Key takeaways
Amica, Chubb and USAA received ratings of 5 stars in our analysis of home insurers in California.
Travelers is the best cheap insurer in California, with a star rating of 4.5 and an average annual premium of $995.
Some insurers, like Allstate and State Farm, have either limited where they sell home insurance in California or left the state altogether.
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Amica, Chubb and USAA are the best home insurance companies in California, according to our analysis.
California has fewer home insurance options than it used to due to recent wildfires, but homeowners still have some top-rated options to choose from. To help you find the best home insurance in California, we gathered and analyzed data from more than 30 insurance companies across the state. These are the insurers that earned 4.5 stars or more in our analysis.
Rates are based on a sample homeowner with no recent claims, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
---|---|---|
Not available | ||
Not available | ||
$1,465 | ||
$1,835 | ||
$1,600 | ||
$995 | ||
USAA* | $1,285 | |
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families. |
Get home insurance quotes in minutes
Answer a few questions to see custom quotes and find the right policy for you.The best home insurance companies in California
Below are more details about the best homeowners insurance companies 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.

Amica
Well-established insurer known for great customer service.- High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
- Platinum Choice package offers extra coverage.
- Simple online claims filing and tracking.
- You can start a quote online but have to finish the buying process by phone.
Pros
- High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
- Platinum Choice package offers extra coverage.
- Simple online claims filing and tracking.
Cons
- You can start a quote online but have to finish the buying process by phone.
Amica stands out for its broad range of coverage options. You can customize your policy with extra coverage above your dwelling limit, in case your house costs more to rebuild than expected. You may also want to add coverage for damage from water backups, high-value items like art or jewelry, or recovery from identity theft.
The company has drawn far fewer consumer complaints to state regulators than expected for an insurer of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC.
» READ MORE: Amica home insurance review

Chubb
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.- Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Standard coverage includes features that many companies offer only as extras.
- Large number of potential discounts.
- Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Pros
- Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Standard coverage includes features that many companies offer only as extras.
- Large number of potential discounts.
Cons
- Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Chubb generally serves affluent policyholders with high-value homes, offering lofty coverage limits and plenty of perks. The company covers water damage from backed-up sewers and drains, and will pay to bring your home up to the latest building codes during reconstruction after a claim. Chubb also offers extended replacement cost coverage, which is useful in case it costs more than your dwelling limit to rebuild after a disaster. (Many insurers charge more for these types of coverage.)
Chubb policyholders in California can sign up for free Wildfire Defense Services. These services include personalized recommendations for protecting your home and deployment of firefighters to your house if a wildfire is approaching.
» READ MORE: Chubb home insurance review

Cincinnati Insurance
Sells homeowners policies through local independent agents across the U.S.- Various coverage options.
- Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Has special coverage packages for higher-value homes.
- No online quotes.
Pros
- Various coverage options.
- Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Has special coverage packages for higher-value homes.
Cons
- No online quotes.
Cincinnati Insurance sells homeowners policies through independent agents, with various options for standard and high-value homes. You may be able to add coverage for things like identity theft or personal cyber attacks.
You can pay your bills, schedule future payments and view policy documents on Cincinnati’s website. The insurer also offers an app for both Apple and Android that lets you report claims, manage payment options and find your agent’s contact information.
» READ MORE: Cincinnati Insurance home insurance review
Farmers
Those seeking policy add-ons like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.- Several coverage options can help save money.
- Less common coverage options are available.
- Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
- Tends to be more expensive than many competitors.
- Ranked below average for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study.
Pros
- Declining Deductibles can help save money.
- Less common coverage options are available.
- Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
- Tends to be more expensive than many competitors.
- Below average for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study.
Farmers stands out for its lengthy list of discounts, including ones for paying your premium on time, not smoking, and installing protective systems like fire alarms and dead bolts.
Add-on options include personal property replacement cost coverage, which will fully reimburse you for the cost of replacing a stolen, damaged or destroyed item. You may also want to buy water backup coverage, which applies if sewer lines or sump pumps back up and damage your home.
Californians can buy earthquake insurance issued by the California Earthquake Authority through Farmers agents.
» READ MORE: Farmers home insurance review

Nationwide
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.- Offers free smart device to prevent electrical fires in many states.
- Many discounts available.
- Website offers lots of useful features and information.
- Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Pros
- Offers free smart devices to prevent electrical fires in many states.
- Many discounts available.
- Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
- Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
We like Nationwide for its wide variety of coverage options. For example, its standard homeowners insurance policy generally includes ordinance or law coverage, which can help pay to bring your home up to current building codes after a covered claim. You can add coverage for things like identity theft and damage from backed-up sewers and drains. Nationwide also sells flood and earthquake insurance.
Depending on how much personal assistance you need, you can get a quote for homeowners insurance on the Nationwide website or work with a local agent instead. You can also use the website to pay bills, file claims or check claim status.
» READ MORE: Nationwide home insurance review
Travelers
Offers lots of coverage options, decent discounts and a strong online experience.- User-friendly features on website and app.
- Discounts for eco-friendly homeowners.
- Draws fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Doesn’t insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Pros
- User-friendly features on website and app.
- Discounts for eco-friendly homeowners.
- Draws fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
- Doesn’t insure mobile or manufactured homes.
With an average annual rate of $995, Travelers is the best cheap home insurance company in California, according to our analysis.
Travelers stands out for its coverage offerings. You may be able to add extra coverage in case the dwelling limit on your home isn’t enough to rebuild your house after a disaster. One unique option is Travelers’ green home coverage, which pays extra if you want to use eco-friendly materials when repairing or rebuilding your home after a covered claim.
The insurer also offers a robust online experience. You can use the website to get a homeowners insurance quote, file and track claims, make payments, and learn about insurance basics.
» READ MORE: Travelers home insurance review

USAA
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.- Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
- Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
- Rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
- Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
Pros
- Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
- Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
- Rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
Cons
- Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
USAA sells homeowners insurance to veterans, active military members and their families. If that description fits you, take a look at USAA. That’s because the company’s homeowners insurance includes coverage that other insurers charge extra for.
For example, USAA automatically covers your personal belongings on a replacement cost basis. Many companies pay only what your items are worth at the time of the claim, which means you may not get much for older items. USAA pays enough to buy brand-new replacements for your stuff.
» READ MORE: USAA home insurance review
Compare the best home insurance companies
We evaluated dozens of insurers across the country to help you find the best home insurance for your needs.
» MORE: The best homeowners insurance companiesHow much does homeowners insurance cost in California?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in California is $1,335 per year, or about $111 per month. That's 37% less than the national average of $2,110.
Those rates are for homeowners with no recent claims on their record. In California, policyholders with one recent claim pay an average of $1,470 per year — an increase of 10%.
Here are the average annual rates for the best home insurance companies in California for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
---|---|---|
Not available | ||
Not available | ||
$1,465 | ||
$1,835 | ||
$1,600 | ||
$995 | ||
USAA* | $1,285 | |
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families. |
Insurer | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
---|---|---|
Not available | ||
Not available | ||
$1,885 | ||
$2,250 | ||
$1,945 | ||
$1,260 | ||
USAA* | $1,415 | |
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families. |
Insurer | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
---|---|---|
Not available | ||
Not available | ||
$2,305 | ||
$2,850 | ||
$2,360 | ||
$1,530 | ||
USAA* | $1,620 | |
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families. |
Average cost of homeowners insurance in California by city
The amount you pay will vary depending on where you live in the state. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Los Angeles is $1,570 per year, while San Jose homeowners pay $1,090 per year, on average.
City | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
---|---|---|
Anaheim | $1,410 | $118 |
Bakersfield | $1,235 | $103 |
Chula Vista | $1,290 | $108 |
Fontana | $1,505 | $125 |
Fremont | $1,190 | $99 |
Fresno | $1,340 | $112 |
Hayward | $1,285 | $107 |
Huntington Beach | $1,420 | $118 |
Irvine | $1,455 | $121 |
Lancaster | $1,640 | $137 |
Long Beach | $1,340 | $112 |
Los Angeles | $1,570 | $131 |
Modesto | $1,180 | $98 |
Moreno Valley | $1,490 | $124 |
Oakland | $1,390 | $116 |
Oxnard | $1,175 | $98 |
Riverside | $1,490 | $124 |
Sacramento | $1,195 | $100 |
San Bernardino | $1,655 | $138 |
San Diego | $1,305 | $109 |
San Francisco | $1,345 | $112 |
San Jose | $1,090 | $91 |
Santa Ana | $1,395 | $116 |
Santa Rosa | $1,085 | $90 |
Stockton | $1,270 | $106 |
The cheapest home insurance in California
Here are the insurers we found with average annual rates below the California average.
Get home insurance quotes in minutes
Answer a few questions to see custom quotes and find the right policy for you.Common risks for California homeowners
Homeowners in California face unique circumstances that factor into decisions about home insurance.
Wildfires
Under new 2025 regulations, insurance companies will be required to give discounts to California homeowners who make efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire on their property, according to the California Department of Insurance. Such efforts could include things like redoing your roof with fire-resistant materials and limiting vegetation near your home.
You can use this website from the U.S. Forest Service to see the level of fire risk in your community and get ideas for hardening your home.
Learn how to protect your home from climate change, including wildfires.
Earthquakes
A standard home insurance policy doesn’t cover earthquake damage, so California residents should consider adding a separate earthquake insurance policy. Homeowners can get one through a private insurer or turn to the California Earthquake Authority for coverage. Read our guide to earthquake insurance.
Flooding
California is prone to flooding throughout the state, and homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damage. To cover costs related to flooding, homeowners can purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Here's how to choose the best flood insurance company.
To check your flood risk, start by looking up your address on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood maps. However, FEMA’s maps can be outdated and don’t always capture all types of flood risk. Another source to check is First Street, a private company that models climate hazards. Enter your address at the top of the page to see your home’s flood risk rating on a scale of 1 to 10.
California FAIR Plan
Most homeowners policies cover fire and smoke damage, but insurers may be reluctant to cover homes in high-risk areas. If you have trouble finding a policy, you can turn to the California FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort.
To apply for a policy, you’ll need to find a licensed insurance broker who is registered to work with the FAIR Plan. You can do this on the FAIR Plan website.
FAIR Plan coverage is limited, paying only for damage due to fire, lightning, smoke and internal explosions. A “difference in conditions” policy can help fill the coverage gaps. Work with an independent insurance agent to find one.
California Department of Insurance
If you want to file a complaint against your insurance company or get more information about your rights as a policyholder, the California Department of Insurance may be able to help. The department’s website has useful resources such as a home insurance finder tool and a list of companies offering difference in conditions policies. Assistance is available in English and Spanish at 800-927-4357.
- Find home insurance in other states
Frequently asked questions
Is homeowners insurance required in California?
Is homeowners insurance required in California?
If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will likely require hazard insurance — the part of a homeowners policy that covers the house’s structure. Those who buy homes with cash or have paid off their mortgage could legally go without homeowners insurance. However, it’s a risky proposition in a state prone to wildfires and other natural disasters. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
Does homeowners insurance cover fire in California?
Does homeowners insurance cover fire in California?
Coverage for fires is a standard part of most homeowners policies. But in California, you may have trouble finding a company willing to insure you if your home is in a high-risk zone for wildfires. You can turn to the California FAIR Plan for fire coverage as a last resort.
Why is homeowners insurance so expensive in California?
Why is homeowners insurance so expensive in California?
Following recent wildfires in California, insurance companies have found themselves paying billions of dollars in claims. They’ve responded by passing their costs along to policyholders in the form of higher rates. Additionally, inflation and supply chain issues have raised building costs across the country in recent years. That means it would cost more to rebuild your home if it were damaged — another factor leading to higher homeowners insurance prices.
To save on your premium, ask your insurer if you qualify for any home insurance discounts.
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.California Department of Insurance. What Does Being Safer from Wildfires Mean for My Insurance?. Accessed Jun 6, 2025.
Methodology
NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in the 25 largest cities in each U.S. state by population. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Unless otherwise stated, our analysis was based on our base profile, which has the following characteristics and coverage levels:
Sample homeowner
40 years old.
Nonsmoker.
Good credit.
No recent claims.
$1,000 deductible.
Sample home
Single family.
Two stories.
Built in 1984.
Coverage levels
Dwelling: $300,000.
Personal property: $150,000.
Other structures: $30,000.
Loss of use: $60,000.
Liability: $300,000
Medical payments: $1,000.
- See characteristics for other profiles
For other profiles, we used the same assumptions, with the following exceptions:
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit. These rates are based on credit score approximations and do not account for proprietary scoring criteria used by insurance providers. (Using credit to set homeowners insurance prices is not allowed in California, Maryland or Massachusetts.)
For homeowners with one claim, we added a single wind damage claim.
For policies with a higher deductible, we changed the deductible to $2,500.
For older homes, we changed the year of the home's construction to 1955.
For newer homes, we changed the year of the home's construction to 2024.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will vary based on your personal details, state and insurance provider.
Although it’s one of the largest insurers in the country, Liberty Mutual is not included in our rates analysis due to a lack of publicly available information.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverage, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2021-2023. To assess how insurers compare with one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.