Best Renters Insurance in San Francisco (2025)

Renters insurance protects your personal belongings from damage and theft for an affordable monthly cost. In San Francisco, renters pay an average of $23 per month for a policy with $30,000 of personal property coverage.

California state law doesn’t require this coverage, but your landlord might. You should consider buying it for added security, even if your landlord doesn’t require it.

Here’s what you should know about renters insurance in San Francisco, including how it works, what it covers, and more.

How renters insurance works in San Francisco

Many companies offer renters insurance in San Francisco. The cost of your coverage will depend on your location, the coverage amount you choose, and your deductible. The primary types of renters insurance include personal property, liability, and additional living expenses coverage.^[1]

To get coverage, you can simply call the insurance company of your choosing, discuss coverage options, and buy a policy. Many insurers may also offer the option to buy a policy online. Before buying a policy, you should always compare quotes and coverage options from at least a few different insurers.

How to file a renters insurance claim

Once you have coverage, you can file a claim with your insurer if a covered incident occurs at your home or rental property. Many insurance companies offer online claims filing, though some may require that you speak with a representative.

Here’s a general look at the claims-filing process and the information you’ll need to provide:

1. Start the claim. You can typically start the filing process either online or by calling a representative.

2. Provide necessary information. You’ll need to share personal information and policy details, including your name, address, policy number, and contact information.

3. Explain what happened. Provide a description of the incident at your home, including any property damage, theft, or liability issues.

4. Submit the claim. Wait for the insurance company’s decision. If the insurer approves your claim, it’ll  reimburse you for your damage or loss.

Best renters insurance companies in San Francisco

Some insurers may offer a broader array of coverage options than others, and the cost of coverage and available discounts can also vary by company. For this reason, it’s smart to shop around for renters insurance and get multiple quotes.

The best renters insurance company for you will depend on your coverage needs. For example, Lemonade is the best choice for low premiums, while GEICO has the best bundling opportunities.

Below, you can compare quotes for policies with $30,000 of personal property coverage from four of the best renters insurance companies in San Francisco.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Premium	Best For
Lemonade	$14	Low premiums
Assurant	$35	Specialized coverage
GEICO	$31	Bundling
Progressive	$21	Coverage selection

What renters insurance covers in San Francisco

Renters insurance policies typically include three coverage components: personal property, additional living expenses, and liability coverage. Here’s what each of these coverages protects:

• Personal property: Personal property insurance covers your personal belongings in the event of theft, damage, or loss.

• Additional living expenses: If you need to leave your apartment due to an event outside your control, such as a wildfire, loss of use coverage can help pay for temporary living expenses, meals, and more.

• Liability insurance: A standard renters policy also gives you liability coverage, which protects you if someone incurs an injury at your home or you damage someone else’s property. Liability insurance can also cover medical bills and legal expenses.^[2]

Optional endorsements may also be available. For instance, many California residents choose to buy earthquake coverage through their insurer. You can also purchase things like water backup coverage and flood insurance.

Unique considerations for renters insurance in San Francisco

It’s important to have renters insurance as a San Francisco resident to help protect your personal belongings from these natural disasters. But you may need to purchase additional coverage for full protection.

You should keep the following risks and factors in mind when selecting coverage as a renter in San Francisco:

• 

  Earthquakes

  San Francisco has a high frequency of earthquakes that range in severity and damage. Renters insurance doesn’t typically cover damage from earthquakes, so you may want to purchase separate earthquake insurance to protect your belongings.

• 

  Wildfires

  Wildfires can occur in the Bay Area. Fortunately, renters insurance policies typically cover damages to personal property from wildfires.

• 

  Flooding

  Coastal and flash flooding can occur in the area, but renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding. You’ll need a separate flood insurance policy.^[3]

• 

  High cost of living

  San Francisco residents face significantly higher average rent costs compared to renters in other parts of the country. Renters insurance is typically affordable, but make sure to consider your budget before selecting a policy.

To find the right coverage, you’ll want to assess your coverage needs and determine your budget. Based on this information, you can compare quotes, coverages, and discounts from a few insurers. Then, buy the best renters insurance policy for your coverage needs and budget.

How to save on renters insurance in San Francisco

Renters insurance is relatively affordable in San Francisco, but you can take a few steps to potentially reduce the cost of your coverage:

• Bundle auto and renters insurance. Bundling multiple policies could help you score lower coverage. For instance, if you have car insurance with one insurer, you may earn a discount for also buying a renters insurance policy with the same company.

• Increase your deductible. Opting for a higher renters insurance deductible can result in lower premiums.

• Install a security system. Some insurers may offer a discount for installing a security system in your apartment. Just make sure to review your lease and clear it with your landlord before you take this step.

• Access available discounts. Insurance companies often offer a range of discounts, so be sure to ask about those when shopping for a policy.

Renters insurance in San Francisco FAQs