Renters insurance in California: Cost, best companies and how to save

What is the average cost of renters insurance in California?

The average cost of renters insurance in California is $278 per year. Rates vary depending on factors like your location, the amount of coverage you choose, your deductible, and your claims history.

"The number one thing that's most important is to get good liability. A renter's policy will default to $100,000 liability," Josiah Hatch, an insurance pro with Bender Hatch Insurance in Boston, said. "It costs next to nothing to go from $100,000 to $500,000. I want to say it's probably 10 bucks a year. It's really cheap to get a lot of extra coverage. I always recommend getting the most liability you can because that's, at its core, what insurance is all about: the worst-case scenario."

Best renters insurance company in California: Travelers

Among the carriers surveyed, Travelers is the best renters insurance company in California, with a top score and an average renters insurance rate of $263.

Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) and Allstate are the other best insurance companies for renters insurance in California.

Rates differ widely between renters insurance providers, so it's best to shop around. It's also important to choose an insurance company with a good reputation so you know it will be there for you when you need it.

To help you choose the best renters insurance in California, we reviewed average rates, NAIC complaints, and AM Best financial ratings. The total Insurance.com score is calculated out of five using these factors.

Below are the best renters insurance companies in California.

Cheapest renters insurance in California

Mercury Insurance is the cheapest renters insurance company in California, with an average annual premium of $155, based on our analysis.

Since renters insurance rates vary significantly from one provider to another, comparing quotes is the best way to find affordable coverage that fits your needs.

Below is the list of the cheapest renters insurance companies in California and their average annual premiums.

California renters insurance: The least and most expensive ZIP codes

Your location in California directly impacts the cost of renters insurance. The most expensive ZIP code in California is 94621, with an average annual premium of $400. This amount is $122 more than higher than the state average.

In contrast, the least expensive ZIP code for renters insurance is 93424, offering coverage at $200 a year.

The table below shows the most and least expensive ZIP codes in California for renters insurance.

Renters insurance cost in California by city

Renters insurance rates vary widely across cities in California, driven by factors such as weather risks, crime rates, and other factors. To find the best deal in your city, you should consider these factors and compare quotes from multiple insurers before choosing a policy.

How to save on renters insurance in California

There are several easy ways to lower the cost of renters insurance in California without losing necessary coverage:

• Bundle your policies. Many insurance companies offer a discount if you buy renters and auto insurance together.
• Increase your deductible. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your monthly or yearly premium; just ensure you can afford it.
• Ask about discounts. Most providers offer savings for things like smoke alarms, security systems, or being claims-free.
• Compare quotes. Prices can vary widely between companies, so getting quotes from multiple insurers can help you find the best deal.
• Pay annually. Some insurers offer a small discount if you pay once a year instead of monthly.