The average cost of homeowners insurance in San Francisco is $1,244 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, according to our latest insurance pricing analysis.
Insurance premiums are typically lower for San Francisco residents compared to other parts of the state. However, premiums are going up all over California as the state's home insurance industry works its way out of a crisis that has caused several carriers to reduce their coverage territory or leave the state entirely. If you notice rates are getting more expensive in San Francisco and other places, the lack of insurance options is a big reason why.
Our picks for the best homeowners insurance companies reflect the best options for right now in San Francisco, so carriers with limited availability were not considered in this guide. At Policygenius, we offer several companies featured in this guide, as well as the California FAIR Plan — a last-resort home insurance option for homeowners struggling to find coverage on the private market.
Compare the best cheap homeowners insurance companies in San Francisco
Based on our findings, Nationwide, Farmers, Travelers, AAA, and Bamboo Insurance are the best homeowners insurance companies in San Francisco.
To find the best cheap homeowners insurance in San Francisco, we reviewed over a dozen of the largest insurance companies in the state and chose the five with the highest overall Policygenius rating.
Our ratings are based on each company's financial strength and customer service ratings, the number and quality of available coverage, and average policy premiums in 31 San Francisco ZIP codes.
Company | Average monthly cost | Policygenius rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
$92 | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
$85 | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
$89 | 4.4 out of 5 | ||
$70 | 4.4 out of 5 | ||
N/A | 4.2 out of 5 |
Methodology & why you can trust our rates
Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., 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.
2024 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 San Francisco at risk of wildfires or windstorms. Nationwide's average home insurance rate of $92 per month is also among the cheapest of any company in San Francisco, and it has several available discount options to boot.
How do Nationwide home insurance rates compare to the San Francisco average?
The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in San Francisco is $1,108 per year, which is around 11% lower than the average average annual premium in San Francisco of $1,244.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Nationwide
2024 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 San Francisco average?
The average cost of Farmers home insurance in San Francisco is $1,017 per year, which is around 18% lower than the average annual premium in San Francisco of $1,244.
How to get a quote
Online through Farmers
2024 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 San Francisco average?
The average cost of Travelers home insurance in San Francisco is $1,067 per year, which is around 14% cheaper than the average annual premium in San Francisco of $1,244.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Travelers
2024 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 San Francisco average?
The average cost of AAA home insurance in San Francisco is $800 per year, which is around 36% cheaper than the average annual premium in San Francisco of $1,244.
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.
Bamboo Insurance
3.4
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
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 Feb. 2024
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 San Francisco?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in San Francisco is $1,244 per year, or $104 per month, according to our analysis of quoted premiums in every ZIP code in the city.
This makes home insurance in San Francisco around 10% cheaper than the California state average of $1,383 per year, and 29% less expensive than the national annual average of $1,754.
San Francisco home insurance rates by ZIP code
Home insurance rates can vary considerably depending on which part of San Francisco you reside, as homes in certain areas may have a higher risk of home-threatening wildfires or property theft compared to others.
To help you find out how much home insurance costs where you live, we calculated average home insurance rates for the 10 most highly populated ZIP codes in San Francisco.
San Francisco home insurance rates by ZIP code
To help you find out how much home insurance costs where you live, we calculated average home insurance rates by ZIP code in San Francisco.
ZIP code | Average annual cost | Difference from state average (%) |
|---|---|---|
94112 | $1,245 | -10% |
94110 | $1,255 | -9% |
94122 | $1,235 | -11% |
94109 | $1,231 | -11% |
94116 | $1,232 | -11% |
94121 | $1,223 | -12% |
94134 | $1,261 | -9% |
94118 | $1,233 | -11% |
94117 | $1,245 | -10% |
94124 | $1,264 | -9% |
Cheapest ZIP codes for home insurance in San Francisco
With an average annual premium of $1,179, the 94128 ZIP code is the most affordable area for homeowners insurance in San Francisco.
ZIP code | Average annual cost | Difference from state average (%) |
|---|---|---|
94128 | $1,179 | -15% |
94123 | $1,199 | -13% |
94129 | $1,211 | -12% |
94133 | $1,215 | -12% |
94115 | $1,216 | -12% |
94158 | $1,218 | -12% |
94102 | $1,222 | -12% |
94121 | $1,223 | -12% |
94132 | $1,226 | -11% |
94109 | $1,231 | -11% |
Most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in San Francisco
With an average home insurance premium of $1,365 per year, the 94141 ZIP code has the most expensive home insurance rates in San Francisco.
ZIP code | Average annual cost | Difference from state average (%) |
|---|---|---|
94141 | $1,365 | -1% |
94105 | $1,298 | -6% |
94108 | $1,284 | -7% |
94104 | $1,276 | -8% |
94111 | $1,272 | -8% |
94124 | $1,264 | -9% |
94134 | $1,261 | -9% |
94114 | $1,259 | -9% |
94110 | $1,255 | -9% |
94143 | $1,255 | -9% |
Learn more >> Home insurance rates by ZIP code
San Francisco home insurance costs by coverage amount
Dwelling coverage is the part of homeowners insurance that covers the structure of your home in case it's damaged or destroyed by a covered event, like a fire or windstorm. Your policy's dwelling coverage limit should equal to your home’s replacement cost, which is the amount it would cost to rebuild it from the ground up.
More dwelling coverage typically means higher homeowners insurance premiums. Here is the average cost of home insurance in San Francisco for five different levels of coverage.
Dwelling coverage limit | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
$100,000 | $554 |
$200,000 | $894 |
$300,000 | $1,244 |
$400,000 | $1,597 |
$500,000 | $1,970 |
San Francisco home insurance costs by deductible amount
A home insurance deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying on each claim before insurance helps cover the remainder of the loss.
San Francisco residents can save around a hundred dollars each year by choosing a $1,000 deductible over a $500 one. And they can save even more by opting for a $2,000 deductible.
Deductible | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
$500 | $1,074 |
$1,000 | $958 |
$2,000 | $856 |
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in San Francisco
Based on our analysis, CSAA, Allstate, Pacific Specialty, Mercury, and State Farm are the five cheapest home insurance companies in San Francisco, with average premiums ranging from $800 to $935 per year — well below the San Francisco average.
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
$800 | |
$841 | |
$869 | |
$927 | |
$935 | |
$950 | |
$1,017 | |
$1,067 | |
$1,108 | |
$1,227 | |
$1,399 | |
$1,916 | |
$2,066 | |
$2,301 |
Cheapest home insurance in San Francisco if you have an older home
Insurance companies consider older homes to have a higher risk of damage or loss compared to newer homes since they're constructed with older and more difficult to replace materials. Additionally, certain structural components in older homes, like the roof or plumbing systems, may not be up to code and cost more to replace after a loss.
Looking at average quotes for a 50-year-old home, CSAA is the cheapest home insurance option for San Francisco homeowners with older properties, while Chubb is the most expensive.
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
AAA | $800 |
Pacific Specialty Insurance | $833 |
Mercury | $834 |
Allstate | $845 |
State Farm | $1,003 |
Farmers | $1,017 |
Travelers | $1,049 |
USAA | $1,067 |
Nationwide | $1,071 |
CSAA | $1,250 |
National General | $1,373 |
The Hartford | $1,965 |
AIG | $2,167 |
Chubb | $2,301 |
Cheapest homeowners insurance in San Francisco if you have a history of claims
Your claims history is one of the biggest factors insurers will consider when determining your home insurance premium.
If you've file one or multiple claims in the last five years, insurers will likely consider you to be more of a risk for future claims compared to if you had none on your record. And they'll likely charge you higher rates as a result.
According to our analysis, San Francisco homeowners with three claims within a five-year period will likely find Pacific Specialty to be their cheapest option, while they'll likely find The Hartford to be the most expensive.
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
Pacific Specialty Insurance | $869 |
State Farm | $1,028 |
Allstate | $1,168 |
AAA | $1,227 |
CSAA | $1,268 |
National General | $1,399 |
USAA | $1,508 |
Farmers | $1,915 |
Mercury | $2,038 |
Nationwide | $2,702 |
AIG | $3,115 |
Travelers | $3,366 |
Chubb | $4,485 |
The Hartford | $5,294 |
How to get homeowners insurance quotes in San Francisco
Now that you're familiar with the best and most affordable insurance options available in San Francisco, it's time to start shopping for homeowners insurance. Here are some things you should keep in mind as you compare home insurance quotes in San Francisco.
Frequently asked questions
How much is homeowners insurance in San Francisco?
Homeowners insurance in San Francisco costs an average of $1,244 per year, but costs vary greatly depending on your home’s location, size, build, and more.
How much is home insurance a month in California?
Homeowners insurance in California costs an average of $1,383 per year or $115 a month.
Why is home insurance so expensive in California?
Insurance is more expensive if you live in an area that leaves you at a higher risk for filing a claim. That means if you live in an area of California that experiences frequent wildfires, earthquakes, or home break-ins, your rates will be more expensive than areas that don’t.
Is home insurance required in California?
Homeowners insurance is not required by law, but most mortgage lenders require you to purchase homeowners insurance in order to take out a loan.
