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 belongings.

The average cost of renters insurance in California is $175 per year, or $15 per month. That’s a little higher than the national average of $165 per year. NerdWallet analyzed more than a dozen insurers from across the state to find 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.

Below are companies with average renters insurance rates under the California average of $175 per year.

» MORE: The cheapest renters insurance

Below are the highest-rated renters insurance companies that offer policies in California. Click 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.

Amica stands out for strong customer service. It scored above average for consumer satisfaction in a recent JD Power study[1] and draws a very low rate of complaints. If you need help with your policy, the company offers multiple ways to get in touch, including phone, email and live chat.

Average rates: Not available.

» READ MORE: Amica renters insurance review.

If you’re looking for a stable and well-established company, Travelers fits the bill. It's been in business since 1864 and earns high marks for financial strength. The company also has a low rate of consumer complaints, suggesting that most policyholders are pleased with their coverage.

Average rates: Below are Travelers’ average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in California.

» READ MORE: Travelers renters insurance review

Allstate makes it easy to manage your renters policy online. You can get a quote, pay bills, see policy details and file claims on the website. The company’s app also has useful features, including Digital Footprint, which can tell you if you’ve been part of a data breach. Allstate offers a bundling discount if you buy both renters and auto insurance.

Average rates: Below are Allstate’s average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in California.

» READ MORE: Allstate renters insurance review

CSAA issues renters insurance policies on behalf of AAA in Northern and parts of Central California. AAA members may get discounted rates on renters insurance from CSAA. A bundling discount may also be available if you buy both car and renters insurance. AAA membership comes with benefits like roadside assistance and identity theft monitoring.

Average rates: Below are CSAA’s average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in California.

» READ MORE: AAA renters insurance review

USAA’s renters policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families. But if you’re eligible, they’re well worth considering for California renters. Unlike most renters policies, USAA covers earthquake damage. (Most companies charge extra for this coverage.) USAA also includes flood insurance in its renters policies.

Average rates: Below are USAA’s average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in California.

» READ MORE: USAA renters insurance review

The average cost of renters insurance in California is $175 a year, or approximately $15 a month. That’s slightly above the national average of $165 a year.

Los Angeles is one of the most expensive areas for renters insurance in California, with an average cost of $213 a year. The average cost of renters insurance in San Francisco is $176 a year, while renters in San Diego pay about $155 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?

Renters insurance can help you in a disaster — and unfortunately, California sees plenty of those.

Wildfires

Standard renters policies cover fire and smoke damage. However, renters 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. It’s available through licensed agents and brokers.

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. That means it won't cover theft, water damage or other disasters. Nor will it cover personal liability if your dog bites someone or a guest gets hurt in your home. To fill the gaps, ask your agent or broker about a “difference in conditions” policy.

In California, insurers must pay at least two weeks of additional living expenses for renters who have to evacuate due to wildfires[2]. This could include costs such as hotel bills, restaurant meals and relocation costs.

» MORE: Wildfire insurance: What you need to know

Earthquakes

Renters insurance generally won’t cover earthquakes. That means you’ll need to buy extra coverage if you’re at risk. The California Earthquake Authority works with insurers to provide earthquake coverage for renters.

» MORE: Complete guide to earthquake insurance

Floods

Floods are the most common disaster in the U.S., but most renters policies won’t cover them. Renters can buy flood insurance backed by the federal government or from a private company. Learn more about flood insurance for renters.

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 may pay more for insurance if your neighborhood has a high crime rate or wildfire risk.

Your coverage limits

The more stuff you have — or the more expensive stuff you have — the more you’ll pay to cover it. Here’s how much renters insurance costs, on average, for various amounts of personal property coverage.

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 know pay the higher amount in a pinch. In California, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you about 11%, or about $20 per year, on average.

» MORE: What does renters insurance cover?

Your claims history

Filing a renters insurance claim often causes your premium to go up. For example, a theft claim will raise your rate about 26% in California, on average.

The features of your home

Burglar alarms, sprinkler systems and other protective devices may earn you a discount.

Other policies

Many insurers offer a discount if you buy both renters and auto insurance together. See the best auto and renters insurance bundles.

Your dog

Dog bites are a common source of renters liability claims. So if you have a breed your insurer considers a higher risk, it may charge a higher premium. Such breeds may include pit bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers.

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

If you have questions about your policy or problems with your insurer, turn to the California Department of Insurance. You can get information and file complaints on the department’s website. Or call the consumer hotline at 800-927-4357 for help in English or Spanish.