While the standard duration for renters insurance policies is typically one year, many insurance companies offer more flexible terms, including six-month policies. These shorter-term policies can be particularly beneficial for those who are in temporary living situations, such as people on short-term work assignments or individuals in the process of moving.
Six-Month Renters Insurance Policy
You can get six-month renters insurance by canceling a 12-month policy early. It’s a smart option for students, temp workers or short-term renters.
Find out if you're overpaying for renters insurance below.

Updated: June 9, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Some insurers charge early cancellation fees or withhold refunds for unused months. Always read the fine print before canceling. Not all companies offer full pro-rated refunds after early termination.
App-based providers like Lemonade make it easier to manage and cancel policies on your schedule. You can handle everything (from signing up to canceling) through the app without calling an agent or paying extra fees.
Canceling a renters policy early typically won’t hurt your insurance record or future rates. As long as you stay current on payments and avoid claims abuse, ending a policy early won’t negatively affect your insurance history.
Can You Get Renters Insurance for Six Months?
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
If insurers in your area don't offer six-month policies, you can get a cheap renters insurance policy and cancel it after six months. Check the terms and conditions regarding early cancellation, as some policies might have fees or specific requirements for terminating the contract before the full term has ended.
How to Get Six-Month Renters Insurance Policies
Finding the right six-month renters insurance policy requires a strategic approach to ensure you get the best coverage for your needs. There are various methods to locate and evaluate short-term renters insurance options.
From researching insurance providers to directly contacting agents, you can navigate the process efficiently and effectively.
Research Insurance Providers
Start by researching insurance companies that offer renters insurance. Look for providers that specifically mention flexible policy terms or short-term options on their websites.
Compare Online Quotes
Many insurance providers offer online quote tools. Gather and compare renters insurance quotes to understand the policy terms and premiums available. Specify that you're looking for a six-month policy to see if this option is available and how it compares in cost to a standard 12-month policy.
Contact Insurance Agents Directly
Sometimes, information about short-term policies might not be readily available online. In such cases, contact insurance agents directly via phone or email. They can provide detailed information about available policy lengths and may even offer custom solutions.
Check for Customizable Policies
Some insurers offer customizable policies where you can choose your coverage duration. Look for insurers who advertise flexibility in policy terms.
Inquire About Policy Cancellation
If you can't find a six-month policy, consider a standard one-year policy that can be canceled mid-term. Be sure to inquire about any potential fees or penalties for early cancellation.
Look at Local or Regional Insurers
Sometimes, local or regional insurance companies might offer more flexible terms than national providers.
Who Needs Six-Month Renters Insurance Policies?
The six-month renters insurance policies are perfect for those with short-term assignments or duties, exchange students and more. The flexibility of, a six-month renters insurance policy can offer unique benefits for specific groups. These are some people who can benefit from short-term insurance coverage:
- Workers on short-term assignments
- Individuals who are about to move
- College students in off-campus housing
- People undergoing home renovations
- Military personnel on temporary duty
- Seasonal residents (e.g., those with summer or winter homes)
- Exchange students or visiting scholars
- Professionals on temporary job contracts
- Subletters or temporary room renters
- Travelers on extended vacations or sabbaticals
Six-Month Short-Term Renters Policy: Bottom Line
Most renters insurance policies last 12 months, but short-term renters still have options. If you only need coverage for six months, you can buy a standard policy and cancel it early. This is a practical choice for students, temporary workers, or renters in transition.
Some insurers may charge a small cancellation fee, but many offer pro-rated refunds. Renters insurance protects your belongings and liability, even if you only need it for a short time.
Compare Renters Insurance Rates
Ensure you're getting the best rate for your renters insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Understanding Six-Month Renters Insurance: FAQ
There are certain scenarios where you might need short-term renters insurance, especially if your profession or studies require you to keep moving from one place to another. Understanding how you can get six-month renters insurance can help you avoid having to purchase annual premiums and not get the full coverage that you paid for.
We answered the most frequently asked questions about short-term insurance so you can decide if it's a good option for your living situation.
Can I get six months' renters insurance?
It may be challenging to look for six-month renters insurance, as they often last one year, but some providers may offer renters insurance for six months.
You can also opt to purchase a one-year policy and cancel at six months. Your provider might charge a small cancellation fee, but this method can suit your short-term leases and living situations.
What are your alternatives if you can’t find six-month renters insurance?
If a six-month policy is unavailable, you can consider purchasing a one-year policy and canceling after six months.
Best Six-Month Renters Insurance: Our Review Methodology
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We obtained information from Quadrant Information Services and examined rates of customer and claim satisfaction from the top industry assessments, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), AM Best and J.D. Power.
To provide the best renters insurance solutions for different renter profiles and demands, as well as at the national and state levels, MoneyGeek developed a ranking methodology to compare the data.
Renters Insurance Profile
In this study, we focused on a particular profile of renters, characterized by:
- Good credit score
- Claims free for over five years
The research also encompassed scenarios involving renters with varying credit histories and different records of insurance claims.
Renters’ Insurance Coverage Details
Calculations for the average renters insurance rates were based on the following policy specifics:
- $20,000 in personal property coverage
- $100,000 in personal liability coverage
- $1,000 deductible
Additionally, our investigation included an exploration of policies offering broader coverage ranges, extending from $20,000 to $100,000 for personal property, liability coverage ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 and deductibles varying between $500 and $2,000.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.