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


Travelers is the best renters insurance company in San Francisco, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 and an average annual premium of $128 for $20,000 in personal property coverage. The cheapest is Capital Insurance Group, with a MoneyGeek score of 89 and an annual premium of $83.

The top provider balances customer service with affordability. Depending on your needs, other providers may be best. MoneyGeek also found the best and cheapest renters insurance in California for those who live elsewhere in the state.

MoneyGeek Logo IconBest & CheapestRentersSan Francisco
2024

Table of Contents

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We sourced information from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to pinpoint top renters insurance options in San Francisco.

recency icon

Renters insurance premiums in San Francisco represent the most competitive estimates as of Septembe 2024.

768Quotes Analyzed
 
8Providers Analyzed
 
3ZIP Codes

Overall Best Renters Insurance in San Francisco, CA

The best renters insurance providers in San Francisco for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage are:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($128 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($126 per year)

Travelers balances cost and service quality, earning an affordability score of 48 out of 55 and a customer satisfaction score of 28 out of 30.

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

Overview

Travelers ranks first for coverages in San Francisco, with an annual premium of $128. Its contents replacement cost coverage ensures your personal property is replaced at its current value without deducting for depreciation. The scheduled personal property coverage financially protects high-value items like jewelry and fine art from a wide range of losses, offering renters peace of mind.

Best Renters Insurance in San Francisco, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Travelers91$ 128
State Farm89$ 126
Nationwide88$ 142
Allstate86$ 108
Capital Insurance Group82$ 83
Farmers76$ 173
Chubb61$ 318

Cheapest Renters Insurance in San Francisco, CA

In San Francisco, Capital Insurance Group offers the cheapest renters insurance at $83 annually for $20,000 in personal property coverage.

  • Capital Insurance Group: $83 per year
  • Allstate: $108 per year

Personal property coverage helps replace or repair your belongings if damaged, lost or stolen. Cheap renters insurance policies often have lower personal property coverage limits. Higher coverage limits can lead to higher monthly costs but offer better protection if you have many personal belongings.

Cheapest Renters Insurance in San Francisco, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Travelers90$ 128
Capital Insurance Group89$ 83
Allstate89$ 108
State Farm89$ 126
Nationwide85$ 142
Farmers74$ 173
Chubb49$ 318

Cheapest Renters Insurance With a High Deductible in San Francisco, CA

Capital Insurance Group offers San Francisco's cheapest renters insurance for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $2,000 deductible. Here are the top options for higher deductible policies:

  • Capital Insurance Group: $65 per year
  • Travelers: $104 per year

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums, while lower deductibles result in higher premiums. Balancing these factors ensures adequate coverage when filing a claim. Renters should consider their financial situation and potential risks when selecting a deductible.

Cheapest High Deductible Renters Insurance in San Francisco, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Deductible:
Deductible:$ 2,000
Capital Insurance Group82$ 65
Travelers92$ 104
Allstate83$ 108
Nationwide89$ 112
State Farm86$ 124
Farmers73$ 169
Chubb61$ 294
mglogo icon
HOW TO SET YOUR DEDUCTIBLE

If you file a claim, choose a deductible amount that you can comfortably pay out of pocket. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium, leading to overall cost savings while maintaining adequate coverage.

Best Renters Insurance for Customer Service in San Francisco, CA

Travelers offers the best renters insurance for service quality in San Francisco, with an average annual premium of $128 for $20,000 in personal property coverage.

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($128 per year)
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($142 per year)

Great customer service is crucial for renters seeking insurance because it ensures a smooth and supportive experience, particularly during claims. Efficient service means your case is handled quickly and effectively, reducing stress and helping you recover faster. MoneyGeek evaluates insurance providers based on customer satisfaction from J.D. Power surveys, which assess service quality in the context of renters insurance.

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

Overview

Travelers ranks first in San Francisco for customer satisfaction and coverages, with an average annual premium of $128.

Travelers' contents replacement cost add-on covers personal property losses at full replacement value without deducting for depreciation. Its scheduled personal property coverage offers higher coverage limits for special items like jewelry, fine art, musical instruments and computers without requiring appraisals or item listings.

Best Renters Insurance For Service Quality in San Francisco, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Travelers96$ 128
Nationwide95$ 142
Chubb93$ 318
State Farm86$ 126
Allstate77$ 108
Farmers77$ 173
Capital Insurance Group61$ 83

Best Renters Insurance for High Personal Property Limits in San Francisco, CA

For San Francisco renters needing high personal property coverage, Travelers offers the best option with an annual premium of $307. Here are the top providers for a policy with $100,000 in personal property coverage:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($307 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($314 per year)

Renters with many belongings need higher personal property coverage to financially protect items like furniture, electronics and clothing from theft, damage or loss. Higher coverage can increase premiums, so find a provider that balances cost with excellent service. High-value items like jewelry or art may need additional coverage beyond standard policies.

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

Overview

Travelers is the top provider for San Francisco renters needing high personal property coverage. With an annual premium of $307, Travelers excels in affordability and customer satisfaction. It offers contents replacement cost, covering personal property losses at replacement value without deducting for depreciation, and scheduled personal property coverage for high-value items like jewelry and fine art.

Best Renters Insurance for High Personal Property Limits in San Francisco, CA
Travelers96$ 307
State Farm93$ 314
Nationwide88$ 446
Allstate87$ 333
Capital Insurance Group82$ 256
Farmers81$ 449
Chubb61$ 1,056
mglogo icon
SCHEDULED PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE

You need additional coverage if you own valuables like fine jewelry or art since standard policies often don't cover these items. Choose a provider offering scheduled personal property coverage to protect your high-value possessions.

Best Renters Insurance for Military Families in San Francisco, CA

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

  • USAA: MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($219 per year)
  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($128 per year)

USAA offers a range of products tailored to those with a military background, providing discounts and coverages that suit the military lifestyle. While USAA isn't the cheapest in the city, it's worth considering due to its specialized offerings for military members.

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

Overview

USAA is San Francisco's top insurance provider for renters with a military background. It charges an average annual premium of $219 and excels in customer satisfaction.

Its contents replacement cost coverage ensures you can replace stolen or damaged items, like a TV or computer, with new ones at their current retail prices. The worldwide personal property coverage financially protects your belongings while deployed abroad.

Best Renters Insurance for Military in San Francisco, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
USAA100$ 219
Travelers91$ 128
State Farm89$ 126
Nationwide88$ 142
Allstate86$ 108
Capital Insurance Group82$ 83
Farmers76$ 173
Chubb61$ 318

Average Cost of Renters Insurance in San Francisco, CA

The average cost of renters insurance in San Francisco is $154 annually or about $13 monthly, slightly higher than California's average of $148 and the national average of $145. These rates are based on a renters insurance policy with $20,000 in personal property limit, $100,000 in liability limit and a $1,000 deductible.

Renters insurance costs can vary depending on the amount of personal property coverage you choose. Consider using a personal property coverage calculator to estimate your needs and find a suitable policy.

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.

shirt icon

clothing & accessories

Clothes, shoes, bags, belts, hats, gloves, etc.

$
$
$
$
$
$

Factors That Impact Renters Insurance Costs in San Francisco

Various factors can influence the cost of renters insurance in San Francisco. Understanding them can help you find a policy that fits your budget and needs.

  • Location: Crime rates and weather risks in your area can affect your premium.
  • Coverage amount: Higher coverage limits increase your insurance costs.
  • Deductible: A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium but means higher out-of-pocket costs in a claim.
  • Claims history: A history of claims may lead to higher premiums due to increased perceived risk.
  • Credit score: A better credit record can result in lower premiums.

What Renters Insurance Covers in San Francisco, CA

Renters insurance covers personal property, liability and additional living expenses. It protects financially against theft, fire and other unforeseen events. Liability coverage helps in case of lawsuits for injuries or property damage.

Here's what renters insurance covers:

  • Personal property coverage: Protects your belongings against fire, theft or vandalism. For example, if a wildfire damages your apartment in California, this coverage helps replace your possessions.
  • Personal liability coverage: Covers expenses if someone is injured in your rental unit or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. For example, if a guest slips and falls in your California apartment, this coverage can help with legal fees and medical bills.
  • Loss of use coverage: Covers 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 can help pay for your temporary housing.
mglogo icon
COMMONLY COVERED PERILS

Renters insurance typically covers losses from incidents like theft, fire and water damage. Understanding your policy's specific coverage is key to ensuring you're protected. Here are common situations renters insurance covers:

  • Fire or lightning
  • Windstorm or hail
  • Explosions
  • Riots
  • Aircraft
  • Vehicles
  • Smoke damage

What Renters Insurance Does Not Cover in San Francisco

While renters insurance provides a financial safety net, it doesn't cover every situation:

  • Natural disasters: Standard policies typically exclude damage from floods.
  • Roommate's belongings: Personal property coverage usually doesn't extend to a roommate's possessions unless they're listed on the policy.
  • High-value items: Expensive items like jewelry or electronics may require additional coverage if their value exceeds the policy limit.
  • Business equipment: Property used for business purposes is generally not covered under standard renters insurance.
  • Pest damage: Damage from pests like bed bugs or rodents is usually not covered.
  • Car theft: While personal property stolen from your car may be covered, the theft of the vehicle itself is not.

FAQ: Renters Insurance in San Francisco, CA

Choosing the best renters insurance provider in San Francisco depends on your needs. We address some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

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

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.