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Insurance Renters Insurance

Lemonade Renters Insurance Review

Updated Oct 26, 2023   |   14-min read

Our take on Lemonade renters insurance

  • Best for cheap coverage
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars
  • Premiums start at $5
  • Limited coverage compared to higher-priced options

Lemonade’s renters insurance shines in affordability. With an editorial rating of 3.9 out of 5, it earns our “best for cheap coverage” label due to its low premiums, which start at just $5 a month.

However, affordability doesn’t tell the whole story. Lemonade faces criticisms for limitations in its coverage options and customer service, affecting its overall rating. Therefore, while it’s a strong candidate for those looking to save money, it may not be suitable for renters seeking comprehensive coverage or personalized customer service.

If you’re primarily budget-focused, Lemonade could fit the bill. But if you’re after a more robust policy or stellar customer experience, you may want to continue your search. Here’s a closer look.

About Lemonade

Founded in 2015, Lemonade has emerged as a disruptor in the insurance industry. Built on a tech-forward model, it aims to simplify and humanize insurance for the digital age. Its mission centers on transparency, affordability, and a hassle-free claims process.

Lemonade renters insurance is available in 28 states, making its affordable renters insurance accessible to a broad audience but not everyone in the U.S. It offers basic coverage for personal property, liability, and additional living expenses, but its breadth and depth of coverage may not match some more established players in the insurance field.

Lemonade renters insurance at a glance

You can find the basics about Lemonade’s renters insurance in the table below. We’ll elaborate in the following sections.

TermsDetails
PremiumAs low as $5/month. Lemonade’s average is $14/month as of August 1, 2023.
Deductibles$250, $500, $1,000, or $2,500
Reimbursement typeActual value
Personal property coverage$10,000 – $250,000
Loss of use coverage$3,000 – $200,000
Personal liability coverage$100,000 – $1,000,000
Medical payments coverage$1,000 – $5,000
Policy discountsAutomatic bundle discount when you combine with other insurance (auto, for example)
Unique featuresAdd scheduled personal property coverage (Lemonade calls it “extra coverage”) for higher-priced items, such as jewelry

What types of plans does Lemonade offer?

Lemonade offers two types of coverage options to fit your renters insurance needs: basic renters insurance and extra coverage. The basic plan takes care of standard necessities, including personal property and liability, while extra coverage offers specialized protection for your high-priced valuables.

  • Basic renters insurance: This standard plan covers the essentials, including personal property, loss of use, and liability. It provides a cost-effective way to protect your belongings and personal liability.
  • Extra coverage: Designed for those with high-value items such as jewelry, artwork, or musical instruments, this plan offers specialized coverage. It provides additional protection beyond the basic plan without requiring a deductible for those items.

Your policy automatically covers members of your household that are related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption—so that includes spouses and children. It is recommended that you add their names to the policy, and make sure you purchase enough coverage for everyone’s personal property.

Significant others may be added to your policy for a minor cost.

What does Lemonade renters insurance cover?

Lemonade renters insurance covers your belongings against damages from events such as fire, theft, and vandalism. It also has your back in liability scenarios—if you accidentally harm someone else or damage their property. 

If a covered event makes your home uninhabitable, Lemonade helps with additional living expenses.

Types of coverage

  • Personal property: This takes care of belongings including laptops or bikes if they’re stolen or damaged—for example, in a kitchen fire.
  • Loss of use: Helps with extra living expenses, such as hotel bills, if you can’t live in your home due to covered perils—a fire, for instance.
  • Liability coverage: Offers protection if you’re responsible for injuring someone or damaging their belongings, both at home and elsewhere.
  • Medical payments: Aids in covering medical bills for guests injured at your place, usually capped at $5,000.

Extra coverage

If you want security beyond the basic renters insurance coverage, Lemonade allows you to add extra coverage to your policy for special items such as fine art, jewelry, and musical instruments. Here’s what makes it different:

  • Accidental loss and damage: Unlike the base policy, extra coverage protects against accidental loss and damage worldwide.
  • No deductible: No money is deducted from your claim payment.
  • Special items: The base policy caps jewelry coverage at $1,500. If your jewelry’s value exceeds this, you’ll want extra coverage for the appraised value of the piece.

To secure extra coverage for your belongings, just use the Lemonade app to snap photos of the items and submit a receipt or an appraisal.

What does Lemonade renters insurance not cover?

Every insurance policy has its limitations. Here are items Lemonade renters insurance generally won’t cover:

  • Natural disasters: Earthquakes and flooding from weather events aren’t covered.
  • Power outages: Not typically included, except in certain states, although Lemonade doesn’t disclose which states are eligible for this coverage.
  • Car theft: Your car and its parts are not covered, although belongings inside the car might be.
  • Roommate’s belongings: Your policy only covers your belongings. It will cover your spouse’s, but it’s suggested that you include their name on the policy.
  • Short-term rentals: Events during an Airbnb stay aren’t covered.
  • Pest damage: No coverage for damage from or removal of pests including mice and ants.
  • Mold: Coverage is limited unless resulting from specific causes.
  • Pet damage: If your pets damage the apartment, you’re on the hook for it, although you can include it as an add-on to your basic coverage.
  • Physical rental damage: Your landlord’s insurance usually covers the physical structure of your apartment building or duplex, for example.

How much does a Lemonade renters insurance policy cost?

Factors that affect your premium include your location, coverage amounts, and even your deductible choices. Furry friends won’t automatically raise your rates, but you can opt for pet damage coverage as an add-on. 

Over time, premiums can increase, especially if you file a claim. Lemonade’s pricing starts as low as $5 per month but varies based on these and other factors.

Sample quote

Our team collected this sample quote to give you an idea of monthly and annual premiums and the associated levels of coverage. 

Sample quote for a multifamily rental in Wisconsin
Monthly premium$8.25
Annual premium$99 (before discounts)
Personal property$10,000
Portable electronics$3,000
Personal liability$100,000
Loss of use$3,000
Medical payments$1,000
Extra coverage
$2,000 jewelry$32/year
$5,000 fine art$8/year
$1,000 bike$60/year
$1,000 camera$15/year
$1,000 instruments$6/year
Add-ons
Partner$20/year
Water backupStarting at $20/year
Pet damage$500/year

Discounts to save money on Lemonade renters insurance

In addition to its affordable premiums, Lemonade offers a couple of ways to trim down your payment:

  • Bundle discount: When you package your renters insurance with other Lemonade policies, you could see savings, although the exact discount isn’t disclosed.
  • Protective devices: If you have a smoke detector, deadbolt, or home security system, you might be eligible for a premium discount.

Who is eligible for Lemonade renters insurance?

Qualifying for Lemonade renters insurance involves a few factors. Eligibility isn’t just about location; it extends to the kind of property you’re living in and potentially your financial history. Let’s dig into the specifics.

  • Eligible states: Lemonade offers coverage in 28 states and Washington, D.C. Eligible states include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
  • Property types: Whether you’re in an apartment, condo, or single-family home, you could be eligible for coverage.
  • Financial history: Your credit and claims history are two of many factors that may influence your rate. How they impact your rate depends on the laws of the state where policies are issued. 

Lemonade renters insurance claims and payouts

Filing a claim with Lemonade offers a user-friendly experience designed for quick resolution. The process, often faster than traditional insurance models, uses technology to its advantage.

Steps to file a claim

  • Use the app: Start by opening the Lemonade app and selecting the “File a Claim” button.
  • Follow the guide: The app walks you through each step for filing your claim.
  • Bank details: After completing the claim report, you’ll enter your bank information for reimbursement.
  • Wait for approval: Once your claim is approved, get the payment, minus your deductible, via direct deposit.

Notable points about Lemonade’s claims process

  • Speedy payouts: Lemonade aims for instant payouts on simple property claims, although more complicated cases may require additional review.
  • Tell your story: A unique feature allows you to record a video explaining the incident, which can expedite the claims process.
  • Emergency support: Lemonade provides 24/7 assistance for emergency situations, such as fire or ongoing water damage.
  • Receipts help but aren’t mandatory: If you have receipts for items valued at $250 or more, that’s ideal. If not, note where and when you bought them to speed up the claim process.

Reimbursement type: Replacement cost

Lemonade’s renters policies offer replacement cost for destroyed, damaged, or stolen items. This means Lemonade calculates the value of your item based on the current market rate for a similar new item. For instance, if a camera you bought for $500 that now sells for $350, the reimbursement would be based on the $350 value.

Pros and cons of Lemonade renters insurance

To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a closer look at Lemonade’s pros and cons:

Pros

  • Quick online activation:

    Lemonade’s use of artificial intelligence makes the quote and activation process fast and straightforward.

  • Efficient claims process:

    With Lemonade’s app, filing a claim becomes a less daunting task, aiming for speedier resolutions.

  • Low premiums:

    A competitive price point makes Lemonade renters insurance accessible to most renters who live in eligible states.

Cons

  • Customer service issues:

    The convenience of an online-only model comes with trade-offs: Some users report subpar customer service. 

  • Limited extra coverage options:

    Lemonade offers a handy extra coverage feature, but it lacks the extensive add-ons other competitors provide.

These insights should help you evaluate whether Lemonade is the right fit for your renters insurance needs.

How Lemonade renters insurance compares to others

Lemonade stands out for its tech-savvy approach to renters insurance, offering a streamlined online process powered by artificial intelligence. This makes getting a quote and filing a claim quick and hassle-free. 

However, you might consider other options if the following areas are important to you: 

  • Customer service: Lemonade gets mixed reviews in this area. (See more below.) Meanwhile, we deem The Hartford best for customer service in our LendEDU editorial rankings. Nationwide allows you to connect with an agent near you for face-to-face support.
  • Extra coverage: While Lemonade offers extra coverage options, competitors such as Farmers offer a broader range of additional coverage options, including identity theft protection.
  • Discounts: Lemonade offers some discounts and overall low premiums, but we rank Allstate as the best for discounts, including multi-policy, smart home, automatic/pay in full, and claim-free discounts.

Read more about the best renters insurance providers to evaluate other options.

Is Lemonade a reputable company?

Checking online customer reviews can be a helpful way to understand a Lemonade’s reputation before committing to a policy. According to these reviews, Lemonade’s online reputation is a mixed bag. 

SourceCustomer ratingNumber of reviews
Trustpilot4.3 out of 51,311 reviews
Google2.7 out of 584
Better Business Bureau2.2 out of 5241 reviews

Data collected September 21, 2023

Trustpilot is a widely recognized platform for customer feedback and Lemonade’s high volume of reviews lends credibility to its ratings. On the site, the company enjoys a high score of 4.3 out of 5 based on 1,311 reviews. 

However, many of these reviews are for its pet insurance, not renters insurance. Among the renters insurance reviews, complaints about customer service and specific policy language leading to denied claims are recurring themes. 

Better Business Bureau paints a less rosy picture with a 2.2 out of 5 rating and a B- accreditation. Many customers there pointed out unresponsiveness when it came to claims. Meanwhile, Lemonade earns 2.7 out of 5 on Google, with customers complaining of a long claims process and poor customer service.

All sources provide a snapshot of customer sentiment, but remember to dig deeper into the reviews for context when making an informed decision.

Does Lemonade have a customer service team?

When it comes to customer service, Lemonade offers various ways for policyholders to reach out. While its general customer service takes care of day-to-day questions and policy changes, Lemonade also provides specialized assistance for emergencies. 

An emergency is defined as a situation requiring immediate aid or temporary housing due to fire, ongoing water damage, or other structural issues.

Here are your options for contacting Lemonade:

  • General queries:
  • Emergency situations:
    • Phone: 1-844-733-8666 (Available 24/7 for emergencies)
    • Lemonade app: Use for immediate claim filing and tracking

For emergencies where digital access is compromised, Lemonade’s emergency contact number ensures assistance is always within reach. The company collaborates with a network of emergency response and repair partners, making it possible to provide immediate services such as water or fire damage cleanup, temporary housing, or specialized consultation.

How to apply for Lemonade renters insurance

Securing renters insurance with Lemonade is a straightforward process. Most of the work happens online, facilitated by Lemonade’s AI, which not only simplifies but speeds up the task. Here’s how to go from a prospective policyholder to an insured renter:

  1. Click “Check your prices”: This takes you to the initial application page.
  2. Enter personal information: Start with your name and address.
Image of application for Lemonade renters insurance - name input
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - address input
  1. Answer property questions: Provide details about your rental unit, such as the presence of smoke alarms and burglar alarms.
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - home information
  1. Household composition: Indicate whether you live with roommates, a partner, kids, or pets.
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - who lives at the address
  1. List valuables: Disclose any high-value items that might need extra coverage.
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - extra coverage needed
  1. Type of building: Specify the nature of your dwelling: multifamily house, apartment, or other type.
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - type of building
  1. Current policy status: Mention whether you already have a renters policy in place.
  2. AI analysis: Lemonade’s AI uses your responses and factors including building age, durability, and distance from coast and fire stations to generate a quote.
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - quote is ready
  1. Customize your coverage: Once you get the initial quote, you have the freedom to tweak it—add extra coverage or increase your limits.
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - customize coverage
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - customize coverage 2
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - quote
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - choose deductible
  1. Activate policy: To finalize your insurance, pay the first premium.
Image of Lemonade renters insurance application - activate insurance

Complete the entire process in minutes thanks to the AI’s quick analysis.

Lemonade FAQ

Can you add another person to your policy?

Lemonade renters insurance primarily covers the policyholder. However, you can generally include a spouse or partner without additional cost. Roommates, on the other hand, are not typically covered under the same policy and would need to get their own separate coverage.

Can you make changes to your policy?

Yes, adjusting your Lemonade policy is a breeze. You can make modifications, such as adding or removing coverage options, through its app or website. Lemonade will recalculate your premium based on these changes.

Do you need to renew your policy each year?

Lemonade offers the convenience of auto-renewing your renters insurance policy. You’ll receive a notice before the renewal date, giving you a chance to review any changes in terms or rates. 

If you’re comfortable with the updates, your policy will renew automatically. If not, you’ll have the option to make changes or cancel the policy before the renewal date.

Can you cancel a policy?

Yes, you can cancel your Lemonade renters insurance policy at any time. To do so, you’ll need to log into your account through the app or website and follow the cancellation steps. Upon cancellation, any unused premium will be refunded to you, often within a short time frame.

How we rated Lemonade renters insurance

We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help consumers identify companies that offer the best financial products. Our experts spend hours researching these companies each year to ensure our ratings are fresh and accurate.

Our most recent evaluation compared Lemonade to several renters insurance companies across a number of factors, including coverage, customer reviews, terms, and costs. We weighted, scored, and combined these factors to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. We round all ratings to the nearest tenth decimal place.

ProductBest forOur rating
Renters insuranceBest for cheap coverage3.9 out of 5Get a quote