Top 5 Renters Insurance Providers in California
We rated multiple companies using our comprehensive methodology and determined the following eight to be the best affordable providers of renters insurance in California.
- Toggle: Our pick for custom pricing
- Allstate:Our pick for seniors
- Travelers: Our pick for experience
- USAA: Our pick for military members
- Nationwide: Our pick for valuable endorsem*nts
Toggle Renters Insurance
Our Pick for Custom Pricing
4.1
Cost: 4.3
Availability and Ease of Use: 3.6
Brand Trust: 4.5
Coverage: 4
Our Rating
Our Review
A.M. BestAJ.D. PowerNR
MONTHLY COST$12.59
Pros and Cons of Toggle
Pros Charges only $5 per month for a basic policy Provides a convenient online estimate process Lets you adjust your coverage Cons Is not included in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study Does not offer additional coverage for severe weather events
Why We Chose Toggle
Toggle, a newer name in the insurance industry, offers flexible coverage for renters. It lets you choose from three levels of coverage and adjust the amounts to create a policy tailor-made to your needs. The provider may suit those who want to avoid contacting an agent, as it offers an all-online experience from requesting a quote to initiating coverage.
Third-party data on Toggle, which started in 2018 as part of Farmers Insurance, is hard to find. It’s not included in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study and has not received reviews on third-party sites. Since the brand’s reputation isn’t yet solidified, it’s challenging to understand if it provides satisfactory customer support.
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
You’re unlikely to get a discount on a Toggle policy. However, those looking for additional coverage can add these endorsem*nts:
- Worldwide personal property
- Pet damage
- Identity protector
- High-value items
- Side hustle income and equipment
What Customers Think of Toggle
Toggle only recently started offering renters insurance, which is why there are no reviews available about its service on Trustpilot or the BBB.
Allstate Renters Insurance
Our Pick for Seniors
4.3
Cost: 5
Availability and Ease of Use: 4.2
Brand Trust: 4.7
Coverage: 2.5
Our Rating
Our Review
A.M. BestA+J.D. Power835/1000
MONTHLY COST$14.08
Pros and Cons of Allstate
Pros Provides a significant discount for seniors Offers many valuable additional coverage options Lets you bundle your policy with other Allstate coverage Cons Offers a limited number of discounts Does not score well for customer satisfaction
Why We Chose Allstate
Allstate can significantly benefit California seniors looking to lower their renters insurance costs, offering up to 25% off monthly premiums. The discount is available for those 55 years or older who are not full-time employees. The insurer also makes it easy to score a discount when you bundle with another Allstate policy.
The company sells many valuable endorsem*nts. For instance, Allstate offers scheduled personal property and blanket jewelry coverage, which can benefit those living in an area with a high crime rate or who want protection for valuables.
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
The two discounts available with an Allstate renters policy are:
- Bundling
- 55-and-retired discount
The insurer provides these additional coverage options:
- Flood insurance
- Blanket jewelry coverage
- Scheduled personal property coverage
- Identity theft restoration
What Customers Think of Allstate
To understand if Allstate provides quality service, our team assessed customer reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB.
What Customers Like
- Dependable support: This reviewer mentioned the company’s outstanding service after significant fire damage to their property.
- Knowledgeable agents: Several policyholders, such as this one, praised the insurer’s customer support agents for their expertise.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Inefficient claims process: Many customers, including this policyholder, complained about the insurer’s claims process and its prolonged duration.
- Coverage cancellation: This former customer took to Trustpilot to complain about an agent canceling her policy after an attempt to add her spouse to her policy shortly after signing up.
We reached out to Allstate for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.
Travelers Renters Insurance
Our Pick for Deductible Options
4.0
Cost: 4.1
Availability and Ease of Use: 5
Brand Trust: 4.3
Coverage: 3
Our Rating
Our Review
A.M. BestA++J.D. Power835/1000
MONTHLY COST$14.92
Pros and Cons of Travelers
Pros One of the most experienced insurers of those we reviewed Provides several bundling options Has a high AM Best rating, which is indicative of financial stability Cons Has a lower-than-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score Does not provide many endorsem*nt options
Why We Chose Travelers
Travelers has been in business for 168 years, which makes it one of the most experienced companies in the industry. The insurer also received an A++ AM Best rating, which shows it’s financially stable and that it won’t have trouble paying out your approved claim.
The company doesn’t offer many endorsem*nt options to Californians, but the few it does offer are valuable. For instance, you can add replacement cost coverage for your personal property. This coverage will cover the cost of replacing your property based on how much it costs to buy today without accounting for your item’s depreciation.
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
You can save on your policy by earning these discounts with a Travelers renters policy:
- Protective devices
- Multi-policy
- Loss-free
The insurer does not offer many endorsem*nts. Those looking for additional protection can add these coverages to their policy:
- Contents replacement cost
- Valuable items insurance
What Customers Think of Travelers
We assessed customer reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB and identified common themes to help you understand if Travelers offers satisfactory customer support. Here’s what customers had to say.
What Customers Like
- Good overall experience: Apolicyholder mentioned the company’s consistent service over many years and appreciated that it did not take much time to start the claims process.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Poor claims resolution: A customer complained about the company’s representatives closing their claim without providing a resolution or contacting them.
- Policy cancelation: Some reviewers, such as this customer, were upset with the company due to high rates and because it canceled their policy when they filed a claim.
We reached out to Travelers for comment on its negative reviews but did not receive a response.
USAA Renters Insurance
Our Pick for Military Members
4.4
Cost: 4.8
Availability and Ease of Use: 4.6
Brand Trust: 5
Coverage: 3
Our Rating
Our Review
A.M. BestA++J.D. Power894/1000
MONTHLY COST$18.17
Pros and Cons of USAA
Pros Achieves high customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power Offers significant savings through many valuable discounts Provides an endorsem*nt for damage to electronic devices Cons Only offers coverage to military members Has a limited number of endorsem*nts available
Why We Chose USAA
Military members in California can benefit significantly from USAA renters insurance, as it offers policies tailored to their specific needs. The company’s rates are also lower than those of other providers we reviewed, and it received a fantastic customer satisfaction score in J.D. Power’s study. It offers replacement cost coverage, which can help you get reimbursed for the actual replacement cost of your damaged items without considering their depreciated value.
The insurer does not offer many endorsem*nt options, but it lets you add electronics coverage to your policy to protect your devices (up to a limit of $10,000) from damage. Other valuable endorsem*nts, such as personal cyber insurance and umbrella insurance, are also available.
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
You might lower your monthly premium by taking advantage of these discounts:
- Multi-policy
- Living on base
- Claims-free history
- Military college background
- Service academy
- Protective devices
There are not many endorsem*nts available. However, you can add these coverages to your policy:
- Personal cyber insurance
- Extra electronics coverage
- Valuable personal property insurance
- Umbrella insurance
What Customers Think of USAA
Our team read reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB to understand what USAA’s customers appreciate about its service and their dislikes.
What Customers Like
- Attentive representatives: Several policyholders, including this one, praised USAA’s agents for taking the time to listen attentively to their claims-related issues.
- Efficient claims process: Many customers, including this reviewer, expressed satisfaction with the insurer’s claims management.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Challenging quote process: A customer highlighted issues with the company’s online quote system, saying they had to register for an account and never ended up receiving a quote.
We reached out to USAA for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.
Nationwide
Our Pick for Valuable Endorsem*nts
4.5
Cost: 4.5
Availability and Ease of Use: 4.6
Brand Trust: 5
Coverage: 4
Our Rating
Our Review
A.M. BestAJ.D. Power852/1000
MONTHLY COST$17.92
Pros and Cons of Nationwide
Pros Provides several valuable additional coverages Received a respectable J.D. Power. customer satisfaction score Offers a separate flood insurance policy Cons Has a limited number of discounts on offer Requires you to contact an agent for a quote
Why We Chose Nationwide
Nationwide, a household name in the insurance industry, provides several valuable endorsem*nt options that can help California renters tailor their chosen policy to their needs. For example, it offers renters a separate flood insurance policy and earthquake protection coverage, which can benefit Californians living in areas with a risk of these events.
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
There are limited saving opportunities available with Nationwide, but it lets the policyholder save using these discounts:
- Multiple policies
- Protective devices
- Claims-free
California renters looking to extend their policy’s limits can add these endorsem*nts:
- Valuables plus
- Theft extension
- Water backup
- Earthquake
- Replacement cost coverage (called brand new belongings)
What Customers Think of Nationwide
We looked at reviews on third-party sites like Trustpilot and the BBB to understand what Nationwide’s policyholders think about the company’s service.
What Customers Like
- Solid customer support: Many clients, such as this one, commended the insurer for its agents’ problem-solving skills.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Mixed customer service experiences: Because you must go through an agent to get renters insurance from Nationwide, customer experiences vary greatly. Some people, including this reviewer, weren’t happy with their treatment.
- Canceled coverage: A former customer complained that the provider canceled their policy within the first 60 days.
We reached out to Nationwide for comment on its negative reviews but did not receive a response.
The Cost of Renters Insurance in California
According to data collected by Quadrant Information Services in 2023, renters insurance costs $187 per year or $15.58 per month on average in the state of California. The cost of your unique policy will differ based on the size of your rental, your specific location and any endorsem*nts or discounts that you select or are eligible for. Using the chart below to get an idea of the relative price of the top renters insurance providers in the state.
The cost of renters insurance can vary greatly based on your location and the amount of personal property coverage you need. Find out how much you can expect to pay in your area using the chart below before getting a quote from your preferred providers.
California’s Cheapest Renters Insurance Companies
Renters insurance is usually a small monthly expense that can save you a significant amount of money if your personal property gets damaged. While your impulse may be to choose the cheapest plan available, remember that a cheap policy could end up costing you more in the long run if it doesn’t provide enough coverage.
How To Save on Renters Insurance
You can find savings on your renters insurance policy by protecting your property from the threat of natural disasters, including wildfires, comparing rates from different insurers and modifying your deductible.
- Disaster-proof your property: Taking steps to protect your property from the damage caused by natural disasters can benefit you. For instance, insurers may offer a more competitive rate if you store your belongings in fire-resistant materials and clear flammable vegetation from around your rental.
- Shop around: The insurance market in California is constantly changing, which makes it important to shop around and compare rates from several providers before purchasing a policy. You’re more likely to get a better deal if you know the prices and coverage that other insurers offer.
- Adjust your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible is another way of lowering your policy costs. However, you should always choose a deductible amount that you’re comfortable paying in case of damage.
Common Renters Insurance Claims in California
Because renters insurance doesn’t cover the property that tenants live on, renters are generally unaffected by some causes of property damage that subject homeowners to risk, such as wind and hail. However, that doesn’t mean renters are entirely in the clear. Here are several common losses that California renters experience.
MARKETWATCH GUIDES TIP
The most common renters insurance claims are filed due to theft, so make sure to purchase enough personal property coverage to cover the cost of your belongings,
Theft
Protection of personal property is a major component of a typical renters insurance policy, and theft is a major cause of loss for renters across the country. While you wouldn’t be responsible for the broken window a burglar left behind, you would need to file a claim to replace your TV or jewelry that was stolen.
Often, renters insurance covers theft of belongings from your apartment and vehicle, even when it is off-premises. These situations are prevalent causes of property crimes in California, according to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). Out of all the reported property crimes in California in 2021, 63% were larceny thefts and 16% were burglaries.
Earthquakes
According to the United States Geological Survey, about 10,000 earthquakes occur each year in the southern California area. Of those 10,000, approximately 15 to 20 are greater than magnitude 4.0.
If you’re worried about damage to your property from earthquakes, The California Earthquake Authority is the primary insurer for earthquake coverage in California. This separate earthquake coverage can run as low as an additional $2.08 per month, according to the quotes we received.
Wildfires
Fire and smoke is a covered peril in typical renters insurance policies, which is great news for California residents. In addition to the always-present risk of a fire starting from within apartments, such as from cooking mishaps or burning candles, many Californians are subject to prevalent wildfire risk.
The record damage from wildfires in 2020 at 4.3M acres of land burned prompted many insurance companies to raise premiums or pull out of California property insurance entirely. In recent years, however, the state has seen a decline in the number of wildfires and associated damage. According to data from The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the number of acres burned by wildfires was the lowest it has been since 2013 last year.
Is Renters Insurance in California Worth It?
Purchasing renters insurance can be worth it in California because of the significant risk of natural disasters, such as wildfires. Your landlord might not require coverage, but you can purchase it to make sure your belongings are protected.
Savings With Insurance
To help you understand how much you can save with insurance, we’ve listed the estimated cost to repair your items with a policy of $30,000 in personal property coverage and a $1,000 deductible in case of damage due to the most common causes.
| Common Causes for Claims | Cost To Repair or Replace* | Cost With Insurance |
| Water damage | $1,300 | $1,000 |
| Burglary | $2,661 | $1,000 |
*These are average costs. The actual amount you pay will vary based on the extent of the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Renters Insurance
The average cost of renters insurance in California is around $16 per month, based on data from Quadrant Information Services. However, the actual amount you pay may differ due to your personal risk factors.
Based on our review of several insurance companies, Toggle provides the best insurance for rental properties in California. However, depending on your situation, you might find another insurer more suitable.
A landlord can make it mandatory for renters to purchase insurance in California as part of the lease agreement.
A renters insurance policy in California will help you pay for damage to your personal items, provide liability protection and cover temporary living costs if your home is uninhabitable.
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Renters Insurance Companies in California
To identify the best renters insurance companies in California, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 14 insurers. This involved gathering estimates for an apartment building in the state to understand the quote process, looking at customer reviews on third-party sites such as Trustpilot and the BBB, and assessing discounts and endorsem*nts based on the specific needs of California renters.
We then rated the providers based on these factors:
- Cost: 40%
- Availability and ease of use: 25%
- Coverage: 20%
- Brand trust: 15%
We update this data regularly so you can access the most up-to-date information. Read our full methodology to learn more.
AM Best Disclaimer
How We Gather Cost Data
We at the MarketWatch Guides Team gathered renters insurance quotes for the providers in this article using data from Quadrant Information Services. Quadrant is a leading source of property and casualty insurance solutions and data.
The sample renter our quotes are based on is a 30-year-old single male with good credit and no prior claims history. Our sample policies featured a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage and limits:
- Personal property: $30,000
- Loss of use: $9,000
- Liability: $100,000
- Medical payments: $1,000
For each provider, we gathered a quote for 50% of the ZIP codes in every state the provider is licensed in. We used the most populous ZIP codes for our study. We took the average of these individual quotes to calculate a national average premium per provider.
In some cases, cost data for a top renters insurance company isn’t offered in Quadrant’s database. To gather price information for these providers, we manually pulled quotes directly from insurers’ websites or representatives. We used the same sample homeowner demographics and comparable policy details for more than 20 ZIP codes across the U.S.
Our sample rates are for informational purposes only. Actual premiums will vary.
*AM Best rating accurate as of May 2024.AM Best disclaimer
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team ateditors@marketwatchguides.com.
Saad ImranAuthor
Saad Imran is a personal finance writer with expertise in insurance, loans, credit cards and mortgages. When not writing, he’s a cat enthusiast who loves playtime with his furry companion.
Ryan LaskerEditor
Ryan Lasker is a financial writer and editor with bylines in Morning Brew, The Motley Fool, and several more. As a certified public accountant, he leverages his technical expertise in personal finance and tax to fuel his passion for teaching financial literacy. When he’s not writing, editing or working in a spreadsheet, he’s biking the D.C. trails or reading.
