The Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance in California

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. For comparison, the national annual average is $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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

» 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.

» MORE: Wildfire insurance: What you need to know

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.

» MORE: Complete guide to earthquake insurance

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.

» MORE: What does renters insurance cover?

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.

» MORE: What pit bull owners need to know about renters insurance

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?