The average cost of renters insurance in California is $208 a year, but we found premiums as low as $135 a year while researching the state's top renters insurance companies to find the best rates and coverage.
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Cheapest renters insurance companies in California
Renters insurance is only $17 a month in California, on average. Although renters insurance is relatively cheap, you can save even more by getting rates from multiple insurance companies. State Farm is the cheapest renters insurance company in our study, with an average rate of $179 a year, or $15 a month.
| Companies | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $179 |
| Allstate | $231 |
| Farmers | $208 |
| Amica | $212 |
| Note: Average rates are based on online quotes from provider websites. Your rates may vary. | |
Renters insurance quotes in California
To get the best renters insurance policy that fits all of your needs, comparing quotes is the most crucial part of the selection process. Renters insurance companies and their coverages may vary.
Your coverage limit should replace all of your important belongings. The coverage limit of your policy is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a claim. We recommend making an inventory list of all of your belongings to ensure you have the right amount of coverage.
Best renters insurance companies in California
Renters insurance companies offer different types of coverages and discounts. To help you find the best renters insurance for you, we researched some of the biggest renters insurance companies.
We recommend looking at the customer satisfaction ratings of renters insurance companies before making a selection. We've compared renters insurance companies by their J.D. Power overall satisfaction scores. J.D. Power's report is based on factors that include policy offerings, premiums, policy information and claims.
| Companies | J.D. Power overall satisfaction (out of 1,000) |
|---|---|
| State Farm | 836 |
| Allstate | 837 |
| Farmers | 831 |
| Amica | - |
| Source: J.D. Power 2022 Home Insurance Study | |
State Farm
If you want cheap rates, State Farm is our top pick among California's renters insurance companies. State Farm has an average annual premium of $179, which is 15% lower than the state average. It also offers discounts to help you save even more, including a home alert protection discount and a multi-policy discount. With State Farm's multi-line discount, you can save up to $722 if you bundle your auto and renters insurance policies with the company. State Farm also has an AM Best financial strength rating of A++, which shows it is is in good financial health.
Allstate
Although Allstate has the highest average annual premium of $231 in California, it offers a few discounts that can help you lower your premium. If you're retired and 55 or older, you can get up to 25% off your premium. Allstate also offers a multi-policy discount if you get both your renters and auto policies from it.
See how much you can save when companies compete for your business.
Cost of renters insurance in California by city
The cost of renters insurance varies from city to city. San Jose has the cheapest average renters insurance rate in our study, at $196 a year, while Los Angeles and Oakland have the highest, at $263 a year.
| City | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $218 |
| Fresno | $241 |
| Long Beach | $221 |
| Los Angeles | $263 |
| Oakland | $263 |
| Sacramento | $210 |
| San Diego | $206 |
| San Francisco | $231 |
| San Jose | $196 |
| Stockton | $220 |
| Note: Average rates are based on online quotes from provider websites. Your rates may vary. | |
Do I need renters insurance in California?
Renters insurance is not required by law in California, though some landlords may require you to purchase it. We recommend getting renters insurance whether or not your landlord requires it. Renters insurance will cover your personal belongings while your landlord's insurance will not.
What does renters insurance cover?
A standard renters insurance policy will cover your belongings if they are damaged by a covered peril. Renters insurance can protect you if someone is injured in your unit by covering your legal fees and settlement costs, too. Also, renters insurance covers medical bills if you're found responsible for a guest's injuries.
If you have to relocate due to covered damages to your rental that are being repaired, renters insurance can cover hotel bills and other expenses.
Methodology
We collected quotes from 82 addresses in California for a renters insurance policy. We used the following coverages:
- $30,000 personal property coverage
- $500 deductible
- $100,000 personal liability
- $1,000 medical payments to guests
- Loss of use: 30%
Sources:
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