Best homeowners insurance in San Francisco, CA (2024)

We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in San Francisco.

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By

Pat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

Edited by

Jennifer GimbelJennifer GimbelSenior Managing Editor & Home Insurance ExpertJennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor at Policygenius, where she oversees all of our insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.
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Reviewed by

Michael Reynolds, CSRIC®, AIF®, CFT-I™Michael Reynolds, CSRIC®, AIF®, CFT-I™Financial AdvisorMichael Reynolds, CSRIC®, AIF®, CFT-I™, is a financial advisor, principal and founder of Elevation Financial, host of the weekly personal finance podcast Wealth Redefined®, and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius.

Updated|4 min read

Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.

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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.

Compare home insurance rates in San Francisco

Our picks for the best homeowners insurance companies reflect the state of home insurance in California, 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

Nationwide

$92

4.5 out of 5

Farmers

$85

4.5 out of 5

Travelers

$89

4.4 out of 5

AAA

$70

4.4 out of 5

Bamboo Insurance

N/A

4.2 out of 5

Learn more >> Our picks for the best home insurance companies in California

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Nationwide

Nationwide logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Mobile app

New homebuyer discount

Offers extended replacement cost

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Farmers

Farmers Insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers extended replacement cost

Bundle home & auto

Smart home discounts

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Travelers

Travelers home insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.4

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

New homebuyer discount

Mobile app

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

AAA

AAA logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.3

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

New homebuyer discount

Mobile app

Bundle home & auto

All 50 states

Offers earthquake insurance

Offers flood insurance

Offers extended replacement cost

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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

Bamboo Insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange starEmpty gray star

3.4

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

NA

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

NA

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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

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.

Compare home insurance rates in San Francisco

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%

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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%

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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%

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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

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

AAA

$800

Allstate

$841

Pacific Specialty Insurance

$869

Mercury

$927

State Farm

$935

USAA

$950

Farmers

$1,017

Travelers

$1,067

Nationwide

$1,108

CSAA

$1,227

National General

$1,399

The Hartford

$1,916

AIG

$2,066

Chubb

$2,301

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Learn more >> Who has the cheapest home insurance in California?

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

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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

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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 — and the rest of California.

5 simple steps to buying home insurance in San Francisco

  1. Shop with an independent insurance marketplace like Policygenius. Our team of licensed insurance experts are at the ready to help you figure out how much coverage you need and what company offers it at the best price — all for free with no impact to your credit score.

  2. Ask about the California FAIR Plan. Parts of San Francisco are at risk of wildfire damage, and depending on your home's specific risk, you may have a difficult time finding coverage. If your not able to find home or fire insurance, ask your Policygenius agent about purchasing coverage through the California FAIR Plan

  3. Compare quotes. Once you’ve identified your coverage needs, a Policygenius agent will send over quotes from top companies so you can review your options.

  4. Figure out how high of a deductible you can afford. A higher deductible means you’ll pay a lower home insurance premium, but it also means you'll have pay more out of pocket on each claim.

  5. Choose your policy, sign it, and pay your first premium. Once you choose a policy, all you need to do is sign on the dotted line and pay your first premium. We’ll cancel your old policy on your behalf if it hasn't expired yet.

Compare home insurance rates 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.

Author

Pat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

Editor

Jennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor at Policygenius, where she oversees all of our insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.

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