right off the bat and as you spend more time behind the wheel.

Here’s what new drivers need to know about auto insurance.

Car Insurance: The Basics

First things first: What is auto insurance, how does it work and why do you need it?

Car insurance pays out money for car repairs, medical bills, and other expenses in the event you get in an accident. Liability insurance, which pays out money to the other driver when you’re found at fault, is legally required in most states.

The amount of auto insurance you need depends on the law in the state where you live as well as your own risk tolerance level. But keep in mind that even minor auto accidents can be very costly, which makes auto insurance a necessity.

Unfortunately, auto insurance can be more expensive for new drivers — but again, take heart. There are still ways to ensure you get the best possible rate.

Factors That Affect Car Insurance Price

Car insurance prices are affected by far more than just a driver’s experience level, though that’s certainly an important part of the equation. Here are some other factors that insurers will take into account when drawing up your quote:

•  Driver’s age

•  Driver’s gender

•  Driver’s marital status

•  Driver’s history of accidents and damage

•  Driver’s credit score

•  The primary location the vehicle is kept and driven in

•  The vehicle’s make, model, and age

Although there are some general rules that hold true — for instance, that people with lower credit scores or worse driving records end up with higher premiums — the way some of these factors are used is less than transparent.

For example, a 2023 study by QuoteWizard found that women actually pay higher insurance costs than men on average in many parts of America. This is despite the Insurance Information Institute’s claim that women tend to have fewer accidents than men and therefore pay less for insurance.

While there’s no easy way to predict what your rates will look like without getting a custom quote, new drivers will likely need to prepare for higher insurance premiums. This makes sense. After all, the insurance company is trying to hedge its bets that you won’t get in an accident (and therefore need an expensive claim paid out), and they don’t have a driving record to rely on while they make their best guesses.

Recommended: Auto Insurance Terms, Explained

Who’s Considered a New Driver?

Although the classic image of a new driver might be an eager teenager with their brand-new license and the family’s hand-me-down car, there are other people who fit the description, too. Drivers considered “new” include:

•  Teenagers with new driver’s licenses

•  Adults without a driving record

•  People with a gap in their driving history or car insurance coverage

•  Immigrants to the United States, whose driving records might not transfer over from their country of origin

Being a new driver doesn’t change how much insurance you’re required to purchase by state law. But as mentioned, it can affect your price — so let’s take a closer look into solutions for each type of driver.

Car Insurance for Teens

Teens — or, in many cases, teens’ parents — face some of the highest insurance costs out there because, let’s face it: youthful abandon and lack of experience can lead to accidents. There are some moves you can make to minimize the costs, including:

•  Staying on a parent’s policy: Staying on a parent’s policy as long as they’re living under the same roof can keep costs relatively low for teenage drivers. However, parents should still expect their policy cost to double.

•  Looking for discounts for good grades or defensive driving classes: Teens may also be able to score good student discounts by maintaining above-average grades in school, or get a discount if they attend and complete an approved defensive driving class.

•  Maintaining a good driving record: For all drivers, an accident-free driving history goes a long way toward lowering insurance costs over time. Of course, practicing care and vigilance on the road is always of paramount importance. But given how high the cost of teenagers’ insurance policies can be, there’s even more incentive.

Recommended: What Is the Average Monthly Cost of Car Insurance by Age in the U.S.?

Car Insurance for People Who Moved to the U.S.

Even if you have a robust driving history in your home country, if you immigrate to the United States, it’s unlikely to transfer over. This means you could face elevated insurance prices for the first few years you’re a U.S. driver.

The first step to attaining U.S. car insurance in most states is to acquire a U.S. driver’s license, which on its own can be difficult without the proper paperwork. However, certain states do offer driving privileges to unauthorized immigrants. You may need to provide documentation, such as a foreign passport or birth certificate, and the resultant license is not valid as federal identification.

Once you’re ready to shop for car insurance, consider obtaining several quotes to see which company can offer the basic auto insurance coverage you need for the least amount of money.

Car Insurance for Adults Without a Driving Record

Maybe it’s been a long time since you’ve driven — or you’ve never driven at all.

Without a solid, recent driving history, car insurance companies will still consider you a new driver, which can push costs up. Same goes for having a gap in car insurance coverage. (There may be exceptions to this rule if your driving gap was due to military deployment status, so be sure to check with your prospective insurer.)

Shopping around for the best quote and maintaining as clean a driving record as possible going forward will help your case considerably. If you’re confident in your driving ability and you’ve built up the savings to afford it if an accident does occur, choosing a higher deductible could also help you save money on monthly premiums.

3 Ways to Save on Car Insurance for New Drivers

Along with the tips we’ve included in the sections above, there are some universal suggestions that can help most new drivers — and, in fact, most drivers, period — lower their car insurance costs.

Choose Your Car Wisely

Certain cars are more expensive to insure than others, including flashy models that are likely to get stolen (or tempt their drivers into three-digit speeds). You can find lists of the cheapest cars to insure online, but generally speaking, slightly older, more modest vehicles are the least expensive to keep insured.

Improve Your Credit History

It’s incredible how many parts of our lives credit history touches — and car insurance is no exception. While your quote is drawn up based on many factors, as mentioned above, your credit history is definitely part of it. Besides, maintaining good credit behavior is highly likely to help you elsewhere, too.

Bundle Up

Many insurance companies offer discounts to people who “bundle” coverage or purchase more than one type of insurance from the same company. So if you’re required to have renter’s insurance or have home insurance, see if buying them all from the same provider might save you some dough.

The Takeaway

The price of car insurance is impacted by several factors, including the driver’s age, gender, marital status, credit score, and history of accidents and damage. Just as important is their experience level. Newer drivers and drivers with large gaps in car insurance coverage often end up paying higher premiums — at least at first. However, there are ways to potentially lower costs, including driving a more modest vehicle, bundling coverage, and improving your credit score.

Whether you’re a first-time driver or a seasoned pro, shopping around for insurance in your area can help you figure out how much coverage you really need and what your premium might be. SoFi’s online auto insurance comparison tool lets you see quotes from a network of insurance providers within minutes, saving you time and hassle.

Compare quotes from top car insurance carriers.

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SoFi is compensated by Gabi for each customer who completes an application through the SoFi-Gabi partnership.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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According to Car & Driver, the average transaction price for a new car tops $48,000 in spring of 2023. And Kelley Blue Book says that the average used car price tops $26,000.

Whichever option you may be pursuing to get yourself some wheels, that’s not an insignificant amount. You likely know that the more money you put down, the lower your monthly payments will be. That’s even more incentive to save up as much as you can for a car.

There are a few simple steps that can jumpstart the process and help you get your funds together for a car. These can include researching your options, then setting a budget for a new vehicle, and putting systems in place so it’s faster and easier to save.

Here’s how to make saving up for a car as quick and easy as possible.

Researching Your Options

If your plan is to buy a new car, you can start getting a sense of costs by researching car options that might fit your needs and budget.

Some questions to consider when buying a car include:

•   Do you want a compact, sedan, wagon, minivan, truck or SUV?

•   Will you use it for work, travel or school?

•   What features are important, and which can you live without?

You can read articles, peruse car review sites, visit dealerships in person, and/or review manufacturers’ websites to research car models that appeal to you.

You may also want to look into purchasing a used or preowned vehicle, and seeing exactly how much this could save you. You can get a sense of costs by reviewing the used car market for the makes and models you are considering.

Calculating Your Down Payment

Once you have a rough idea of how much it will cost to get the car you want, you can start figuring out how much you may need for a downpayment.

Parting with a solid chunk of cash is never fun, but an appropriate down payment can help to make your car repayment process more manageable.

A 20% down payment is often recommended when purchasing a new car, and a downpayment of 10 percent is a general guideline for a used car.

But this is not a set rule.

A higher down payment can lead to lower monthly car payments. For one reason there’s less money to finance. For another, a lender might extend better terms, such as a lower interest rate, when you make a substantial downpayment.

Your down payment can include cash, the trade-in value of the vehicle you drive now, or a mix of the two.

Recommended: 12 Mobile Banking Features

Calculating Your Monthly Payments

If you believe you can save up enough to buy the car outright, way to go! That means you will ultimately pay less for the car because you’ll avoid paying any interest.

But if, like many people, you plan to get an auto loan, you may next want to determine how much your monthly car payments will be.

You can sit down and crunch the numbers, or you can let an online car loan calculator do the work. These calculators are designed to help you estimate what your monthly car loan payments will be throughout the life of your auto loan.

Steps to Saving up for a Car

Once you have a general idea of how much you need to save up for a downpayment, and how much money you’ll need to budget each month after you purchase your vehicle, you can set the saving money process in motion.

Here are some smart steps to help you get to the finish line.

Figuring Out How Much to Save Each Month for a Car

You can come up with a monthly savings goal by taking the amount you’ve determined you’ll need for a car upfront (subtracting any money that may come from selling or trading in your current car), and then dividing it by however many months you have left until your ideal purchase date.

The number you get after doing this equation is how much money you ideally want to save each month to meet your goal. You might also think about saving more than that per month so you can prepare for your monthly payments.

And if you’re currently driving an older vehicle that is prone to issues, you may want to save a little extra as a cushion for any necessary maintenance or repair costs.

Remember, saving for a car isn’t an overnight process and it may take longer than you initially expected, and that’s okay–the key is to get started.

Finding the Right Savings Account to Save Up for a Car

If you haven’t set up a savings account yet, this may be a good time to do so.

Good options for a short-term saving goal like buying for a car include: a high-yield savings account, money market account, online savings account, or a checking and savings account.

These options can offer a higher interest rate than a standard bank account, yet allow you to access your money when you’re ready to buy your car.

Having a savings account that is separate from your spending account can help you keep track of your progress, and allow you to know exactly how much money you have for a down payment for your car.

Making Saving for a Car Automatic

Once you have a good place to start and build your car savings, consider setting up automatic contributions to this account. You may hear this referred to as automating your savings.

You can time these transfers to happen on the same day each month, maybe right after you get your paycheck.

This makes sure the savings happens (since you won’t have to remember to transfer the money), and also ensures that you don’t accidentally spend the money you want to put aside each month to save up for your car.

Cutting Back on Extras

If your current budget doesn’t give you much room to save for a car, you may want to see if you can pair back some of your monthly expenses.

For instance, if you’re paying a high price for cable each month, but primarily watch streaming services, you may be able to cut that line item right out of your budget for a significant savings.

Or, if you seldom use your gym membership, you might want to pause or cancel it and jog around the neighborhood and/or stream workout videos at home for free instead.

Or, you might be able to save money on food by cooking more and eating out/getting takeout less often. You might also decide to only use your credit card for essentials for the next few months.

Any changes you make don’t necessarily have to be permanent. You may decide that you can go back to certain spending habits once you have a sufficient down payment to buy a car.

Finding a Extra Stream of Income

If your current income is only enough to cover your current bills, you may want to look into taking on a low-cost side hustle to help you save up for a car.

You might be able to get some extra work delivering people’s groceries, mowing lawns, babysitting, cleaning houses, driving for a ride-share service, selling homemade goods online, or working as a virtual assistant.

Or you might be able to turn one of your talents into some freelance work, such as designing websites or managing social media for a local business.

Earning a little extra cash can go a long way, giving you the chance to put more toward a car, borrow less money, and lower your monthly payment.

Trading in or Selling Your Old Car

Trading in your old car to help fund your next car purchase, and is often a good option to lower the overall amount you’ll owe on your new vehicle.

To get the most money, it’s a good idea to compare what different dealers will offer you for the car.

You can also research what your car may be worth on sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book to see if your trade-in offer seems reasonable.

You may also want to look into selling the car yourself to a private party since it could yield a higher price than trading in. The tradeoff is that this typically requires a little more work.

Recommended: How to Switch Banks

Getting the Best Deal on a Car

When you’re ready to start seriously shopping for a car, you’ll want to take advantage of any deals you can find, such as rebates and special dealership offers.

You can receive quotes from multiple dealerships; it’s a good idea to ask them if the price quoted includes deducted rebates. This process may feel tedious, but it can help you learn which make and model you can afford.

If you’ll be financing the car, you may also want to shop around for auto loans. You can check with various lenders, including banks and credit unions, to see who might offer the best lending terms.

With that information in hand, you can ask the car dealership whether it can offer a better financing deal.

If you do decide to go the used car route, it’s a good idea to follow the steps recommended by consumer.gov, such as finding out if the car has any recalls, researching if the warranty is still in effect, and having a mechanic inspect the vehicle before making a purchase, for your financial (and physical) protection.

The Takeaway

A car is a major purchase, and it’s a good idea to save up as much as you can before you take the plunge.

For one reason, you may be able to buy the car outright, and avoid taking a loan (and paying interest). For another, the higher your down payment, the lower your monthly car payments may be once you purchase the car.

Learning how to save money for a car can take a little trial and error. You may need to rejigger some of your expenses and find ways to cut back and/or bring some extra money, at least temporarily.

Ready to start saving up for that car? You may want to consider signing up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account.

With SoFi Checking and Savings’s Vaults feature, you can separate your spending from your savings (even create a Vault specifically for car savings) while still earning competitive interest on all your money.

Plus, you’ll earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), and there are no account fees.

Sign up for SoFi Checking and Savings, and start saving up for that car today!

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SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Renters insurance protects your possessions if they’re stolen or damaged while you’re renting. In addition to burglaries and vandalism, renters insurance protects you against unfortunate events, such as electrical surges, floods, and fires.

While many tenants assume they have ample coverage under their landlord’s property insurance, this is actually not typically true. Without renters insurance, you could take a major financial hit in the event of a burglary or fire by having to pay out of pocket for everything you own that is lost or ruined.

Renters insurance also offers other financial protections, such as covering personal injuries to others and temporary accommodation if you ever need to move out due to home damage.

Whether you rent an apartment, condo, or house, here’s what you need to know about renters insurance.

What Is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance provides a number of protections, which typically include:

Personal Possessions

Renters insurance protects against losses to your personal property (think furniture, clothing, luggage, jewelry, electronics), or items that aren’t built into the property unit.

Even if you don’t own much, it may add up to more than you realize.

Liability

In the event that someone other than you is injured on your rental property, renters insurance can cover expenses related to personal injuries, such as medical bills and legal expenses should that person sue you.

Most policies provide at least $100,000 of liability coverage, along with a smaller amount to cover medical payments. You can purchase higher coverage limits for a fee.

Temporary Living Expense

If your home becomes uninhabitable as a result of one of the covered perils, your renters insurance policy may reimburse you for the cost of any extra living expenses that occur while you’re unable to reside in the rental property, such as hotels or meals out.

Your Belongings When You Travel

Your personal belongings are not only covered when you’re at home, but also when you are away from home. Your possessions are typically covered from loss due to theft and other covered losses wherever you may travel.

What Catastrophes Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Renters policies protect against a long list of unfortunate events. While each policy’s level of coverage will vary, a standard rental policy may cover losses to property from perils including:

•   Fire

•   Smoke

•   Theft

•   Vandalism or malicious mischief

•   Lightning

•   Windstorms

•   Explosions

•   Water from internal sources (such as plumbing leaks)

•   Windstorm or hail

•   Falling objects

Typically, renters insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by earthquakes or floods from external sources. You may need to purchase a separate policy or rider to get coverage for these events. A separate rider might also be necessary to cover wind damage in areas that are prone to hurricanes.

Rental policies also do not typically cover losses due to your own negligence or intentional acts.

Recommended: Choosing a Renters Insurance Deductible

Why Is Renters Insurance Important?

One of the main benefits of renting versus owning is that there is less responsibility involved. If there is a leak in the kitchen or a noisy neighbor causing problems, in theory, the landlord should handle those issues.

When renting, it’s easy to fall under the impression that your landlord will handle everything that goes wrong. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Your landlord’s property insurance policy covers losses to the building itself, whether it’s an apartment, a house, or a duplex.

Renters insurance provides financial protection for many of the things that landlords aren’t insured for, or would likely be willing to cover out of their own pocket.

Is Renters Insurance Mandatory?

In some cases, yes. While renters insurance isn’t a requirement by law, landlords are legally allowed to require it in their rental agreements. Basically, if a landlord says a tenant needs it, they have to get it. If the landlord doesn’t require it in the lease agreement, the choice is up to the renter.

If a landlord requires renters insurance, it’s probably because they are looking after their own best interests. If a tenant has renters insurance, the landlord will be less likely to get hit with a lawsuit regarding injury or theft.

Even in cases where a landlord doesn’t require renters insurance, they may still favor applicants who have it over those who don’t. So if you’re looking to rent a home in a competitive area, having renters insurance may help you stand out amongst a sea of applicants.

Renters Insurance Policy Options

Exactly what renters insurance covers depends on the policy type. There are two main types of renters insurance policies that renters will likely come across:

•   Actual Cash Value. This type of policy pays to replace possessions minus an amount for depreciation up to the limit of the policy. In other words, they reduce the value of the possession based on its age and use.

•   Replacement Cost. This policy pays for the actual cost of replacing the possessions, and doesn’t deduct for depreciation, up to the limit of the policy. Generally, a Replacement Cost policy costs around 10% more than an Actual Cash Value coverage policy, but this higher cost may be worthwhile.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost?

The price will depend on what type of policy you choose, how much coverage you need, and what state you live in. The average cost of renters insurance in the U.S. is $179 per year, or roughly $15 per month.

To determine how much coverage is necessary, it helps to know the value of all your personal possessions.

Let’s say the worst happens and the rental property burns down to the ground. How much would all of the furniture, electronics, art, jewelry, clothing, appliances, and everyday items like towels cost to replace? Ideally, the policy will be enough to replace all possessions.

Creating a home inventory of all of your personal possessions and their estimated value can help determine this number. Keeping this inventory up-to-date can make it easier and faster to file an insurance claim down the road.

How to Buy Renters Insurance

If you decide you want to purchase renters insurance, here are some ways to get started.

Comparison Shopping

Renters insurance policy prices can vary greatly depending on the provider, so it can be worthwhile to shop around. It’s a good idea to get at least three price quotes, but the more the merrier.

You can call the company directly or submit an online form if available to get a quote, and then compare the different offers to see which one provides the best coverage for the best price.

Recommended: Most Affordable Renters Insurance for Apartments

Varying the Search

You may want to get quotes from different types of insurance companies, including those that sell policies through their own agents, and those that sell directly to the consumer without using agents.

You can also consult independent agents who offer policies from multiple insurance companies.

Looking Past Price

While getting the best deal possible sounds great, price shouldn’t be a renter’s only concern. An insurance provider’s customer service, claim process, and customer reviews are all important factors to take into account.

Asking for Referrals

Alongside looking at customer reviews, you may also want to ask friends or relatives for their recommendations. This is especially helpful if they have dealt with processing a renters insurance claim before.

The Takeaway

Renters insurance can provide coverage for your personal belongings, whether they are in your home, your car, or while you are on vacation. In addition, renters insurance can provide liability coverage in case someone is injured in your home or if you accidentally cause injury to someone.

To determine if buying renters insurance is worth it for you, you may want to consider whether it would be financially devastating for you to have to replace all, or even some, of your personal possessions if they were stolen or damaged. If the answer is yes, then a renters insurance policy may be a wise investment.

Renters insurance can also provide peace of mind, which some renters may feel is worth the cost.

If you decide to purchase a policy, you’ll want to understand what the policy covers, and also ask the company or agent about available discounts, deductibles, and coverage limits.

Thinking about renters insurance but worried about how to fit it into your budget? You may want to consider signing up for a Checking and Savings account with SoFi. With SoFi Checking and Savings, you can easily see your weekly spending on your dashboard in the app. This can help you stay on top of your spending, and make sure you are staying on track with your budget. With SoFi, you’ll also earn a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) and won’t pay any account fees.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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