How to get affordable renters insurance in California
Renters insurance is an important form of insurance. It keeps your belongings safe in the event your rental property suffers damage from a common incident. A renters policy protects personal items from fire, smoke damage, a wind storm, theft, vandalism, and a number of other mishaps.
Unlike auto insurance, renters policies aren’t governed by state legislation. Even still, there are substantial differences in the cost of renters insurance policies by state. Renters insurance rates by state may differ depending on the number and cost renters insurance claims made statewide, and depend on the value of the belongings being insured.
Getting a renters policy in California is more expensive than the national average. The average annual cost of renters insurance in California is $223, $38 more expensive than the average rate across all US states.
The easiest way to find cheap renters insurance in California is to get quotes from multiple insurance companies. Read on to see typical renters insurance rates in California, and remember: your rates will vary, depending on the value of your belongings and your preferred coverage limits.
Jump to:
- Rates by company
- Rates by city
- Rates by coverage level
- Bundling discounts
- Frequently asked questions
Renters insurance prices in California by company
Renters insurance rates in California will vary based on the insurance company you choose. AAA offers the best cheap renters insurance in California at $117 per year, which is less than the statewide average of $223.
Start searching for affordable coverage by checking out the cheapest California renters insurance carriers, detailed below.
AFFORDABLE RENTERS INSURANCE COMPANIES IN CALIFORNIA
| Carrier | Average 12-Month Rate in California |
| AAA | $117 |
| Fire Insurance Exchange | $133 |
| State Farm | $135 |
| Safeco | $141 |
| California Automobile | $155 |
California renters insurance costs by city
Renters insurance rates in California differ by city. Rates are determined based on on locally specific variables such as the number of claims filed nearby, giving your ZIP code weight in deciding how much you pay.
The best renters insurance rates in California are in Chula Vista. In Chula Vista, the typical renters insurance policy costs $176 every 12 months — $46 less than the average California rate. Reference the below table to see the cheapest cities in California for renters insurance.
CHEAPEST CITIES FOR RENTERS INSURANCE IN CALIFORNIA
| City | Average Yearly Renters Insurance Rate |
| Chula Vista | $176 |
| San Diego | $177 |
| Oxnard | $191 |
| Anaheim | $194 |
| Irvine | $194 |
Searching for info on renters insurance for a specific city? Check out our breakdown of the biggest metropolitan areas in California.
- Anaheim
- Bakersfield
- Chula Vista
- Fremont
- Fresno
- Irvine
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Oakland
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Santa Ana
- Stockton
Renters insurance in CA by coverage tier
The cost of your renters insurance depends on the amount of coverage you opt to carry. Two of the most common levels of renters insurance coverage are $25,000 and $50,000. In California, the difference in annual premium between these two tiers is roughly $88. If you can afford the up-front expense, it's an option worth considering.
| Coverage Level | Average Yearly Renters Insurance Rate in California |
| $25K Property | $179 |
| $50K Property | $267 |
Tip: bundle auto and renters insurance in California
If you’re seeking ways to save on your insurance expenditures, consider purchasing your renters and car insurance policies from the same company. Bundling auto and renters insurance in California can save you a substantial sum each month on your auto insurance policy. Purchasing bundled policies in California may generate a yearly discount of $79.
CAR AND RENTERS BUNDLING DISCOUNTS IN CALIFORNIA
| Avg. Annual Rate (No Bundle) | Avg. Annual Rate (w/ Bundle) | Annual Savings ($) | Annual Savings (%) |
| $1,815 | $1,737 | $79 | 5% |
California renters insurance FAQs
Is renters insurance required in California?
Unlike auto insurance, renters insurance is only required if it states it in your lease. Otherwise, it is an optional but encouraged insurance coverage.
What does California renters insurance cover?
In California, renters insurance will replace personal belongings should they be destroyed, lost, or stolen. Most policies will also provide liability coverage, medical payments to others, and will cover temporary housing costs should your home be unihabitable.
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.