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Californians pay a lot for housing. The median rental price in the Golden State is $1,992 per month, according to 2022 U.S. Census data, compared to the national average median rental price of $1,406.1 That can make spending money on renters insurance a little tough to swallow if so much of your monthly budget is already going to your landlord.
While the state of California doesn’t legally require rental insurance, your landlord or leasing agency may require you to carry it as a condition of your lease. The good news is that the average cost of renters insurance in California is an affordable $19 per month, which is the same as the national average.
Additionally, having renters insurance can protect you from any number of perils, including theft, wildfires, and the loss of use of your apartment. Here’s what you need to know about finding the best renters insurance in California.
How renters insurance works in California
A standard renters insurance policy includes three main coverage types:3
How to purchase renters insurance in California
Generally, purchasing renters insurance is a straightforward process. These are the steps to follow:
Determine your coverage needs. Most renters policies cover your furniture, clothes, and other belongings, as well as liability insurance to cover a guest’s property damage or injuries. But like homeowners insurance, renters insurance generally doesn’t cover flood damage or earthquake damage, so you may need additional flood and earthquake policies if you live in a high-risk area.
Calculate how much property coverage you need. An inventory of your belongings that includes an estimate of their value can help you figure out how much coverage you need. If you have high-value items, like electronics or jewelry, you might need additional coverage to protect those expensive possessions.
Shop around. Comparing policies among several different insurers can help you find the right renters insurance policy at the best price. In addition to premium prices, make sure you also compare coverage options, deductibles, customer reviews, and claims processes.
Purchase your renters insurance policy. It’s always smart to read through your policy to understand what it does and doesn’t cover before purchasing. Also, don’t forget to ask if you’re eligible for any discounts to help lower the cost of your renters insurance.
How to file a renters insurance claim in California
If you need to make a claim on your renters insurance policy, you’ll follow this process:
File a police report. You’ll only need to do this if you’re making a claim because of vandalism or theft.
Record your damaged or lost property. You can take photos or videos of your damaged belongings. If you have the value of each item, include that information.
Contact your insurance company. Call or email your insurance agent or insurer to let them know you’re making a claim.
Fill out the claims form. Your insurance company will provide you with a claims form that you must complete with information like your policy number, personal information, details about the covered loss and the damaged items, and the approximate cost of replacing the damaged items.
Best renters insurance companies in California
Californians have a number of good options available for renters insurance. The best renters insurance company for you depends on your specific budget and coverage needs.
Some of the best insurance companies offering renters policies in California include Allstate, Travelers, Auto-Owners, USAA, and Nationwide. Not only do all five of these large companies offer renters insurance in California, but they also all have cheap coverage.
What renters insurance covers in California
Typical California renters insurance offers three coverage areas: personal property, liability, and additional living expenses. But what do each of these coverages pay for in California? Here’s a closer look at each type:
Personal property coverage
This portion of your renters policy will reimburse you for the damage or loss of your personal belongings, including clothing, electronics, furniture, and exercise equipment. Your personal property coverage only pays for your damaged possessions if specific covered perils or natural disasters caused the loss, including things like:
Heat or smoke damage from a wildfire or other fire event
Falling objects
Windstorms and hail
Theft or vandalism
Liability coverage
If someone is injured or experiences property damage in your apartment and you’re liable, the liability coverage portion of your renters insurance can help. This coverage may pay for things like:
Lost wages or medical bills if someone is injured at your home and, as a result, can’t work or needs medical care
Repairing or replacing someone else’s property if you damage it
Legal fees if someone sues you
Additional living expenses coverage
Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage will help you if you can’t live in your home because of a covered event. For instance, if you have to evacuate your rental because of nearby wildfires, ALE coverage can help you pay for the day-to-day costs you might have while away from your home, including:
Hotel stays or other temporary accommodations
Dining out
Pet boarding fees
Transportation costs
Unique considerations for renters insurance in California
Any renter may face hazards that could lead to filing a claim with their renters insurance company. But Californians have specific hazards they need to protect themselves from, including:
How to save on renters insurance in California
Tenants in California can use a number of strategies to save money on their renters insurance, including:
Compare quotes. Shopping around to compare premiums among various insurers can be one of the easiest ways to reduce your renters insurance costs. You may also want to shop for quotes every six months to one year or after any major life event, like moving to a new apartment, getting married, having a baby, or changing jobs, to ensure you’re getting the right amount of coverage for the lowest possible premium.
Bundle renters insurance with auto insurance. A majority of insurance companies offer a price break to customers who get multiple insurance policies from them. Consider bundling your renters insurance with auto, life, umbrella, or pet insurance to get a deal on all the policies you need.
Increase your deductible. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay after filing a claim before the insurance coverage kicks in. An easy way to lower your premiums is to increase your deductible. Be sure you have enough money set aside to cover the higher deductible if you need to make a claim.
Install safety devices. Installing fire extinguishers or burglar alarms in your home can often net you a discount on renters insurance. Call your insurance company or ask your insurance agent to find out which safety devices and features could lower your rates and protect you in an emergency.
Ask about other discounts. Many insurers offer additional discounts to customers. These can range from discounts based on your payment method, such as signing up for auto pay or paying in full, to affiliation discounts for military members, teachers, or other groups. Contact your insurer to find out if you qualify for any additional discounts.