Renters insurance in California averaged about $169 a year in 2022, roughly $14 a month, close to the national average of $171 (NAIC data via the Insurance Information Institute). The two biggest things California renters should know: standard renters policies exclude earthquakes, and wildfire is covered as fire.
How much is renters insurance in California?
| Area | Average yearly premium (2022) |
|---|---|
| California | $169 |
| Oregon | $155 |
| Nevada | $174 |
| Arizona | $163 |
| U.S. average | $171 |
Your price depends heavily on your ZIP code: wildfire exposure, local crime rates and building type all affect quotes. See every state’s average.
Is renters insurance required in California?
No California law requires renters insurance. Landlords can require it in the lease, typically with a minimum liability limit and proof of coverage. What landlords can ask for.
Earthquakes: the big California gap
Standard renters policies exclude earthquake damage, including your belongings falling and breaking and the cost of living elsewhere if your building is red-tagged. California renters can buy earthquake coverage separately:
- California Earthquake Authority (CEA) renters policy: sold through participating insurers alongside your renters policy. It covers personal property (with limit options of $5,000 or $25,000), loss of use and emergency repairs.
- Deductibles are a percentage. CEA personal property deductibles range from 5% to 25% of the coverage limit; the CEA loss-of-use coverage has no deductible.
- Private earthquake coverage or an endorsement may also be available from some insurers.
For many renters, the most valuable part of earthquake coverage is loss of use: if your building is unsafe after a quake, you may need somewhere to live for weeks or months.
Wildfire: covered, with things to check
Fire is a standard covered peril, so a renters policy generally covers belongings destroyed or damaged by wildfire, including smoke damage. Things to check:
- Evacuations. Many policies pay additional living expenses when a civil authority orders you out because of a nearby covered peril, usually for a limited period. Keep receipts for hotels and meals.
- Enough coverage. Wildfire losses are often total losses. Make sure your personal property limit would replace everything, and choose replacement cost coverage. Why that matters.
- A home inventory stored in the cloud. If everything burns, a video walkthrough makes your claim far easier.
Other California risks
Theft and car break-ins
Car break-ins are common in many California cities. Belongings stolen from your car are usually covered by renters insurance; the car damage falls under auto insurance. Details.
Mudslides and flooding
Rain after wildfires can cause flooding and mudflows. Standard renters policies exclude flood and earth movement, so renters in burn areas or low-lying neighborhoods should look at contents-only flood coverage.
Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego renters
- Los Angeles: wildfire, earthquake and car break-in risk make earthquake coverage and a high personal property limit worth considering.
- San Francisco Bay Area: older buildings and earthquake risk make CEA loss-of-use coverage especially valuable. Bike theft is common; expensive bikes may need scheduled coverage.
- San Diego: wildfire risk in inland areas; earthquake risk statewide.
How to save on renters insurance in California
- Compare at least three quotes for the same coverage.
- Bundle with auto insurance.
- Ask about discounts for smoke detectors, sprinklers and security systems.
- Pick a deductible you could afford tomorrow.
Source for average premiums: NAIC 2022 data via the Insurance Information Institute. Insurance prices change every year, so get current quotes for your address.
New to this? Start with What is renters insurance?
This site offers general information, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage, prices and rules vary by insurer, policy and state, so always read your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about your situation.