As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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The average homeowners insurance cost in California is $2,160 per year, or roughly $180 per month. Companies like Travelers, Hippo, Stillwater, and Bamboo offer some of the cheapest home insurance premiums for California homeowners, with rates well below the state average. But home insurance is getting harder to find.
Increasing wildfire risk has led more than half of the state’s top home insurers to pause or restrict coverage, and some have rate increases of 10x or more.[1] Fire-hardened homes could qualify for discounts, but you’ll still need a separate policy to protect against earthquakes and floods. Given the state’s susceptibility to natural disasters, understanding your coverage is crucial.
Quick Facts
Travelers offers budget-friendly home insurance rates below the state average.
Standard home insurance excludes coverage for earthquakes and floods.
Allstate, State Farm, and Farmers currently aren’t providing new policies for California homeowners.
Best home insurance companies in California
You’re no stranger to rising home insurance rates if you live in California. While finding affordable premiums is challenging, getting quality homeowners insurance coverage is possible. Remember that many types of home insurance are available, and the best choice depends on your financial situation and coverage needs.
Insurance Company
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify’s partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique profile.
Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best home insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.
Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for homeowners to better compare home insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
7.8/10
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
609
$300,000 Dwelling
A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others.
$120/mo
$500,000 Dwelling
A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others.
$191/mo
You’ll find some of the state’s cheapest home insurance premiums from Travelers. In California, Travelers covers 88% of the state, with offices in 423 of the state’s 482 cities. Personalized coverage is available, and policies can include protection from fire, windstorms, hail, and lightning.
Northern California residents in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges and Big Bear Lake can count on protection for issues like freezing plumbing and heating systems.
Pros
Affordable rates
Protection of up to $10 million with umbrella insurance
New homeowner and protective device discounts
Cons
No fire-hardened home discount
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction home insurance ranking[2]
Online quotes not available in California
Best insurer for floods and earthquakes: Hippo
Floods and earthquakesHippo
Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
NR
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
California’s high risk of floods, wind, and earthquakes means regular home insurance might not be enough. Hippo offers a solution by putting all this coverage in one place. You can easily manage your flood, wind, and earthquake insurance with Hippo. Spinnaker, which has a strong financial strength rating from AM Best, underwrites Hippo’s policies.
If you ever need to file a claim, Hippo makes it simple. You’ll get a single point of contact to walk you through the whole process, including arranging repairs and finding a place to stay if you can’t live in your home.
Pros
Smart home monitoring detects smoke, carbon monoxide, water leaks, and motion
Multiple discounts to lower premiums
Fast policy activation in under four minutes
Cons
Tech-centric approach might not suit people who want a traditional insurance experience
Not included in J.D. Power’s 2023 home insurance study[2]
Doesn’t offer insurance products other than home insurance
Best insurer for wildfire coverage: Bamboo
wildfire coverageBamboo
Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
NR
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
While many insurers are backing out of California homeowners insurance, Bamboo is planning to expand. In 2023, Inc. named Bamboo one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies. Bamboo home policies include wildfire coverage for your primary residential property, as well as vacant and seasonal houses.
Founded in 2018, it’s a newer company. But it can cover its claims — Bamboo’s fire policies are underwritten by Catlin Insurance Company, which has a solid financial strength rating from AM Best.[3]
Pros
High-risk area coverage
A+ financial strength rating from AM Best
Online policy management
Cons
No local agents
Not included in J.D. Power’s 2023 home insurance study[2]
Limited and unfavorable customer reviews on Trustpilot
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
NR
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A-
Stillwater gives you the option to increase coverage by choosing a policy with extended replacement cost. This means your policy pays to repair or rebuild your house even if construction costs spike due to a shortage of materials following a major disaster. You also have the option of full replacement cost for your personal property.
A variety of deductible options and discounts are available. These can help lower your costs even if you decide on extra coverage and higher policy limits.
Pros
Local agents for personalized service
Customizable coverage limits
Lower AM Best financial strength rating than other insurers
Cons
Not included in J.D. Power’s 2023 home insurance study[2]
Poor App Store and Google Play mobile app ratings
Customer complaints about claims handling on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website
Shop for Home Insurance in California
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Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Cheapest home insurance in California
Farmers is the cheapest homeowners insurance company in California. Policyholders pay rates well below the state average, making it a financially savvy option for many homeowners. A policy from Farmers with dwelling coverage of $300,000 costs $86 per month, compared to the state average of $180 for a policy with the same limits.
Policies protect against common risks, like fire, windstorms, hail, and lightning, and include personal belongings and liability coverage. But remember that earthquakes and floods typically require additional coverage. Your standard policy may not be enough for complete protection.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 28 at 12:00 PM PDT.
California homeowners spend an average of around $2,160 each year on home insurance, although costs can fluctuate based on several factors. Location is a key consideration — if you’re in an area prone to natural disasters, like wildfires or earthquakes, you’ll likely have a high premium.
The age, size, and structure of your home also influence rates, with insurers offering lower prices for newer, well-constructed homes. Your chosen coverage types and policy limits also directly affect your insurance costs.
Cost of homeowners insurance by dwelling coverage amount
The dwelling coverage amount you choose plays a significant role in home insurance quotes. Higher coverage levels result in high costs because they offer greater protection and increase the insurer’s risk. For example, a policy covering up to $500,000 in damages will have a higher price than one with a $250,000 limit, as it places greater financial responsibility on the insurer.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 28 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 28 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 28 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 28 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 28 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cost of homeowners insurance by deductible
Your home insurance deductible is the initial amount you must cover before your insurance steps in to contribute to a claim. Balancing the deductible amount with premium cost is an important factor in customizing your home insurance policy.
Opting for a low deductible leads to higher premiums since it shifts more of the financial burden to the insurer during a claim. A higher deductible usually means a lower home insurance bill because you’re accepting a larger portion of potential claims. The table below highlights how different deductibles can affect the cost of a $300,000 dwelling policy.
Deductible Amount
Average Annual Premium
$500
$1,976
$1,000
$1,796
Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify’s partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique profile.
Compare Home Insurance in California
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How to get cheap homeowners insurance in California
Affordable home insurance in the Golden State isn’t the easiest to find, especially with major insurers like Allstate, State Farm, and Farmers stepping back from offering new home insurance policies.[4] Other California home insurers are limiting their coverage focus, concentrating on renters or condo insurance only.[5]
Despite these hurdles, several strategies can help you save on home insurance:
Look for fire-hardened home discounts
You can find insurers offering discounts for fire-hardened homes and communities on the California Department of Insurance website. Living in a Firewise or Shelter-In-Place community while implementing safety measures against wind-blown embers may let you combine multiple discounts.
Consider a higher deductible
A higher home insurance deductible can drop your premiums. While you’ll shoulder more of the initial claim cost, it can be a smart financial move if your aim is to reduce your annual insurance expenses.
Bundle insurance policies
Many insurance companies offer discounts when you bundle homeowners insurance policies with other coverage, such as auto insurance. It can simplify your insurance management and lead to substantial savings.
Compare home insurance online
Use online tools to compare different insurers and find the most cost-effective policy. Side-by-side comparisons of coverage options and prices make it easier to tailor policies to meet your specific needs.
Important Information
If your property is in a high-risk area, you may struggle with more than just finding a cheap policy. You may have a hard time finding an insurer to offer any policy at all.
In this case, the California FAIR Plan might be your best solution. It’s the state’s “insurer of last resort” and offers basic fire insurance coverage and earthquake protection for homeowners, regardless of their property’s fire risk. But it’s designed as a temporary solution until coverage from a traditional insurance company becomes available.[6]
California homeowners insurance rates by city
Homeowners insurance rates swing high and low from state to state and even between cities within the same state. Factors like local weather conditions are mostly responsible, leading insurers to charge more in neighborhoods prone to wildfires, earthquakes, or floods. Areas with a history of vandalism or theft may also experience higher costs.
It’s worth noting that proximity to essential services, like fire stations, also plays a role. If your home is close to these types of facilities, you’ll typically pay lower home insurance rates. The table below highlights how much home insurance premiums can vary between California cities for a $300,000 dwelling policy.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How much homeowners insurance do you need in California?
Home insurance is essential for homeowners, especially if you use a mortgage to purchase the property. Mortgage companies typically require insurance coverage as part of the lending agreement to protect the lender’s investment from potential damages or losses.
But homeowners insurance is about more than meeting your lender’s requirements — it’s critical financial protection for you. Policies can vary significantly, so make sure you understand your coverage and what your policy does (and doesn’t) cover.
And remember that a standard policy doesn’t safeguard your home against all types of damage and risks. Especially in states like California, where natural disasters like wildfires and earthquakes are common, considering additional coverage for these events might be necessary. Peace of mind and financial security might make the additional premium worthwhile. $169
What are some of the biggest risks when owning a home in California?
Californians face unique challenges thanks to climate change and the state’s geography. Three of the most common risks are wildfires, earthquakes, and floods. The increasing frequency and intensity of these natural disasters have caused traditional insurance companies to pause or limit new policies.[7]
The shrinking pool of home insurance companies makes understanding what your homeowners insurance covers even more critical. It also makes it more difficult to get essential coverage against the state’s most common risks:
Wildfires
Wildfires are a growing concern in California, but they’re a common peril that most homeowners policies cover. With more wildfires occurring throughout the state, reviewing and adjusting your policy limits regularly is crucial. This ensures your coverage keeps up with changing property values and rebuilding costs, which can spike after widespread disasters.
Earthquakes
Unlike wildfires, homeowners insurance doesn’t typically cover earthquakes. California’s seismic activity makes it an important consideration, and you’ll need supplemental coverage for earthquake protection. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers earthquake insurance, often available through your regular insurer.[8]
Floods
Standard home insurance policies don’t include coverage for flood damage. Considering certain areas in California are vulnerable to flash floods and seasonal heavy rains, especially in coastal and low-lying areas, a flood insurance policy is a wise precaution. You have options, including coverage through a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).[9]
California homeowners insurance FAQs
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about home insurance in California. For further reading, check out Insurify’s guide to buying home insurance.
How much is home insurance in California?
The average cost of home insurance in California is $2,160 per year, roughly $180 per month. You may need to purchase additional coverages, like flooding and hurricane policies, if you live in areas prone to those risks since they’re not included in most standard home insurance policies.
Which company has the cheapest homeowners insurance in California?
Farmers is the cheapest home insurance company in California, with an average premium of $86 per month.
Does California require homeowners insurance?
California law doesn’t require you to purchase home insurance, but your mortgage company will. But even if you don’t have a mortgage, home insurance is very important, especially in California. It pays to repair or replace your home and belongings if they’re damaged by a covered event, and it covers medical expenses for people injured on your property. Without insurance, costs can skyrocket.
What factors determine the cost of homeowners insurance in California?
California is prone to natural disasters, specifically earthquakes and wildfires, which insurers take into account when determining rates. Homeowners who live in more disaster-prone areas pay higher rates than people in safer areas. Some insurance companies have even pulled out of the California home insurance market completely due to the risks.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed rates from more than 180 home insurance companies sourced directly from Insurify’s partner companies and Quadrant Information Services. Rates span all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and quote averages represent the mean price for a given coverage level and geographic area. To ensure data reliability, only insurers meeting minimum quote thresholds were included in the analysis.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for homeowners with no prior claims and good credit with a home construction year of 1980. The default coverage assumptions include:
Default Coverage Assumptions
Dwelling coverage: $300,000
Deductible: $1,000
Personal property limit: $25,000
Liability limit: $300,000
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Insurify’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
Amy has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2023.
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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Travelers
Hippo
Bamboo
Stillwater
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