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


Updated: September 10, 2024

Nationwide is the best renters insurance company in Santa Maria, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 and an average annual premium of $98. Capital Insurance Group is the cheapest provider, with a MoneyGeek score of 89 and an average annual premium of $70. The best and cheapest quotes are based on $20,000 in personal property coverage.

The best homeowners insurance provider should offer a balance of 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 & CheapestRentersSanta Maria, CA
2024

Table of Contents

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

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

768Quotes Analyzed
 
8Providers Analyzed
 
2ZIP Codes

Overall Best Renters Insurance in Santa Maria, CA

Nationwide is the best renters insurance provider in Santa Maria, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $98. These are the top two best renters insurance providers in Santa Maria for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage, $100,000 in personal liability and a $1,000 deductible:

  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($98 per year)
  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($123 per year)

Nationwide has perfectly balanced customer satisfaction and affordability, with an affordability score of 49 out of 55.

Company logo for Nationwide
Best OverallNationwide
MoneyGeek Score:
91/ of 100

Overview

Nationwide ranks first in coverage in Santa Maria, California, with an average annual premium of $98. It offers credit card forgery and theft from vehicles coverages. Credit card forgery covers unauthorized transactions on your credit cards and bank debit/ATM cards, protecting you from financial loss. Theft from vehicles provides extended protection for your personal belongings stored in or on any motor vehicle, ensuring your valuables are safe even when you're on the go.

Best Renters Insurance in Santa Maria, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
NationwideMoneyGeek Score91Annual Premium$ 98
TravelersMoneyGeek Score88Annual Premium$ 123
AllstateMoneyGeek Score87Annual Premium$ 83
State FarmMoneyGeek Score85Annual Premium$ 121
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 70
FarmersMoneyGeek Score72Annual Premium$ 159
ChubbMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 256

Cheapest Renters Insurance in Santa Maria, CA

In Santa Maria, California, Capital Insurance Group offers the cheapest renters insurance, with an average annual premium of $70 for $20,000 in personal property coverage. The following providers are the top two cheapest in Santa Maria for $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $1,000 deductible, with MoneyGeek's rating for the cheapest renters insurance having minimal consideration for customer service:

  • Capital Insurance Group: $70 per year
  • Allstate: $83 per year

Personal property coverage protects your belongings in case of damage or theft. Cheap renters insurance policies often have low personal property coverage limits. While higher personal property coverage limits can increase your monthly costs, they provide better protection if you have many personal belongings. Personal property coverage protects your belongings in case of damage or theft.

Cheapest Renters Insurance in Santa Maria, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
AllstateMoneyGeek Score91Annual Premium$ 83
NationwideMoneyGeek Score90Annual Premium$ 98
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score89Annual Premium$ 70
TravelersMoneyGeek Score85Annual Premium$ 123
State FarmMoneyGeek Score84Annual Premium$ 121
FarmersMoneyGeek Score69Annual Premium$ 159
ChubbMoneyGeek Score49Annual Premium$ 256

Cheapest Renters Insurance With a High Deductible in Santa Maria, CA

In Santa Maria, 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 $78. The following providers are the top two cheapest in Santa Maria for $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $2,000 deductible:

  • Capital Insurance Group: $55 per year
  • Nationwide: $78 per year

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in, 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 can afford your premium and still have manageable out-of-pocket costs if you need to file a claim. This balance helps you avoid financial strain in case of an unexpected event.

Cheapest High Deductible Renters Insurance in Santa Maria, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Deductible:
Deductible:$ 2,000
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 55
NationwideMoneyGeek Score92Annual Premium$ 78
AllstateMoneyGeek Score84Annual Premium$ 83
TravelersMoneyGeek Score89Annual Premium$ 99
State FarmMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 119
FarmersMoneyGeek Score70Annual Premium$ 156
ChubbMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 237
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HOW TO SET YOUR DEDUCTIBLE

When selecting a deductible for your insurance policy, ensure it's an amount you can pay out of pocket if you need to file a claim. If you can afford it, opting for a higher deductible could decrease your annual premiums, leading to savings over time while still providing the financial protection you need.

Best Renters Insurance for Customer Service in Santa Maria, CA

For renters in Santa Maria, California, who prioritize exceptional service over cost, the following are the top two providers for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($123 per year)
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($98 per year)

Excellent customer service is vital for renters seeking insurance. If you're making a claim after a stressful event, a responsive and helpful insurance representative can make the process smoother and less daunting. MoneyGeek evaluates the best renters insurance companies for customer service based on J.D. Power surveys, which assess customer satisfaction in areas like policy offerings, price, billing process and claims.

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

Overview

Travelers ranks first in customer satisfaction and coverage in Santa Maria, California, with an average annual premium of $123. Its contents replacement cost coverage ensures your personal property is replaced at its current value without depreciation. Valuable items insurance protects high-value items like jewelry and fine art, offering higher coverage limits without requiring appraisals.

Best Renters Insurance for Service Quality in Santa Maria, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
TravelersMoneyGeek Score96Annual Premium$ 123
NationwideMoneyGeek Score95Annual Premium$ 98
ChubbMoneyGeek Score93Annual Premium$ 256
State FarmMoneyGeek Score86Annual Premium$ 121
AllstateMoneyGeek Score77Annual Premium$ 83
FarmersMoneyGeek Score77Annual Premium$ 159
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 70

Best Renters Insurance for High Personal Property Limits in Santa Maria, CA

State Farm offers the best renters insurance for high personal property coverage in Santa Maria, California, with an average annual premium of $216 for $100,000 in coverage. The top two best providers in Santa Maria for $100K in personal property coverage are:

  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($216 per year)
  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($297 per year)

Renters who own a lot of belongings often need higher personal property coverage, which means a higher limit on the policy to protect personal belongings in case of damage or theft. However, higher coverage levels typically come at a higher cost. Finding a provider that offers a good balance of cost and quality service is vital, especially when you have many possessions. Remember that high-value items like jewelry or art may require additional coverage as they're not always fully covered under standard policies.

Company logo for State Farm
Best High Personal Property LimitState Farm
MoneyGeek Score:
95/ of 100

Overview

State Farm ranks first in affordability and customer satisfaction for expensive homes in Santa Maria, California, with an average annual premium of $216. It offers cyber event/ID theft coverage, which includes identity restoration and fraud loss protection. This coverage helps renters recover from identity theft and cyber fraud. State Farm also provides earthquake damage coverage, which is essential for protecting expensive homes in earthquake-prone areas like California.

Best Renters Insurance for High Personal Property Limits in Santa Maria, CA
State FarmMoneyGeek Score95Annual Premium$ 216
TravelersMoneyGeek Score93Annual Premium$ 297
NationwideMoneyGeek Score92Annual Premium$ 292
AllstateMoneyGeek Score88Annual Premium$ 250
FarmersMoneyGeek Score83Annual Premium$ 317
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 215
ChubbMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 780
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SCHEDULED PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE

If you own high-value items like jewelry or art, you may need extra coverage since standard policies often don’t include these valuables. Consider choosing a provider that offers scheduled personal property coverage to ensure your valuables are protected.

Best Renters Insurance for Military Families in Santa Maria, CA

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

  • USAA: MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($88 per year)
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 91 out 100 ($98 per year)

USAA offers a range of products tailored for 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 Santa Maria. It leads in customer satisfaction and offers the most comprehensive coverage. With an average annual premium of $88, it's also a top choice for affordability. Its policies include contents replacement cost, ensuring new-for-old replacements for items like TVs and computers. Worldwide personal property coverage offers protection for belongings overseas. These benefits are especially advantageous for military personnel, whether stationed abroad or relocating.

Best Renters Insurance for Military in Santa Maria, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
USAAMoneyGeek Score100Annual Premium$ 88
NationwideMoneyGeek Score91Annual Premium$ 98
TravelersMoneyGeek Score88Annual Premium$ 123
AllstateMoneyGeek Score87Annual Premium$ 83
State FarmMoneyGeek Score85Annual Premium$ 121
Capital Insurance GroupMoneyGeek Score82Annual Premium$ 70
FarmersMoneyGeek Score72Annual Premium$ 159
ChubbMoneyGeek Score61Annual Premium$ 256

Average Cost of Renters Insurance in Santa Maria, CA

The average cost of renters insurance in Santa Maria, California, is $130 annually or $11 monthly. This rate is $18 cheaper than the California state average of $148 and $15 cheaper than the national average of $145. These rates are based on a renters insurance policy with $20,000 in personal property limits, $100,000 in liability limits and a $1,000 deductible.

Renters should remember that the average cost of renters insurance in Santa Maria may vary greatly depending on the amount of personal property coverage purchased. Personal property coverage protects your belongings, such as furniture and electronics, in case of damage or theft. 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 Santa Maria

The cost of renters insurance in Santa Maria, California, is influenced by multiple factors, including the location of the rental property and the amount of coverage desired. Understanding these variables is key to finding a policy that fits your budget and needs.

  • Location: The area where you live can affect your premium due to crime rates and weather-related risks.
  • Coverage Amount: Opting for higher coverage limits will increase your insurance costs.
  • Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you'll pay more out of pocket in case of a claim.
  • Claims History: Renters with a history of claims may face higher premiums due to a higher perceived risk by insurance companies.
  • Credit Score: Insurance companies may factor in your credit history when determining your premium, with better credit records often leading to lower costs.

What Renters Insurance Covers in Santa Maria, CA

Renters insurance primarily covers your personal belongings in case of damage, but it also includes other protections such as personal liability and loss of use coverage. Below are the key coverages provided by renters insurance:

  • Personal Property Coverage: This coverage protects your personal belongings against damage or theft. For example, if a fire damages your apartment in California, your renters insurance can help replace your furniture and electronics.
  • Personal Liability Coverage: This coverage helps with legal expenses if you are found liable for injuries or damages to others. If a guest slips and falls in your California apartment, your renters insurance can cover their medical bills and your legal fees.
  • Loss of Use Coverage: This coverage pays for additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. If an earthquake makes your California apartment unlivable, loss of use coverage can help pay for a hotel stay and other related costs.
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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 Santa Maria

Renters insurance in Santa Maria does not cover everything, including natural disasters and high-value items. Below are some common exclusions:

  • Natural Disasters: Damage from floods and earthquakes is typically not covered.
  • High-Value Items: Jewelry and collectibles usually require additional riders for full coverage.

FAQ: Renters Insurance in Santa Maria, CA

The best renters insurance provider in Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, California, on average?
What is the cheapest renters insurance company in Santa Maria, California?
What is the best renters insurance company in Santa Maria, California?
Do I need renters insurance in Santa Maria, 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.