The short version
No insurer offers a true month-to-month renters insurance policy. But you don't need one: buy a standard 12-month policy, pay monthly, and cancel anytime for a prorated refund of unused coverage. That gives you identical flexibility — coverage for exactly as long as you need, billed ~$13–$23/month, done in about 5 minutes online. If your timeline is fixed, a 6-month policy (Nationwide, Farmers, American Family) expires on its own with no cancellation step, at roughly 10–15% more per month than an annual policy.
Your three real options
| Option | How it works | Best for | Cost note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual policy, paid monthly, cancel anytime | Standard 12-month policy billed monthly; cancel online or by phone when you move out and get a prorated refund for unused days | Almost everyone — sublets, month-to-month leases, apartment hunting, unknown end dates | ~$13–$23/mo; same rate as any annual policy |
| 6-month policy | Fixed term from Nationwide, Farmers, or American Family; expires naturally, no cancellation call | Defined timelines: a semester sublet, a fixed work assignment | ~10–15% more per month than annual |
| Subscription-style (Toggle) | Toggle sells renters coverage as a cancel-anytime subscription with no penalties, from ~$5/mo | Frequent movers who want zero cancellation friction | From ~$5/mo; available in 33 states + DC |
Covered in about 90 seconds
Lemonade's renters policies start around $5/month, are bought entirely online, and can be cancelled anytime from the app with a prorated refund — the cleanest setup for short stays.
Get a renters quote →Affiliate link — see disclosure above.
Common short-term scenarios, solved
"I'm subletting for 2–3 months"
Annual policy, cancel when you leave. Even for eight weeks, it's worth it: renters insurance covers your belongings (which a roommate's or the leaseholder's policy does not), your personal liability, and hotel costs if the place becomes unlivable — for maybe $30 total over the sublet.
"My lease is month-to-month and my landlord requires insurance"
A standard annual policy satisfies the requirement without committing you past the next billing cycle. Your landlord needs proof of coverage, not proof of a 12-month commitment — cancel with notice whenever you actually move out.
"I'm on a temporary work assignment"
Buy a policy for the assignment city; if the assignment moves, you can usually transfer the policy to the new address mid-term rather than cancelling and rebuying. Cancel when you head home.
"I just need a gap covered while apartment hunting"
Coverage starts the day you buy. Get the policy for the temporary place; when you sign the new lease, update the address (or cancel and start fresh if you're switching carriers to bundle).
How to cancel cleanly (and get your refund)
- Line up any replacement coverage first — even a same-day quote — so there's no gap if your next landlord requires proof.
- Cancel by app, portal, or one phone call. Have your policy number ready. Most insurers process it in 24–48 hours.
- Confirm the refund. Prorated refunds for unused premium are standard; if you paid annually upfront, the unused months come back to your card.
- Save the confirmation. If a landlord later disputes your coverage dates, the cancellation notice settles it.
Switching rather than ending coverage? Some insurers (Lemonade included) will send the cancellation notice to your old carrier for you when you sign up.