One of the most common mistakes renters make when buying renters insurance is significantly underestimating the total value of their personal belongings. The Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates that the average renter in a one-bedroom apartment owns $20,000 to $30,000 worth of belongings — but most people guess their total is under $10,000 when asked.
This calculator helps you accurately estimate the total replacement cost of everything you own, room by room, so you can choose the right personal property coverage amount. All estimates are based on 2026 average replacement costs for common household items in the United States.
Always choose "Replacement Cost" coverage (not "Actual Cash Value") to avoid depreciation deductions. It costs only 10%–15% more and pays the full cost to replace your items at today's prices.
Conversely, overestimating means you are paying for coverage you don't need. The goal is to find the "sweet spot" — enough coverage to fully replace your belongings, but not so much that you are wasting money on premiums.
Personal property includes everything you own that is not permanently attached to the building. This includes:
When choosing your coverage amount, you also need to decide between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage:
Use the calculator below to add up your belongings room by room. The calculator includes an 8% annual inflation adjustment and a 15% replacement cost buffer to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Based on average monthly premiums for a standard $30,000 personal property / $300,000 liability policy with $500 deductible.
Quotes are estimates. Actual premiums vary by ZIP code, claims history, and credit score. Always compare at least 3 quotes before buying.
Enter the number of rooms and high-value items to estimate your total belongings value.