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2024

The Cheapest Renters Insurance in California

Cheap Renters Insurance Companies in California

Many customers select their renters insurance provider based on overall cost. In California, the two most affordable carriers are Lemonade and Allstate. Lemonade’s coverage costs $7 per month, or $87 a year on average. For an Allstate policy, you’ll spend an average of $11 per month or $129 per year.

MoneyGeek’s data on providers’ monthly and annual premiums are for a policy with personal property coverage of $20,000, liability coverage of $100,000 and a deductible of $500. The costs are based on quotes in several ZIP codes across the state of California.

Personal Property Coverage:

$20,000

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If you’re looking for a balance of quality and cost, MoneyGeek ranked the top renter's insurance providers in California so that you can find the best option at the lowest price. Our scoring system evaluates affordability, financial strength and customer service from insurers across California so you can find the right company for your needs.

Cheapest Renters Insurance Companies in California by City

Lemonade has the lowest average renters insurance premium across 21 of the 23 cities we evaluated in California. However, when it comes to the cheapest option that is also the most widely available, Lemonade takes the top spot in every city we evaluated.

Companies With the Cheapest Renters Insurance in California by City

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Best Renters Insurance Companies in California

In California, the company offering the best renters insurance is State Farm. It earned a score of 98 out of 100 in MoneyGeek’s unique rating system.

Our analysis considered multiple factors about each renters insurance company. These included user experience, affordability and financial stability.

Although these insurers may not offer the cheapest policies in the state, they can be more cost-effective in the long run. This is because the best renters insurance companies in California don’t only have low rates, they also provide quality service.


1
State Farm
Score:98

4.9/5

Affordability

4.8/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

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Geek Quick Take

State Farm received high scores for user satisfaction and affordability. It earned a perfect 5 rating for financial stability. These high scores make it the best renters insurance provider in California. With State Farm, you can take advantage of a personal liability umbrella policy.

More About State Farm

State Farm policies are available in every state. The company has five additional coverages, which is less than the national average of seven. These include business owners insurance and business and professional liability coverage, which are unique. You also only have two discount options, which is significantly fewer than the national average of five.

You can lower your rate by having multiple State Farm policies and installing protective devices in your home. There's plenty of online support, such as quote tools and calculators, available on their website. You can also use their app to manage your insurance and file claims.

2
USAA
Score:98

4.8/5

Affordability

5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

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Geek Quick Take

With an overall score of 98, USAA has a high affordability rating and perfect scores in customer experience and financial strength. However, only military families can purchase policies from this insurance company.

More About USAA

You can purchase insurance from USAA in every state, but you must have a military background. The company provides six add-on coverages and four discount opportunities, which is lower than the average offerings from most insurers. Policyholders can add cell phone insurance to their policy or take advantage of an associate discount if they are actively serving in the military.

USAA allows for flexible payment plans, but it’s best to check if there are restrictions in your state. It’s possible to get an online quote from USAA if you qualify, but their website requires you to create an account first.

3
Allstate
Score:95
4
Travelers
Score:95
5
Lemonade
Score:95
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It’s tempting to buy the most affordable policy, but remember that the best renters insurance often involves a policy with better coverage. This can save you money in the long run.

Largest Renters Insurance Companies in California

Purchasing renters insurance from an insurer with a larger market share comes with advantages. Large companies typically have more financial strength, which means they’ll be able to pay out your claims. They also have more resources to invest in, which often translates to a better user experience during the claims process.

Company
Market Share

1.

State Farm

17.6%

2.

Farmers

15.4%

3.

Liberty Mutual

6.4%

4.

CSAA

6.3%

5.

Allstate

5.9%

Average Cost of Renters Insurance in California

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renters insurance is equal to the average.

The average cost of renters insurance in California is $238 per year. Compared to the national average, policyholders in the state pay 49% more.

These average rates are for renters with $20,000 in personal property coverage, liability coverage of $100,000 and a $500 deductible.

Insurers consider various factors when setting rates, so your quote might be different. The amount of personal property you own significantly impacts your insurance costs. MoneyGeek’s personal property calculator can help you determine how much coverage you need.

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Total: $0


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The provider you choose impacts how much you pay for renters insurance coverage. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find cheap renters insurance in California. For example, purchasing a policy from Lemonade rather than Nationwide can save you $59 each month.

What Factors Impact Renters Insurance Cost in California

Several factors can impact renters insurance cost in California, including:

Insurance Rates

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Ensure you're getting the best rate for your renters insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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Renters Insurance in California: What You Need to Know

Spending on renters insurance is a smart investment because you can get protection for your valuable personal items at a low cost.

While renters insurance isn’t required in California, the cost of it is relatively low compared to the average monthly price of rent. In the state, about 44% of people are renters, and the average monthly rental rate is $1,614. The average monthly premium is $20 for a basic policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage, $100,000 in liability coverage and a $500 deductible. This rate is 1.23% of the average monthly price of rent.

What Renters Insurance Typically Covers in California

Check what exactly your policy covers before you buy renters insurance in California. A standard renters insurance package will cover personal property, additional living expenses, liability insurance and medical payments.

In California, personal property coverage will typically pay for damages caused by natural disasters like tornadoes, wildfires and others.

What Renters Insurance Typically Does Not Cover in California

Before buying a renters insurance package, get clarifications on what it does and does not cover. This information can help you report accurate and approved claims.

Renters insurance in California does not cover all situations. For instance, the following common problems may not be covered by your policy:

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If you want to learn more about the various types of insurance available in California, the Department of Insurance can provide you with information. They can help you understand insurance laws and regulations or assist you with a complaint.

You can reach the California Department of Insurance using the following channels:

  • Physical Address
    • Los Angeles Office: 300 South Spring St., 14F, Los Angeles, CA 90013
    • Oakland Office: 1901 Harrison St., 6F, Oakland, CA 94612
    • Sacramento Office: 300 Capitol Mall, 17F, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Consumer Hotline: (800) 927-4357 or (800) 482-4833
  • General Questions and Inquiries Form

FAQs About Renters Insurance in California

Understanding your options regarding renters insurance in California may be confusing. Here are the most commonly asked questions about coverage in the state.

Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, Lemonade offers the cheapest renters insurance in California. The average cost of their insurance policy is $7 per month.

MoneyGeek’s scoring system evaluated insurers that balance quality service and financial stability and found that State Farm is the best renters insurance company in California.

The average cost of renters insurance in California is $238 per year or around $20 a month. This is 49% higher than the national average.

There is no state law mandating that renters in California purchase renters insurance. However, having this coverage is an affordable way to ensure you have protection for your possessions against possible perils.

Keep in mind that your landlord can require you to have coverage as part of your lease agreement.

Insurance Rates

Compare Renters Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your renters insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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Expert Insight on Renters Insurance in California

Renters Insurance in California Analysis: Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzed renters insurance premiums from eight of the top insurance companies in California that were provided in partnership with Quadrant. Our analysis includes quotes from ZIP codes across California. Quotes were gathered for policies with personal property coverage of $20,000, $50,000 and $100,000; liability coverage of $100,000 and a deductible of $500.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick 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.


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