Is homeowners insurance required in California?
No, homeowners insurance is not required by law in California. However, in order to get a home loan, your mortgage lender will likely require you to obtain a certain amount of insurance coverage.
What does homeowners insurance cover in California?
Every policy is different, but home insurance policies in California typically come with several standard coverages.
- Dwelling (Coverage A). This coverage helps you pay for damage to your home from a covered event, such as a fire, windstorm, lightning or hail.
- Other structures (Coverage B). This coverage is intended to help cover structures that aren’t connected to your home, like a fence or shed.
- Personal property (Coverage C). This coverage helps you repair or replace your personal belongings if they are stolen or damaged.
- Loss of use, or additional living expense coverage (Coverage D). This coverage can help you pay to stay somewhere else if your home is uninhabitable due to covered damage.
- Personal liability (Coverage E). This coverage helps pay for accidental property damage or injuries you cause through negligence.
Typical home insurance policies in California cover damage caused by events such as:
- Fire
- Vandalism and theft
- Lightning strikes
- Wind
- Hail
- Explosions
- Falling objects
- The weight of snow or ice
Flooding and earthquakes, common risks in California, are not covered. Special flood insurance may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). And special earthquake insurance may also be available through the California Earthquake Authority.
Home insurance coverage options in California
Beyond the basic coverages, Farmers Smart Plan Home offers a wide range of options that let you customize your policy, such as:
- Extended Replacement Cost
- Water Backup and Sump Overflow
- Emergency Mortgage Assistance
- E-Bikes and Golf Carts
- Declining Deductibles®
How much does homeowners insurance generally cost in California?
The average premium for home insurance coverage in California is $1,241 per year1, according to a 2020 report (the most recent data available) by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). However, insurance costs in most states have changed since then. Also, the amount you pay may be different, depending on things like the value and age of your home, how much personal property you want to cover, what deductible you choose and risks specific to your area.
California home insurance discounts
Farmers offers a variety of savings opportunities for eligible home insurance customers in California, including:
- Home Buyer Discount
- Multi-Policy Discount
- Claim Free Discount
- Fortified Home Discount
- Wildfire Mitigation Discount
See more information and additional discounts that may be available in California.
California Quail
The distinctive topknot of California’s state bird looks like a single plume, but it’s actually a cluster of six feathers. — All About Birds
More coverage options in California
California car insurance
Find minimum state requirements for auto insurance in California, available discounts and more.
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Learn From Experience
Read real-life stories about insurance, renovations, home safety and more from pros and homeowners like you.
Does Home Insurance Cover Water Damage?
Generally, if the cause is sudden and accidental — if an appliance or bathroom fixture springs a leak or a storm blows a tree through your roof and rain pours in — the typical homeowners insurance policy covers resulting water damage.
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Why Did My Homeowners Insurance Go Up?
When outside forces impact either (or both) of those factors, it can explain why rates may be increasing. But there are steps you can take to help keep your costs down.
How Can Insurance Help Me Prepare for an Earthquake Disaster?
Keep in mind that earthquakes aren’t covered by your regular home insurance policy. In some states, you need a separate endorsement that’s designed especially for this hazard.
1 Based on average premium for HO-3 type open perils homeowners policies.