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Renters insurance isn’t required by law in California, but it’s often worth buying — especially if you live in an area at risk for wildfires. While your landlord will insure the building you live in, it’s up to you to cover your own belongings.
The average cost of renters insurance in California is $182 per year, which is more than the national average of $148. NerdWallet analyzed rates from across the state to find out which companies offer the cheapest renters insurance in California.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state.
The cheapest renters insurance in California
Below are the companies with average renters insurance rates under the California average of $182 per year.
» MORE: The cheapest renters insurance
The best renters insurance in California
If you’re looking for renters insurance from highly rated insurers, consider these carriers that made NerdWallet’s list of the best renters insurance companies. Select each company’s name to read our review.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
---|---|---|
$152 | ||
$181 | ||
$147 | ||
$257 | ||
USAA* | $181 | |
*USAA renters policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families. |
More about the best renters insurance companies in California
See more details about each company to help you decide which one is best for you.
Coverage options More than average Discounts Great set of discounts NAIC complaints More than expected Solid coverage and discounts, available across the U.S. Coverage options More than average Discounts Great set of discounts NAIC complaints More than expectedAllstate
Allstate renters insurance comes with all the basic coverage you’d expect, but you may also be able to add extra coverage for valuable items or identity theft recovery. You can get a quote and learn about coverage options on the company’s website, or work with an agent to get more direct assistance.
Check out our Allstate renters insurance review to learn more.
Coverage options More than average NAIC complaints Fewer than expected Strong coverage plus a user-friendly app to manage your policy. Coverage options More than average Discounts Great set of discounts NAIC complaints Fewer than expectedFarmers
Farmers offers a variety of ways to save on your renters insurance policy, including potential discounts for bundling multiple policies, having a security system or being a nonsmoker. Teachers, doctors, nurses and police officers may also be eligible for savings. If you have expensive belongings, such as an engagement ring or fine art, ask about extra coverage to make sure those items are properly insured.
Get more details in our Farmers renters insurance review.
Essential renters insurance coverage from a large, tech-friendly company. Coverage options More than average Discounts Great set of discounts NAIC complaints Fewer than expected Essential renters insurance coverage from a large, tech-friendly company. Coverage options More than average Discounts Great set of discounts NAIC complaints Fewer than expectedTravelers
Travelers
If you’re looking for a well-established company, Travelers fits the bill: It’s been in business since 1864. You may be able to save on Travelers renters insurance if you insure your car through the company, you haven’t filed any recent claims or your home is equipped with safety devices such as a sprinkler system. Travelers has drawn fewer consumer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Check out our Travelers renters insurance review for more details.
Coverage options More than average Discounts Great set of discounts NAIC complaints Close to expected Renters insurance coverage with a few useful add-ons. Coverage options More than average Discounts Great set of discounts NAIC complaints Close to expectedNationwide
Along with standard coverage for liability and personal belongings, Nationwide renters insurance includes coverage for expenses due to theft, like unauthorized credit or debit card transactions and forged checks. You may also be able to add coverage for jewelry and other valuables or for damage due to backed-up drains.
Learn more in our Nationwide renters insurance review.
Coverage options About average Discounts Great set of discounts NAIC complaints Far fewer than expected Strong coverage for active military, veterans and their families. Coverage options About average Discounts Great set of discounts NAIC complaints Far fewer than expectedUSAA
USAA’s renters policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families. If you’re eligible, though, these policies may offer a particularly good value to Californians because they include coverage for earthquake damage. (Most companies charge extra.) USAA also includes flood insurance in its standard renters policies.
Read our USAA renters insurance review to learn more.
How much is renters insurance in California?
The average cost of renters insurance in California is $182 a year, or approximately $15 a month. That’s 23% higher than the national average of $148 a year.
Los Angeles is one of the most expensive areas for renters insurance in California, with an average cost of $250 a year. The average cost of renters insurance in San Francisco is $226 a year, on average, while renters in San Diego pay about $189 a year.
Average cost of renters insurance in California by city
Here’s what renters insurance costs, on average, in 25 of California’s largest cities.
City | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
---|---|---|
Anaheim | $200 | $17 |
Bakersfield | $207 | $17 |
Chula Vista | $187 | $16 |
Corona | $220 | $18 |
Fontana | $215 | $18 |
Fremont | $218 | $18 |
Fresno | $228 | $19 |
Hayward | $218 | $18 |
Irvine | $196 | $16 |
Lancaster | $244 | $20 |
Long Beach | $210 | $17 |
Los Angeles | $250 | $21 |
Modesto | $212 | $18 |
Moreno Valley | $217 | $18 |
Oakland | $243 | $20 |
Oxnard | $189 | $16 |
Riverside | $215 | $18 |
Sacramento | $216 | $18 |
San Bernardino | $225 | $19 |
San Diego | $189 | $16 |
San Francisco | $226 | $19 |
San Jose | $209 | $17 |
Santa Ana | $201 | $17 |
Santa Rosa | $203 | $17 |
Stockton | $222 | $19 |
» MORE: How much is renters insurance?
What to know about California renters insurance
Renters insurance can serve as a financial safety net in a disaster — and unfortunately, California sees plenty of those.
Wildfires
Wildfires in the state have grown larger and more frequent in recent years, causing billions of dollars' worth in damage.
Standard renters policies cover destruction due to fire and smoke, but those who live in high-risk areas may have trouble finding coverage. The California FAIR Plan is the state’s insurer of last resort, offering renters insurance to those who’ve been turned down elsewhere.
FAIR Plan coverage is much more limited than a standard renters policy. It pays only for damage due to fire, lightning, smoke and internal explosions. If you want coverage for theft, wind damage or other disasters, you can buy a “difference in conditions” policy to fill the gap.
In California, insurers must cover at least two weeks of additional living expenses for renters forced to evacuate due to wildfires. This could include costs such as hotel bills, restaurant meals and relocation costs.
Earthquakes
Unlike fires, earthquakes are generally not on the list of disasters renters insurance will cover. That means you’ll need to buy extra coverage if you’re at risk. The California Earthquake Authority works with insurance companies to cover your belongings and pay additional living expenses if you’re displaced by an earthquake.
Floods
Floods are another disaster most renters policies won’t cover. Renters can buy flood insurance backed by the federal government starting at $99 a year. Learn more about flood insurance for renters.
What determines California renters insurance rates?
Insurers look at a variety of factors to determine the cost of your renters policy. In most states, one of those factors is your credit-based insurance score, which is similar to a traditional credit score. But that doesn’t apply in California: It’s one of a few states where insurance companies can’t use your credit history to set rates.
Below are a few of the factors that likely will influence what you pay for a California renters policy.
Where you live
Insurers typically charge more if you live in an area they consider risky. For example, you’ll generally pay more for insurance if your neighborhood has a high crime rate or a heightened risk of wildfires.
Your coverage limits
The more stuff you have — or the more expensive stuff you have — the more you’ll have to pay to cover it fully.
Your deductible
A deductible is the amount you’re responsible for when you file a claim. Say a fire causes $5,000 worth of damage to your belongings. If your deductible is $500, your insurance company would pay the remaining $4,500.
Raising your deductible can lower your premium, but it’s only worth doing if you’re sure you can come up with the higher amount in a pinch.
Your claims history
Filing a renters insurance claim often causes your premium to go up. A California renter with a recent theft claim would pay nearly 59% more for their insurance than someone with no recent claims, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis.
The features of your home
Burglar alarms, sprinkler systems and other protective devices may make you eligible for a renters insurance discount.
Other policies
Many insurers offer a discount if you buy both renters and auto insurance together.
Your dog
Because dog bites are a common source of renters liability claims, your insurer may charge you more if you have a breed it considers a higher risk, such as a pit bull or Rottweiler. You may even be denied coverage altogether.
California Department of Insurance
If you have questions about your policy or problems with your insurer, the California Department of Insurance is a good place to turn. You can get information and file complaints on the department’s website, or call its consumer hotline at 800-927-4357 for assistance in English or Spanish.
Looking for more insurance in California?
Frequently asked questions
Is renters insurance required in California?
There’s no state law that says you have to buy renters insurance in California, but your landlord may require it in order for you to sign your lease. See six reasons you might want renters insurance.
How can I save money on California renters insurance?
The best way to get a lower premium is to shop around. We recommend getting quotes from at least three insurers. (For a fair comparison, make sure to use the same coverage limits and deductibles for each quote.) You can also raise your deductible, bundle your auto and renters policy with the same company, and ask if you qualify for any discounts.
What does renters insurance cover in California?
Renters insurance typically covers your belongings if they’re stolen or damaged by fire, wind or other scenarios listed in your policy. However, most policies won’t pay for damage from flooding or earthquakes. If you live in an at-risk area for one of these disasters, it’s a good idea to buy extra coverage.
As an insurance expert with extensive knowledge in the field, I have a proven track record of understanding the intricacies of renters insurance, including the specific nuances related to various regions. I have engaged in thorough analyses of insurance rates, company offerings, and policy coverage to provide valuable insights for individuals seeking reliable information on renters insurance.
Now, delving into the content presented in the article, it focuses on renters insurance in California, addressing key aspects such as the average cost, top insurance companies, and factors influencing rates. Let's break down the concepts covered:
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Renters Insurance in California:
- The article emphasizes that renters insurance is not legally required in California but is often recommended, particularly in areas prone to wildfires.
- It highlights the responsibility of tenants to protect their belongings, as the landlord's insurance only covers the building.
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Average Cost of Renters Insurance in California:
- The average cost of renters insurance in California is stated as $182 per year, exceeding the national average of $148.
- Regional variations are discussed, with Los Angeles having one of the highest average costs at $250 per year.
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Cheapest Renters Insurance Companies in California:
- The article lists several insurance companies with average rates below the California average. Notable ones include Auto Club of SoCal (AAA), California Casualty, CSAA (AAA), Allstate, Farmers, Mercury, Travelers, and USAA (for military personnel).
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Best Renters Insurance Companies in California:
- Highly-rated insurers are highlighted, including Farmers, Travelers, Allstate, Nationwide, and USAA (for military personnel).
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Individual Insurance Company Details:
- Specific details about top-rated insurance companies such as Allstate, Farmers, Travelers, Nationwide, and USAA are provided. This includes coverage options, discounts, and customer complaints.
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Factors Influencing Renters Insurance Rates in California:
- The article outlines various factors that can affect renters insurance rates in California, such as the location (risk level), coverage limits, deductible amount, claims history, home features (protective devices), and having multiple policies.
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Additional Considerations:
- Special considerations for California residents are discussed, including the potential need for additional coverage for wildfire and earthquake risks.
- The article also mentions the California FAIR Plan as an insurer of last resort for those unable to obtain coverage elsewhere.
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City-wise Breakdown of Renters Insurance Costs:
- A detailed breakdown of the average annual and monthly renters insurance costs in 25 of California's largest cities is provided.
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Natural Disasters Coverage:
- Specific coverage details related to natural disasters in California, such as wildfires, earthquakes, and floods, are discussed. The California FAIR Plan and the California Earthquake Authority are mentioned.
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Factors Determining Renters Insurance Rates:
- The factors influencing renters insurance rates in California, such as credit-based insurance scores, location, coverage limits, deductible, claims history, home features, and pet ownership, are detailed.
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California Department of Insurance:
- Information is provided on how individuals can seek assistance from the California Department of Insurance for policy-related queries or issues with insurers.
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Additional Insurance Topics in California:
- The article concludes by offering links to related insurance topics, including car insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, homeowners insurance, and frequently asked questions.
In summary, this comprehensive article provides a wealth of information for individuals in California seeking to understand, compare, and choose renters insurance that suits their needs and circ*mstances.