California Renters Insurance
Whether you rent a high-tech loft in Silicon Valley or a ranch home in the San Fernando Valley, renters insurance in California can help you repair or replace your personal belongings if they’re damaged or stolen.
How much does renters insurance generally cost in California?
Renters insurance in California can cost as little as $15 a month (or $174 per year) for around $35,0001 in coverage, about the same as the national average, according to a 2019 report (the most recent data available) by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Keep in mind that insurance premiums in most states have changed since then. Also, your cost may be different, depending on things like how much personal property you want to cover, what deductible you choose and risks specific to your location.
What does California renters insurance typically cover?
Typically, renters insurance policies in California can provide coverage against damage to or loss of personal belongings if caused by events such as:
- Fire
- Vandalism and theft
- Lightning strikes
- Wind
- Hail
- Explosions
- Falling objects
- The weight of snow or ice
Neither flooding nor earthquakes — common risks in California — are covered. Special flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may be available for renters. And earthquake insurance may be available as well.
Is renters insurance required in California?
No state laws require you to have renters insurance in California. However, landlords can require you to have a renters policy as part of a lease agreement. It may help pay for another person’s medical bills or repairs to their property if you’re found legally responsible for their injuries or property damage. Renters liability coverage may also help cover your legal expenses if you’re sued over an incident that occurs in the place you’re renting. Keep in mind that your landlord’s insurance provides coverage for the building itself, but this likely does not include your personal belongings.
California Poppy
More coverage options in California
Learn From Experience
Do you have more questions about renters insurance? We have answers.
Even though you’re just getting started, your personal possessions are probably worth more than you realize. Now imagine you have to run out and replace everything at today’s prices. That’s going to be a very expensive shopping trip — unless you have renters insurance to help cover the cost.
Your renters policy helps cover the contents of your apartment for a number of perils — including theft. If someone walks off with your laptop or sound system, your policy can help cover the cost to go out and buy a new one.
The amount of coverage you should consider getting depends on the combined value of all your personal possessions. Make a written inventory of what you brought into the place. Now think of what it would cost to replace everything with new merchandise at current prices.
1 Estimate is based on HO-4 policy with coverage of $32,000 to $37,999.