Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in California

State Farm ranks No. 1 in our review of the best home insurance in California, followed by USAA and Chubb.

See if you're overpaying for home insurance below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: January 29, 2026

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

California's Top Home Insurance Companies: Key Takeaways

State Farm is the best home insurance provider in California with a score of 4.6 out of 5 from our review team.

USAA, Chubb, Farmers and Nationwide rank high for homeowners insurance in California based on affordable rates, strong customer service and reliable coverage.

The best insurer for your home depends on your coverage needs, budget and preferred features like claims service or discount availability.

California homeowners pay rates below the national average. MoneyGeek analyzed premiums, J.D. Power satisfaction scores and coverage options from major insurers to find the best home insurance companies in California.

What Are the Best Home Insurance Companies in California?

State Farm ranks first for California homeowners with the state's lowest premiums and above-average customer satisfaction. USAA, Chubb, Farmers and Nationwide complete the top five, excelling in areas like military-focused service, premium coverage quality and local agent networks.


State Farm	4.6	$986	Most Georgia homeowners
USAA	4.9	$1,351	Military families
Chubb	4.6	$1,843	Customer satisfaction
Farmers	4.5	$1,142	Newer homes
Nationwide	4.3	$1,377	New homes

*Our ratings consider various combinations of coverage levels, home features and homeowner details to identify the best overall options. Rankings may differ based on your profile.

**Although USAA earned the highest score, we didn't rank it No. 1 due to its eligibility requirements.

State Farm

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

5/5Affordability

4.1/5Customer Experience

4.2/5Coverage

J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
657/1,000
Average Annual Premium
$986

pros
- Strong financial stability with high industry ratings
- User-friendly digital tools for policy management
- Most affordable rates for California homeowners
cons
- Limited availability in some areas
State Farm offers California's most affordable home insurance at $986 annually. The insurer provides replacement cost coverage for personal property, ensuring you can replace belongings without depreciation deductions. State Farm includes additional living expenses coverage, essential for homeowners displaced by disasters like wildfires that frequently impact California.

State Farm charges $986 annually for home insurance in California, 36% less than the state average of $1,543 and 76% below the national average of $3,467. State Farm offers bundling discounts when you combine multiple policies and home security system discounts for protective devices.


Older Homes	$96	$1,149
Newer Homes	$67	$806
Young Homeowners	$87	$1,044
Senior Homeowners	$79	$943
High-Risk Fire Homes	$92	$1,105
Smaller Homes	$100	$1,203
Larger Homes	$113	$1,353

State Farm earned 657 out of 1,000 points in the J.D. Power study, above the industry average of 642. State Farm operates through local independent agents and direct sales, offering personalized service through agents familiar with California's unique insurance needs. The company's mobile app provides easy claims filing, though it lacks some advanced digital features compared to tech-focused competitors.
State Farm provides standard homeowners coverage with optional add-ons:
- Personal articles policy: Covers high-value items like jewelry, art or collectibles against a broader set of risks than a standard policy
- Umbrella policy: Increases your personal liability protection beyond your homeowners and auto policies
- Service line coverage: Helps pay for repairs to underground utility lines on your property
- Sewer backup coverage: Covers water damage and cleanup costs from a sewer backup that starts inside your home
- Energy efficiency upgrade: Provides additional funds to upgrade damaged systems to more energy-efficient models
- Identity fraud protection: Can cover costs associated with restoring your identity if it's stolen

USAA

MoneyGeek Rating

4.9/ 5

4.8/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

5/5Coverage

J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
737/1,000
Average Annual Premium
$1,351

pros
- Flexible policy options with various add-on coverage choices
- Competitive pricing below California state average
- Customer satisfaction scores well above industry average per J.D. Power
cons
- Limited availability restricted to military members and their families
- Claims processing slows during peak demand periods
- Agent network focuses primarily on online and phone interactions
USAA offers California's most affordable home insurance at $1,351 annually. USAA provides replacement cost coverage for personal property, ensuring you can fully replace damaged items without depreciation. The insurer also includes additional living expenses coverage, which proves essential for California homeowners displaced by wildfires, earthquakes or other natural disasters common in the state.

USAA charges $1,351 annually for home insurance in California, 12% less than the state average of $1,543 and 55% below the national average of $3,467. USAA offers additional savings through bundling discounts when you combine multiple policies and home security system discounts for protective devices.


Older Homes	$115	$1,386
Newer Homes	$81	$975
Young Homeowners	$120	$1,435
Senior Homeowners	$107	$1,290
High-Risk Fire Homes	$126	$1,514
Smaller Homes	$104	$1,243
Larger Homes	$123	$1,476

USAA earned 737 out of 1,000 points in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction study, well above the industry average of 642. USAA operates through a digital-first service model with direct access to representatives and claims specialists. The insurer tailors coverage options specifically for California homeowners, understanding the unique risks and regulations in the state, while providing robust online tools for policy management and claims processing.
USAA provides standard homeowners coverage with optional add-ons:
- Personal property replacement cost: Covers belongings at full replacement value without depreciation
- Additional living expenses: Pays for temporary housing and living costs during displacement
- Dwelling coverage: Protects your home's structure against covered perils
- Personal liability: Covers legal costs if someone is injured on your property
- Medical payments: Pays medical expenses for guests injured on your property

Chubb

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

4.6/5Affordability

4.5/5Customer Experience

4.6/5Coverage

J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
677/1,000
Average Annual Premium
$1,843

pros
- Wide agent network provides personalized service and local support
- J.D. Power score above industry average for satisfaction
- Strong financial stability backed by high credit ratings
cons
- Limited availability in certain California regions
- Fewer add-on customization options than competing insurers
- Geographic constraints limit coverage in some areas
Chubb charges $1,843 annually for California home insurance. The insurer provides guaranteed replacement cost coverage, paying full rebuilding costs without depreciation even when construction expenses exceed your policy limits. Chubb's personal property coverage protects high-value items common in California homes, from art collections to jewelry.

Chubb charges $1,843 annually for home insurance in California, 19% more than the state average of $1,543. Chubb offers bundling discounts when you combine multiple policies and provides savings for installing home security systems.


Older Homes	$154	$1,847
Newer Homes	$139	$1,667
Young Homeowners	$154	$1,848
Senior Homeowners	$153	$1,839
High-Risk Fire Homes	$172	$2,065
Smaller Homes	$187	$2,247
Larger Homes	$211	$2,528

Chubb earned 677 out of 1,000 points in J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, performing above the industry average of 642. Chubb operates through both local independent agents and direct sales, offering comprehensive coverage options specifically tailored for California homeowners. The insurer provides a robust online platform for policy management, giving customers flexibility in how they interact with their insurance provider.
Chubb provides standard homeowners coverage with optional add-ons:
- Guaranteed replacement cost: Covers full rebuilding costs without depreciation, even when expenses exceed policy limits
- Extended personal property coverage: Protects high-value items commonly found in California homes
- Water damage protection: Covers damage from plumbing leaks and water-related incidents
- Ordinance or law coverage: Pays to upgrade your home to current building codes after a covered loss
- Equipment breakdown: Covers mechanical failures of home systems and appliances
- Identity theft protection: Provides coverage for identity restoration expenses
- Cyber protection: Covers costs related to data breaches and online fraud

Farmers

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

4/5Customer Experience

3.6/5Coverage

J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
631/1,000
Average Annual Premium
$1,142

pros
- Policies with various add-on options
- Strong financial stability with high ratings
- Comprehensive coverage options
cons
- Customer satisfaction score falls below industry average
- Limited agent network availability in some rural areas
- Accessibility issues for customers preferring direct purchase without agents
Wildfires, mudslides and earthquakes displace thousands of California homeowners each year, making additional living expenses coverage essential. Farmers includes this protection in its policies at $1,142 annually. The company offers customizable coverage options that adapt to different budgets and needs across California's diverse regions. Homeowners seeking flexibility without a premium price tag will find Farmers a strong fit.

Farmers charges $1,142 per year for California home insurance, undercutting the state average by 26% and the national average by 67%. Homeowners can lower costs further through bundling discounts when combining home with auto or other policies. Installing protective devices like security systems also qualifies for additional savings.


Older Homes	$95	$1,144
Newer Homes	$67	$808
Young Homeowners	$100	$1,202
Senior Homeowners	$90	$1,083
High-Risk Fire Homes	$107	$1,280
Smaller Homes	$116	$1,393
Larger Homes	$131	$1,568

Farmers earned 631 out of 1,000 points in J.D. Power's satisfaction ratings, 11 points below the 642 industry average. California homeowners can work with local Farmers agents for personalized guidance or manage policies through the company's user-friendly online platform, balancing traditional service with digital convenience.
Farmers provides standard homeowners coverage with optional enhancements for California residents:
- Dwelling coverage: Protects your home's structure against covered perils
- Personal property coverage: Covers belongings damaged or stolen from your home
- Liability protection: Covers legal costs if someone is injured on your property
- Additional living expenses: Pays for temporary housing during home repairs after covered damage
- Medical payments: Covers medical expenses for guests injured on your property
- Equipment breakdown: Protects home systems and appliances from mechanical failures
- Water backup coverage: Covers damage from sewer or drain backups
- Ordinance or law coverage: Pays to upgrade your home to current building codes after a loss

Nationwide

MoneyGeek Rating

4.3/ 5

4.8/5Affordability

3.9/5Customer Experience

2.9/5Coverage

J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
641/1,000
Average Annual Premium
$1,377

pros
- Customizable coverage options provide flexibility for diverse homeowner needs
- Competitive rates position near California's average pricing
- Strong financial stability backed by high industry ratings
cons
- Customer satisfaction scores fall below industry average standards
- Certain add-on coverages have limited regional availability
- Geographic restrictions affect some California areas
California's earthquake and flooding risks demand coverage beyond standard policies. Nationwide charges $1,377 annually for California home insurance and offers optional earthquake coverage for homeowners in seismically active regions. The insurer also provides water backup coverage to protect against sewer and drain issues during heavy rain seasons. Homeowners seeking affordable rates with access to California-specific endorsements will find Nationwide a practical choice.

Home insurance in California averages $1,543 annually, but Nationwide charges just $1,377, an 11% discount. The premium also stays well below the $3,467 national average. Nationwide rewards policyholders who bundle home and auto coverage or install home security systems with additional discounts.


Older Homes	$114	$1,371
Newer Homes	$65	$782
Young Homeowners	$120	$1,445
Senior Homeowners	$107	$1,287
High-Risk Fire Homes	$129	$1,543
Smaller Homes	$140	$1,680
Larger Homes	$158	$1,890

California homeowners can choose between working with local independent agents or managing policies through Nationwide's digital platform. The company earned 641 points in J.D. Power's satisfaction study, just under the 642 industry average. Agents offer tailored coverage recommendations for California's specific risks, while the online portal streamlines claims filing and policy updates.
Nationwide provides standard homeowners coverage with optional add-ons:
- Earthquake coverage: Optional protection against seismic damage crucial for California properties
- Water backup coverage: Protects against sewer and drain backups during heavy rains
- Dwelling coverage: Protects your home's structure and attached fixtures
- Personal property coverage: Covers belongings inside your home
- Liability protection: Covers legal costs if someone is injured on your property
- Additional living expenses: Pays temporary housing costs during covered repairs

Best California Home Insurance by City

State Farm leads California's home insurance market with the lowest rates in 79 cities across the state, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fresno, Long Beach and Sacramento. Chubb offers the best rates in 12 cities, primarily in coastal and higher-risk areas like San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside. Annual premiums range from $701 in Santa Rosa to $2,033 in Granada Hills, depending on your city's risk factors.


Anaheim	State Farm	$1,031
Antioch	State Farm	$843
Apple Valley	State Farm	$1,099
Bakersfield	Chubb	$1,390
Berkeley	State Farm	$954
Bloomington	State Farm	$1,141
Burbank	State Farm	$1,238
Carlsbad	Chubb	$1,462
Chula Vista	State Farm	$978
Clovis	State Farm	$862
Concord	State Farm	$822
Corona	State Farm	$1,184
Costa Mesa	State Farm	$1,157
Daly City	State Farm	$766
Downey	State Farm	$1,175
Eastvale	State Farm	$1,116
El Cajon	State Farm	$1,023
El Cerrito	State Farm	$853
El Monte	State Farm	$996
Elk Grove	Chubb	$1,283
Escondido	Chubb	$1,703
Eureka	State Farm	$777
Fairfield	State Farm	$859
Fillmore	Chubb	$1,109
Fontana	State Farm	$1,147
Fremont	State Farm	$791
Fresno	State Farm	$896
Fullerton	State Farm	$1,056
Garden Grove	State Farm	$1,035
Glendale	State Farm	$1,119
Granada Hills	Chubb	$2,033
Hayward	State Farm	$827
Highland	State Farm	$1,136
Huntington Beach	State Farm	$1,123
Inglewood	State Farm	$1,215
Irvine	State Farm	$1,167
Jurupa Valley	State Farm	$1,120
Lancaster	State Farm	$1,262
Long Beach	State Farm	$982
Los Angeles	State Farm	$1,180
Mira Loma	State Farm	$1,122
Modesto	State Farm	$809
Moreno Valley	State Farm	$1,159
Murrieta	State Farm	$1,067
Newhall	State Farm	$1,160
North Hollywood	State Farm	$1,378
Norwalk	State Farm	$1,143
Oakland	State Farm	$1,022
Oceanside	Chubb	$1,462
Ontario	State Farm	$1,086
Orange	State Farm	$1,099
Oxnard	Chubb	$1,103
Palmdale	State Farm	$1,275
Pasadena	State Farm	$954
Pescadero	State Farm	$814
Petaluma	State Farm	$741
Pomona	State Farm	$1,152
Rancho Cucamonga	State Farm	$1,129
Rialto	State Farm	$1,155
Richmond	State Farm	$878
Riverside	State Farm	$1,122
Roseville	State Farm	$858
Sacramento	Chubb	$1,283
Salinas	State Farm	$797
San Bernardino	State Farm	$1,153
San Diego	Chubb	$1,517
San Francisco	State Farm	$895
San Jose	State Farm	$793
San Mateo	State Farm	$777
Santa Ana	State Farm	$1,059
Santa Clara	State Farm	$747
Santa Maria	Chubb	$1,289
Santa Rosa	State Farm	$701
Simi Valley	Chubb	$1,109
South El Monte	State Farm	$996
Stockton	Chubb	$1,287
Sunnyvale	State Farm	$746
Temecula	State Farm	$1,088
Thousand Oaks	Chubb	$1,109
Torrance	State Farm	$1,018
Travis Afb	State Farm	$861
Valencia	State Farm	$1,074
Vallejo	State Farm	$841
Venice	State Farm	$1,073
Ventura	Chubb	$1,109
Victorville	State Farm	$1,086
Visalia	State Farm	$804
Vista	State Farm	$1,038
West Covina	State Farm	$1,098
Westlake Village	State Farm	$1,005
Woodland Hills	Chubb	$1,938

Cheapest California Home Insurance Companies

California homeowners pay an average of $1,543 annually for home insurance, 55% less than the national average of $3,467. State Farm offers the state's most affordable coverage at $986 per year. Capital Insurance Group ranks second at $1,134 annually (27% below average). Premiums vary among insurers, with Travelers charging 4% above the national average.

Cheapest Home Insurers in California Chart

Guide to Finding the Best California Home Insurance Company

Compare multiple providers based on your coverage needs, budget and service preferences.

Compare Quotes Strategically

Get quotes from at least three to five insurers. Premiums among top California providers range from $986 to $1,843 annually. Don't just shop by price. The cheapest policy might leave coverage gaps when you file a claim after severe weather or other covered losses.

Check Customer Satisfaction Metrics

Check complaint ratios through the California Department of Insurance, then examine J.D. Power scores ranging from 631 to 737 among leading insurers compared to the 642 industry average. Focus your research on recent customer reviews that detail claims handling during California's wildfire season rather than just policy purchase experiences.

Evaluate Coverage Needs

California's wildfire and flooding risks make replacement cost coverage essential since construction costs surge after disasters. Base your coverage on replacement cost rather than market value, and review optional protections like extended replacement cost, fire insurance and flood coverage that address your home's specific risks.

Match Service Preferences to Provider Strengths

Digital-first insurers like Lemonade, Hippo and Root work well if you prefer online policy management, while State Farm, Farmers and Allstate offer strong local agent networks for face-to-face support. Avoid paying premium prices for services you won't actually use.

CALIFORNIA HOME INSURANCE RISKS

California experienced over 4 million acres burned in 2020 alone, according to CAL FIRE, and wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity across the state. Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage to your property, but it doesn't cover flood damage that can result from fires. You'll need separate flood insurance coverage through your insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program to protect against water damage.

Top-Rated Home Insurance Companies in California: FAQ

Explore our FAQ section for answers to common questions about selecting the right California home insurance provider for your needs.

Does standard California homeowners insurance cover wildfire damage?

Yes, standard homeowners insurance in California covers wildfire damage to your property and belongings. However, it doesn't cover flood damage that can result from post-fire mudslides or debris flows, so you'll need separate flood insurance through your insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program.

What's the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value coverage?

Replacement cost coverage pays to rebuild your home or replace belongings at current prices without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value coverage subtracts depreciation from claim payments. You receive less money based on your property's age and condition. Actual cash value policies cost less up front but leave you covering more expenses out of pocket after a loss.

Which California cities have the lowest and highest home insurance rates?

Annual premiums in California range from $701 in Santa Rosa to $2,033 in Granada Hills, depending on local risk factors. State Farm offers the lowest rates in 79 California cities, while Chubb provides the best rates in 12 coastal and higher-risk areas like San Diego and Oceanside.

Why is California home insurance cheaper than the national average?

California homeowners pay an average of $1,543 annually, which is 55% less than the national average of $3,467. While California faces significant wildfire risks, the state's regulatory environment and competitive insurance market help keep premiums below national rates for most homeowners.

Our Methodology: Determining the Best California Home Insurers

California homeowners deal with tornado risks, hurricane exposure and fluctuating construction costs. Our ranking system weighs affordable premiums, quality coverage and reliable claims handling.

We scored insurers across three factors:

Affordability (55%): We compared rates for identical coverage across major providers and evaluated discount availability.

Customer satisfaction (30%): J.D. Power ratings, Trustpilot reviews and app feedback reveal how insurers handle claims after storms damage your home.

Coverage options (15%): We assessed add-on availability, including water backup protection and inland flood options for California's risks.

Our Sample Profile

Rates reflect a homeowner aged 41 to 60 with good credit and no prior claims insuring a 2,500-square-foot home built in 2000. Coverage includes $250,000 dwelling coverage, $125,000 personal property coverage, $200,000 personal liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.

Your rates will vary based on your home's age, location, claims history and credit score.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

Read Full Bio »

sources

CAL FIRE. "The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection." Accessed January 30, 2026.