The average cost of homeowners insurance in California is $115 per month or $1,383 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage, according to our latest insurance pricing analysis.
While the average home insurance premium in California may be relatively low compared to the national average, record wildfire losses and high inflation have led many insurance companies to raise premiums on existing customers or exit the state altogether to make up financial ground. In fact, just in the last year, premiums on home insurance policy renewals increased 11% in California, according to our latest analysis of internal policyholder data.
Our picks for the best homeowners insurance companies reflect the best options for the here and now in California, so carriers with even temporarily limited coverage were not considered in this guide. Because of the state's recent news events and constantly evolving insurance landscape, we will continue monitoring the situation and updating our list accordingly.
Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in California
Based on Policygenius' analysis of the most widely available insurance companies in the state, Nationwide, Farmers, Travelers, AAA, and Bamboo Insurance are California's best homeowners insurance companies in 2023.
While Allstate and State Farm — two of California's largest insurers in terms of market share — were among the highest-rated companies in our analysis, we didn't include them in our top picks as they're no longer selling new home insurance policies in the state. [1]
Company | Best for... | Average monthly cost | Policygenius rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Overall | $98 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Bundling home & auto insurance | $120 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Affordable rates | $96 | 4.4 out of 5 | |
Customer service | $99 | 4.3 out of 5 | |
Homes with wildfire risk | N/A | 4.2 out of 5 |
Methodology & why you can trust our rates
At Policygenius, our educational guides are written and fact-checked by licensed home insurance experts and reviewed by our Financial Review Council to ensure autonomy, expertise, and accuracy.
To find the best home insurance companies in California, we analyzed over 25,000 quotes from the 15 largest insurance companies in Caliofrnia to find the average cost of homeowners insurance with each company in 2022.
When analyzing costs for different coverage levels and risk factors, we changed just one variable at a time to ensure the rates we’re comparing are fair and representative of the factor at hand.
We then looked at J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores, AM Best financial health ratings, quality of policy options, discounts, and compared that with the coverage needs of California residents to find the best homeowners insurance in California.
To get the average rate for each company in California, we analyzed rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for over 1,800 ZIP codes in California for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:
Dwelling: $300,000
Other structures: $30,000
Personal property: $150,000
Loss of use: $60,000
Liability: $300,000
Medical: $1,000
All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs — your actual quotes may differ.
Best overall: Nationwide
2023 Policygenius award winner
Nationwide
4.5
Bundle home & auto
Mobile app
New homebuyer discount
Offers extended replacement cost
Why we chose it
Nationwide home insurance features an extensive range of comprehensive coverage and policy options. It also received high marks for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power, indicating you can rely on Nationwide when it matters most.
Pros and cons
Pros
Multiple high-quality coverage options
Highly rated for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power
Cons
Below-average customer satisfaction and digital experience ratings
Won’t cover Airbnbs or other short-term rentals
More details
Why we chose Nationwide
Nationwide is known for it's robust policy options and large selection of coverage add-ons, such as flood coverage and options to rebuild your roof with stronger materials after a covered loss, making Nationwide a smart choice if you live in an area of California at risk of wildfires or windstorms. Nationwide's average home insurance rate of $98 per month is also among the cheapest of any company in the Golden State, and it has several available discount options to boot.
How do Nationwide home insurance rates compare to the California average?
The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in California is $1,174 per year, which is around 15% lower than the annual statewide average of $1,383.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Nationwide
Best for bundling home & auto insurance: Farmers
2023 Policygenius award winner
Farmers
4.5
Offers extended replacement cost
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Along with saving around 20% when you bundle your home and car insurance, Farmers also gives you access to its extensive suite of discounts, unique policy credits, and claim-free incentives that help put money back in your pocket.
Pros and cons
Pros
12+ discounts to save on rates
Optional extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage
Shave $50 off your deductible each year you’re with Farmers
Cons
Below-average scores on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys
More details
Why we chose Farmers
Depending on your state of residence, you can save up to 45% on your auto insurance and up to 34% on your home insurance when you bundle policies with Farmers, according to the company website.
Even more, Farmers has up to 16 additional discounts and money-saving policy perks. For context, Farmers competitors offer an average of around seven discounts total.
How do Farmers home insurance rates compare to the California average?
The average cost of Farmers home insurance in California is $1,445 per year, which is around 4% higher than the annual statewide average of $1,383.
How to get a quote
Online through Farmers
Best for cheap rates: Travelers
2023 Policygenius award winner
Travelers
4.4
Bundle home & auto
New homebuyer discount
Mobile app
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Why we chose it
Travelers offers the best cheap home insurance in California thanks to an average annual premium that's 17% below the statewide average, industry-best financial ratings, and flexible policy options for most home types and budgets.
Pros and cons
Pros
Green home coverage and discounts
Offers short-term rental coverage for Airbnb hosts
Doesn’t require prior insurance on the home
Cons
Subpar customer service ratings with J.D. Power
Underwhelming number of available discounts
More details
Why we chose Travelers
Travelers is a reputable home insurance provider that offers comprehensive policy options at relatively cheap prices. Another benefit of choosing Travelers is its underwriting flexibility, meaning its willingness to provide coverage for risks that other insurance companies won't cover. These risks include homes with no prior insurance coverage, coverage for short term rentals, and liability protection for trampoline injuries if its fitted with protective netting.
How do Travelers home insurance rates compare to the California average?
The average cost of Travelers home insurance in California is $1,151 per year, which is around 17% cheaper than the annual statewide average of $1,383.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Travelers
Best for customer service: AAA
2023 Policygenius award winner
AAA
4.3
New homebuyer discount
Mobile app
Bundle home & auto
All 50 states
Offers earthquake insurance
Offers flood insurance
Offers extended replacement cost
Why we chose it
Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) lands the top spot for customer service thanks to its 4th place finish in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study, placing ahead of other insurance carriers in California.
Pros and cons
Pros
Affordable rates, plus 15+ home insurance discounts available
20+ policy coverages and add-ons — including flood and earthquake insurance
Slew of other perks and discounts that come with AAA membership
Cons
AAA membership required to purchase home insurance
Coverages, discounts, and claims experience will vary by the regional AAA auto club you receive insurance through
Below-average customer satisfaction scores — and 4 times more NAIC complaints than similar home insurance companies
More details
Why we chose AAA
AAA placed 4th out of 20 companies in J.D. Power's 2022 home insurance customer satisfaction study, placing ahead of every other California insurer we reviewed. The study takes into account customer interaction, billing process, pricing, policy information, and claims.
How do AAA home insurance rates compare to the California average?
The average cost of AAA home insurance in California is $1,192 per year, which is around 14% cheaper than the annual statewide average of $1,383.
How to get a quote
Online or by calling AAA. Keep in mind that membership is required to get a home or auto insurance quote AAA.
Best for homes with wildfire risk: Bamboo Insurance
Bamboo Insurance
4.2
Why we chose it
Bamboo is an excellent option for California and Arizona homeowners who’ve struggled to find home insurance elsewhere. It’s one of the few home insurers still writing policies in the Golden State — many have pulled out due to the high risk of wildfires.
Pros and cons
Pros
Available in high-risk areas of California
Offers coverage for regular homes, vacant properties, rentals, and vacation homes
Excellent financial strength rating with AM Best
Cons
Not included in the NAIC complaint index, meaning we weren’t able to rate Bamboo on customer service
Policy cost information not available as of June 2023
More details
Why we chose Bamboo Insurance
Bamboo Insurance is one of the few home insurance providers still writing policies in high-risk areas of California, with many insurers having pulled back coverage in recent years due to record wildfire losses.
While somewhat of an unknown, Bamboo currently holds down an excellent "A" rating with AM Best for financial strength and stability, indicating you won’t have to worry about Bamboo not being able to pay out claims in the event of a disaster.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Bamboo Insurance
How much is homeowners insurance in California?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in California is $1,383 per year, or roughly $115 a month, for an insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This is less than the nationwide average of $1,754.
California homeowners insurance rates by city
Home insurance costs in California can vary greatly depending on where you live. Cities with a relatively large percentage of homes in high-risk wildfire areas — such as Los Angeles, Fontana, and Riverside — tend to have higher average home insurance rates, while lower risk cities like San Jose and Fremont have lower average rates.
Here’s a look at the average cost of home insurance in the 20 largest cities in California.
City | Average monthly cost | Average annual cost | Difference from state average (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles | $131 | $1,566 | 13% |
San Diego | $111 | $1,333 | -4% |
San Jose | $105 | $1,258 | -9% |
San Francisco | $104 | $1,244 | -10% |
Fresno | $120 | $1,440 | 4% |
Sacramento | $103 | $1,237 | -11% |
Long Beach | $109 | $1,313 | -5% |
Oakland | $125 | $1,500 | 8% |
Bakersfield | $105 | $1,259 | -9% |
Anaheim | $115 | $1,377 | 0% |
Stockton | $102 | $1,229 | -11% |
Riverside | $122 | $1,469 | 6% |
Irvine | $115 | $1,385 | 0% |
Santa Ana | $111 | $1,334 | -4% |
Chula Vista | $114 | $1,373 | -1% |
Fremont | $110 | $1,315 | -5% |
Santa Clarita | $126 | $1,510 | 9% |
San Bernardino | $126 | $1,508 | 9% |
Modesto | $111 | $1,335 | -3% |
Fontana | $121 | $1,457 | 5% |
California homeowners insurance rates by coverage amount
Your homeowners insurance premiums will vary depending on both your company and how much dwelling coverage you need to protect your home from serious weather damage. Your policy's dwelling coverage limit should be equal to your home’s replacement cost — not its market value.
The table below highlights the average annual premium in California for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home. Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.
Dwelling coverage limit | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
$100,000 | $596 |
$200,000 | $989 |
$300,000 | $1,383 |
$400,000 | $1,773 |
$500,000 | $2,174 |
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in California
Based on our analysis, Allstate, Mercury, USAA, Pacific Specialty, and Travelers are the five cheapest home insurance companies in California, with statewide average premiums ranging from $874 to $1,151 per year. Nationwide, CSAA, and AAA are also among the most affordable home insurance carrier options for California residents in 2023, as detailed in the table below.
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
$874 | |
$934 | |
$1,029 | |
$1,102 | |
$1,151 | |
$1,171 | |
$1,174 | |
$1,192 | |
$1,203 | |
$1,231 | |
$1,445 | |
$1,819 | |
$2,053 | |
$2,480 | |
$3,335 |
Cheapest California homeowners insurance if you have a high-deductible policy
Your deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying toward a covered loss when you file a claim. So if you filed a claim for $5,000 in roof damage and you have a $1,000 deductible, your insurer would reimburse you $4,000 for a new roof.
A higher policy deductible means lower premiums, and vice versa. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pay more out of pocket in the event your property is damaged or you’re a victim of theft.
Below are the companies with the cheapest home insurance rates in California for policies with a $2,500 deductible.
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
CSAA | $771 |
Travelers | $926 |
Pacific | $950 |
Nationwide | $985 |
National General | $1,081 |
Cheapest California homeowners insurance if you have an older home
The median age of homes in California is 45 years old, according to an analysis of U.S. census data by House Method. And like everything else, the age of your home plays a role in how much you pay for home insurance in California.
Older and historic homes are usually more expensive to insure than newer homes. This is because insurers consider them a higher risk than newer homes since they can be fragile, their construction materials may be obsolete, and certain structural components like the roof or plumbing may not be in good shape or up to current-day code. Because of this, they'll charge higher premiums to offset the risk.
Here are the cheapest home insurance options in California for a 50-year-old home.
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
Mercury | $826 |
Allstate | $877 |
Pacific Specialty | $1,056 |
Travelers | $1,116 |
Nationwide | $1,134 |
USAA | $1,142 |
CSAA | $1,170 |
National General | $1,208 |
AAA | $1,214 |
State Farm | $1,288 |
Farmers | $1,445 |
AIG | $1,907 |
Chubb | $2,117 |
The Hartford | $2,460 |
Pure Insurance | $4,752 |
Cheapest California homeowners insurance if you have a history of claims
One of the biggest factors that plays a role in your home insurance premium is your claims history. You'll typically pay more for home insurance if you have multiple claims on your record, since insurers perceive you as posing a greater risk of filing more.
Here's the cheapest home insurance companies in California for a homeowner with three claims within a five-year period.
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
Pacific Specialty | $1,102 |
CSAA | $1,192 |
National General | $1,231 |
Allstate | $1,314 |
State Farm | $1,320 |
USAA | $1,558 |
AAA | $1,861 |
Mercury | $2,100 |
AIG | $2,643 |
Farmers | $2,699 |
Nationwide | $2,866 |
Travelers | $3,622 |
Chubb | $4,112 |
The Hartford | $7,036 |
Pure Insurance | $7,981 |
California home insurance coverage options for wildfires, flooding, and earthquakes
In addition to looking at how much each insurance company charges for different coverage levels and risks, you should also be aware of what your policy does and doesn’t cover.
When buying homeowners insurance in California, there are three additional insurance options you may need to consider to protect against the state’s frequent wildfires, flooding, and earthquakes.
Wildfire insurance
Wildfires have likely surpassed earthquakes as the disaster California homeowners should be most concerned about. With fire season in California lasting months on end, it's getting increasingly difficult for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas to find coverage due to the increased risk of expensive claims.
If you’ve exhausted all of your options and still can’t find a policy, you have a couple of options for purchasing last-resort fire insurance or standard home insurance:
Surplus lines insurance: A type of policy that's designed for normally uninsurable risks, like homes located in high-risk wildfire areas or properties with several prior insurance claims. The Surplus Line Association of California has a list of all carriers in the state that write excess and surplus lines insurance on its website. [2]
California FAIR Plan: A state-mandated program designed for homeowners who are unable to find coverage on the private market.
In California, it's common for homeowners to purchase fire insurance through the CA FAIR Plan, and the remaining home insurance policy coverages via a carrier that offers difference in conditions (DIC) insurance. The California Department of Insurance provides a list of all companies that offer DIC policies on its website. [3]
Learn more >> Fire insurance: How to protect your home from wildfire damage
In the news
Homeowners in California see rates increase ahead of peak wildfire season
Home insurance rates went up nearly 10% in California from 2021 to 2022. Here’s what you can expect this wildfire season.
Kara McGinley • August 2, 2022
Flood insurance
Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so California residents in at-risk areas will want to consider flood insurance on top of their coastal home insurance policy. In addition to comparing home insurance quotes, Cali homeowners can also compare private flood insurance rates with Policygenius, or choose a policy through a government entity like the National Flood Insurance Program.
Learn more >> Flood insurance in California: Coverage & costs
Earthquake insurance
Most homeowners insurance policies also don’t cover damage caused by earthquakes or tremors, so California residents may want to consider separate earthquake insurance to protect against the state’s frequent quakes.
While the probability of a severe earthquake impacting your house is fairly low, earthquake insurance may be worth it if you live within close proximity to an active fault or if your house is made of stone, brick, or other materials that make it more at risk of collapsing during a quake.
California residents can purchase earthquake insurance through either the California Earthquake Authority or private insurers via Policygenius. Some home insurance providers also offer earthquake coverage as a separate policy add-on.
Learn more >> What is earthquake insurance & is it worth the cost?
Frequently asked questions
How much is home insurance a month in California?
The average home insurance rate in California is around $122 a month for $300,000 in dwelling coverage. That’s a little over $36 cheaper than the national average.
What is the cheapest homeowners insurance in California?
With an average annual premium of $874, Allstate is the cheapest home insurance provider in California. However, there are several other insurance companies that provide lower average rates than the statewide average of $1,460. To find the cheapest home insurance in California, compare quotes from multiple companies with Policygenius.
What is the CA FAIR Plan?
The California FAIR Plan — also known as a Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan — is a last-resort home insurance option for California residents who aren’t able to find coverage through a standard provider. These plans generally only cover losses related to fire, smoke, lightning, windstorms, explosions, and vandalism. To replicate their homeowners insurance coverage, most California residents pair their CA FAIR Plan with a difference in conditions policy that essentially covers everything that the former doesn’t.
How can I get cheap homeowners insurance in California?
You can make your homeowners insurance more affordabel in California by taking advantage of discounts offered through your home insurance company. This might mean bundling your home and auto policies together for discounts off your premiums, or opting into a retiree discount if you’re over 55, depending on what your company offers. Another way to lower your homeowners insurance rates is by opting for a higher deductible. Just keep in mind a higher deductible means you’ll have to pay more money out of pocket when you file a claim before your insurance kicks in.
