Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance in Berkeley, CA (Sept 2024)


Updated: September 13, 2024

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Travelers is the best renters insurance company in Berkeley, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 90 and an average annual premium of $128. Capital Insurance Group is the cheapest provider, with a MoneyGeek score of 89 and an annual premium of about $92. The best and cheapest quotes are based on $20,000 in personal property coverage.

The best homeowners insurance should balance customer service with affordability. Depending on your needs, other providers may be best. MoneyGeek also looked into the best and cheapest renters insurance in California for those who live elsewhere in the state.

MoneyGeek Logo IconBest & CheapestRentersBerkeley, CA
2024

Table of Contents

Why Trust MoneyGeek? To determine the best renters insurance in Berkeley, California, we evaluated data from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.

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Renters insurance premiums in Berkeley represent the most competitive estimates as of September 2024.

768Quotes Analyzed
 
8Providers Analyzed
 
2ZIP Codes

Overall Best Renters Insurance in Berkeley, CA

Travelers provides the best renters insurance in Berkeley, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $128. For a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage, $100,000 in personal liability and a $1,000 deductible, the top two providers in Berkeley are:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($128 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($128 per year)

Travelers perfectly balances customer satisfaction and affordability, with an affordability score of 47 out of 55.

Company logo for Travelers
Best OverallTravelers
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ of 100

Overview

Travelers ranks first in coverage in Berkeley, California, with an average annual premium of $128. It offers contents replacement cost, which covers personal property losses based on replacement cost without depreciation. This coverage ensures you can replace items at their current value, subject to policy limits and deductibles. Valuable items insurance protects high-value items like jewelry and fine art from various losses. It allows you to add higher coverage limits without needing appraisals or item listings, protecting renters with valuable possessions.

Best Renters Insurance in Berkeley, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
TravelersMoneyGeek Score90Annual Premium$ 128
State FarmMoneyGeek Score87Annual Premium$ 128
NationwideMoneyGeek Score85Annual Premium$ 143
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 92
AllstateMoneyGeek Score76Annual Premium$ 156
FarmersMoneyGeek Score72Annual Premium$ 171
ChubbMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 259

Cheapest Renters Insurance in Berkeley, CA

In Berkeley, California, Capital Insurance Group offers the cheapest renters insurance, with an average annual premium of $92 for $20,000 in personal property coverage. MoneyGeek's rating for the cheapest renters insurance in Berkeley puts minimal consideration for customer service. The following providers are the top two cheapest in Berkeley for $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $1,000 deductible:

  • Capital Insurance Group: $92 per year
  • State Farm: $128 per year

Personal property coverage protects your belongings in case of theft, fire or other covered events. Cheap renters insurance policies often have low personal property coverage limits. While higher coverage limits can lead to higher monthly costs, they offer better protection if you have many personal belongings.

Cheapest Renters Insurance in Berkeley, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score89Annual Premium$ 92
TravelersMoneyGeek Score88Annual Premium$ 128
State FarmMoneyGeek Score87Annual Premium$ 128
NationwideMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 143
AllstateMoneyGeek Score75Annual Premium$ 156
FarmersMoneyGeek Score69Annual Premium$ 171
ChubbMoneyGeek Score49Annual Premium$ 259

Cheapest Renters Insurance With a High Deductible Berkeley, CA

In Berkeley, California, Capital Insurance Group offers the cheapest renters insurance for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $2,000 deductible at an average annual premium of $72. The following are the top two cheapest providers in Berkeley for $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $2,000 deductible:

  • Capital Insurance Group: $72 per year
  • Travelers: $103 per year

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest, and it can affect your rates. A higher deductible often leads to cheaper premiums, while a lower deductible means higher premiums. It’s important to balance both to ensure you have adequate coverage without overpaying. If you need to file a claim, a higher deductible means more out-of-pocket costs, so consider your financial situation when choosing your deductible.

Cheapest High Deductible Renters Insurance in Berkeley, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Deductible:
Deductible:$ 2,000
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 72
TravelersMoneyGeek Score91Annual Premium$ 103
NationwideMoneyGeek Score88Annual Premium$ 113
State FarmMoneyGeek Score83Annual Premium$ 126
AllstateMoneyGeek Score72Annual Premium$ 156
FarmersMoneyGeek Score69Annual Premium$ 167
ChubbMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 239
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HOW TO SET YOUR DEDUCTIBLE

Renters should choose a deductible they can comfortably pay out of pocket in case of a claim. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premiums, resulting in overall cost savings while providing adequate coverage.

Best Renters Insurance for Customer Service in Berkeley, CA

In Berkeley, California, Travelers is the best renters insurance company for service quality, with an average annual premium of $128. The following providers are the top two best in Berkeley for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage for those who value excellent customer service without considering affordability.

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($128 per year)
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($143 per year)

Excellent customer service is important for renters because it ensures timely and effective assistance. For example, if you make a claim, having a supportive and responsive insurance provider can make the process smoother and less stressful. MoneyGeek scores renters insurance providers based on J.D. Power surveys, which evaluate customer satisfaction and other factors.

Company logo for Travelers
Best Service QualityTravelers
MoneyGeek Score:
96/ of 100

Overview

In Berkeley, California, Travelers ranks first in customer satisfaction and coverages. With an average annual premium of $128, it is the cheapest provider in the area. It offers contents replacement cost coverage, which settles covered personal property losses based on replacement cost without depreciation. This coverage ensures renters can replace their items at their current market value. Valuable items insurance protects special property like jewelry and fine art, allowing renters to add higher coverage limits without needing appraisals or listings.

Best Renters Insurance for Service Quality in Berkeley, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
TravelersMoneyGeek Score96Annual Premium$ 128
NationwideMoneyGeek Score95Annual Premium$ 143
ChubbMoneyGeek Score93Annual Premium$ 259
State FarmMoneyGeek Score86Annual Premium$ 128
AllstateMoneyGeek Score77Annual Premium$ 156
FarmersMoneyGeek Score77Annual Premium$ 171
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 92

Best Renters Insurance for High Personal Property Limits in Berkeley, CA

For renters in Berkeley, California, needing high personal property coverage, Travelers offers an average annual premium of $305 for a policy with $100,000 in coverage. For $100K in personal property coverage, the following are the top two best providers in Berkeley:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($305 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($339 per year)

Renters with a substantial amount of personal items often require higher personal property coverage. This coverage protects belongings like furniture, electronics and clothes from potential losses. As coverage limits increase, so does the premium, making it important to find a provider that offers a good balance of cost and service. High-value items such as jewelry or art may need additional coverage, as standard policies often have limits on such items.

Company logo for Travelers
Best High Personal Property LimitTravelers
MoneyGeek Score:
96/ of 100

Overview

Travelers ranks first in affordability and customer satisfaction for expensive homes in Berkeley, with an average annual premium of $305. It offers contents replacement cost and valuable items insurance. Contents replacement cost covers personal property losses based on replacement cost without depreciation. Valuable items insurance protects special property like jewelry and fine art from various losses, ensuring high-value items are covered.

Best Renters Insurance for High Personal Property Limits in Berkeley, CA
TravelersMoneyGeek Score96Annual Premium$ 305
State FarmMoneyGeek Score91Annual Premium$ 339
NationwideMoneyGeek Score85Annual Premium$ 452
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 283
FarmersMoneyGeek Score78Annual Premium$ 447
AllstateMoneyGeek Score76Annual Premium$ 483
ChubbMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 790
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SCHEDULED PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE

If you own valuables like jewelry or art, remember that standard policies often don't cover them. To protect these items, choose a provider that offers scheduled personal property coverage.

Best Renters Insurance for Military Families in Berkeley, CA

For renters with military backgrounds in Berkeley, the top two providers for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage are:

  • USAA: MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($294 per year)
  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($128 per year)

USAA offers various products tailored to active military members, veterans and their families. Although other insurers may have lower premiums, USAA's specialized offerings make it a better overall choice for service members in most cases.

Company logo for USAA
Best for MilitaryUSAA
MoneyGeek Score:
100/ of 100

Overview

USAA is the premier renters insurance provider for those with a military background in Berkeley, leading in customer satisfaction and coverage. With an average annual premium of $294, the company is a smart choice for comprehensive protection. Its contents replacement cost coverage ensures that you could receive enough to replace your items with new ones in the event of theft or damage. The worldwide personal property coverage is ideal for military renters, offering protection for belongings anywhere in the world, a significant benefit for those who may be deployed or relocating internationally.

Best Renters Insurance for Military in Berkeley, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
USAAMoneyGeek Score100Annual Premium$ 294
TravelersMoneyGeek Score90Annual Premium$ 128
State FarmMoneyGeek Score87Annual Premium$ 128
NationwideMoneyGeek Score85Annual Premium$ 143
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 92
AllstateMoneyGeek Score76Annual Premium$ 156
FarmersMoneyGeek Score72Annual Premium$ 171
ChubbMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 259

Average Cost of Renters Insurance in Berkeley, CA

The average cost of renters insurance in Berkeley, California, is $154 annually or $13 monthly. This rate is slightly higher than the California state average of $148 per year and the national average of $145 per year. These rates are based on a renters insurance policy that includes $20,000 in personal property limits, $100,000 in liability limits and a $1,000 deductible.

Renters should note that the average cost of renters insurance in Berkeley may vary greatly depending on the amount of personal property coverage you purchase. Personal property coverage protects your belongings in case of theft, fire or other covered events. Use the calculator below to see how much coverage you need based on the value of your personal property.

Personal Property Coverage Calculator

When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.

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Factors That Impact Renters Insurance Costs in Berkeley

Various elements can influence the cost of renters insurance in Berkeley, California. For instance, the location of your rental and the amount of coverage you choose are significant factors. Knowing what impacts these costs is crucial when selecting a policy that fits your needs and budget.

  • Location: Areas with higher crime rates or natural disaster risks can lead to higher premiums. Insurers consider these risks when determining your rate.
  • Coverage Amount: The more coverage you need, the higher your premium will be. This ensures that you are adequately protected in case of a loss.
  • Deductible: Usually, choosing a lower deductible increases your premium. A higher deductible can lower your monthly costs but means higher out-of-pocket expenses in a claim.
  • Claims History: A history of frequent claims can result in higher premiums. Insurers view multiple claims as a higher risk.
  • Credit Score: A lower credit score may lead to higher premiums. Insurers often use credit scores to assess the risk of insuring you.

What Renters Insurance Covers in Berkeley, CA

Renters insurance provides coverage for personal property, liability and additional living expenses. It protects against theft, fire and certain natural disasters. Below are the key areas that renters insurance covers:

  • Personal Property Coverage: This coverage protects your belongings against damage or theft. For example, if a fire damages your apartment in California, your furniture and electronics would be covered.
  • Personal Liability Coverage: This coverage handles legal costs if someone gets injured in your rental. For instance, if a guest slips and falls in your California apartment, your policy would cover their medical bills and any legal fees.
  • Loss of Use Coverage: This coverage pays for additional living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event. For example, if an earthquake makes your California apartment unlivable, loss of use coverage would cover the cost of a hotel and meals.
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COMMONLY COVERED PERILS

Renters insurance only covers specific circumstances, such as fire and theft. It's important to understand what circumstances are covered to avoid unexpected expenses. Renters insurance typically covers these situations:

  • Fire
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Water damage
  • Smoke damage
  • Liability
  • Loss of use

What Renters Insurance Does Not Cover in Berkeley

Renters insurance in Berkeley does not cover everything, such as natural disasters and pest damage. Here are some common exclusions:

  • Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and floods typically require separate policies.
  • Pest Damage: Damage caused by pests like rodents or insects is not covered.
  • High-Value Items: Expensive items like jewelry may need additional coverage.
  • Business Equipment: Items used for business are often excluded.
  • Roommate's Belongings: Policies generally do not cover a roommate's personal property.

FAQ: Renters Insurance in Berkeley, CA

The best renters insurance provider in Berkeley, California, depends on your unique needs. We answered the frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

How much is renters insurance in Berkeley, California, on average?
What is the cheapest renters insurance company in Berkeley, California?
What is the best renters insurance company in Berkeley, California?
Do I need renters insurance in Berkeley, California?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.