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Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.
For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
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Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
California’s home insurance market has become increasingly volatile due to the state’s increased risk of wildfires and insurance companies leaving the state. Our data shows that homeowners in California pay an average of $180 per month for coverage. But your exact rates will vary depending on your home’s age and location.
Farmers offers the lowest average homeowners rate in California, at $86 per month.
But affordability isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing an insurance company. Coverage options, customer service, and financial strength also matter when it comes to protecting your home.
Homeowners in California pay an average of $180 per month for coverage. But many different factors can affect how much you pay.
Travelers, Chubb, and USAA are three of the best insurers for California homeowners.
Your location, coverage choices, and claims history affect your home insurance premiums.
If you need to buy home insurance in California, you have many good insurers to choose from. The best company for you depends on your budget, location, and coverage needs. We picked the following insurance companies based on their average rates, available discounts, customer reviews, and coverage options in California.
Travelers| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | NR |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | Not rated |
| AM Best AM 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++ |
Travelers has personalized coverage with flexible policy options and a wide range of endorsements. The company offers wildfire, water backup, and green home coverage. Plus, Travelers has a Superior financial strength rating from AM Best, so you can trust the company to pay out claims.
Chubb| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 3.9/5 |
|---|---|
| AM Best AM 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++ |
| $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. | $161/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. | $235/mo |
Chubb provides some of the best coverage for high-value homes thanks to its extended replacement coverage. After the company approves your claim, Chubb will pay to restore your home to its original condition, even if the costs exceed your policy limits. And the company’s HomeScan service uses infrared technology to detect hidden problems in your home.
Above-average customer satisfaction rating
Luxury home coverage available
Offers many discounts
Online quotes not available
Policies available only through agents
Few customization options
USAA| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4/5 |
|---|---|
| AM Best AM 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++ |
| $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. | $123/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. | $186/mo |
California is home to more than 162,000 active-duty service members, more than any other state.[3] Besides affordable homeowners insurance rates, USAA offers many benefits to active military members and their families.
The company will waive your deductible for replacing damaged uniforms and military equipment. You also won’t have to pay a deductible if your personal property is lost or damaged due to war.
Above-average customer satisfaction rating
Offers military-specific benefits
Affordable rates
Available only to military members and their families
New home discount not available
Guaranteed replacement coverage not available
Find rates as low as $${COMPARE_HOME_CHEAPEST_300K_STATE_CA_PRICE_1} per month.
Home insurance rates in California can vary from one insurer to the next — that’s why you should always compare quotes from several companies. What seems like a good deal at first may look different once you factor in discounts, coverages, and customer service.
The table below shows the cheapest insurers in California for a $300,000 home, based on Compare.com data.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Farmers | $86 |
| Allstate | $101 |
| Nationwide | $119 |
| Travelers | $120 |
| USAA | $123 |
| Grange | $131 |
| AIG | $157 |
| Encompass | $159 |
| Foremost | $161 |
| Chubb | $161 |
| State Farm | $164 |
The amount of dwelling coverage you choose significantly affects your home insurance premium. Higher coverage limits mean your insurer takes on more risk, so your rates rise accordingly. Additional coverages, like water backup, earthquake riders, or higher liability limits, can also increase costs.
It’s important to choose your policy limits based on the cost of rebuilding your home, not just the purchase price. The table below shows the average monthly premiums for different levels of dwelling coverage in California, according to Compare.com data.
Home Value | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| $200,000 | $143 |
| $300,000 | $180 |
| $400,000 | $220 |
| $500,000 | $255 |
| $750,000 | $369 |
Home insurance premiums in California also vary widely by city. Different areas have different risk factors, like natural disasters, crime rates, and construction costs. For example, many homeowners in wildfire-prone areas have seen significant rate increases, and some insurers have left the state.
The table below shows the average monthly premiums for several of California’s largest cities, according to our data.
City | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Fresno | $${HOME_AVERAGE_300K_CITY_CA_FRESNO} |
| Los Angeles | $${HOME_AVERAGE_300K_CITY_CA_LOS-ANGELES} |
| Sacramento | $156 |
| San Diego | $169 |
| San Francisco | $189 |
| San Jose | $140 |
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Many factors influence how much you pay for homeowners insurance in California. Everything from your home’s building materials to your ZIP code affects your costs. Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors to help you make better decisions when comparing policies.[4]
Your home is one of the biggest things insurance companies consider. Your home’s age matters because older homes may have outdated wiring or plumbing that poses greater risks.
Construction also plays a role, and homes built with fire-resistant materials may qualify for lower premiums. Certain foundations may be more vulnerable to earthquakes, which can affect coverage costs. And larger homes typically cost more to rebuild, increasing your premium.
Location is especially important in California, where natural disasters and fire risk vary dramatically by region. Homes in Northern California at higher risk of wildfires may face steep premiums or coverage limitations. Your proximity to fire stations can also affect your rate.
Standard policies don’t cover earthquakes, and insurers may charge extra for this coverage. Companies may also require additional coverage based on seismic activity in your area. Higher crime areas typically have higher insurance rates due to theft or vandalism risks.
Your choices when customizing a policy can also affect your rates. Higher dwelling and liability coverage will likely increase your premium. And adding coverage for things like jewelry, water backup, or earthquakes will also raise your rates.
Fortunately, you still have ways to save. Some insurers offer discounts for bundling your homeowners policy with auto or life insurance policies. Choosing a higher deductible also lowers your monthly rate but increases out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.
California prohibits insurance companies from using your credit history when setting rates, but they can consider other aspects of your background. For example, your claims history plays a big role in how much you pay for coverage. A history of filing insurance claims will lead to higher rates. Insurers will also charge you more if you have any coverage lapses.
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If you have a mortgage, your lender typically requires you to buy homeowners insurance to protect their investment. In most cases, you pay for your home insurance through an escrow account, which adds your insurance and property taxes to your monthly mortgage payment.
Standard home insurance policies usually include the following:[5]
Dwelling coverage: This coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home if fire, windstorms, or other covered events damage it.
Other structures: Other structures insurance covers detached buildings, like garages, sheds, and fences.
Personal property: Personal property coverage protects items in your home from theft or damage.
Liability coverage: Liability insurance pays for legal fees and damages if someone injures themselves on your property.
Loss of use: This coverage pays for temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable because of a covered claim.
Home insurance doesn’t typically cover:[6]
Earthquakes
Flooding
Maintenance problems
Intentional damage
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Catastrophic events like wildfires, earthquakes, and mudslides can drive up premiums or make coverage harder to get. Understanding common risks in your area will help you determine additional coverages you might need.
Wildfires are one of the biggest threats to California homes, especially in areas like Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside. While standard homeowners insurance generally covers fire damage, some insurers may limit coverage in high-risk areas.
If your property is in a high-risk area, you may want to supplement your policy with coverage through the California FAIR Plan.[7]
Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover earthquake damage. California residents should consider purchasing a separate earthquake insurance policy, especially if you live in an area with regular seismic activity.
Earthquake coverage pays for structural damage and additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after an earthquake.[8]
Mudslides are a serious risk in parts of California, especially in areas with steep terrain or affected by wildfires. Heavy rains can trigger destructive flows of mud and debris in areas without vegetation to hold it in place.
Standard home insurance doesn’t cover mudslide damage, but flood insurance does. You can purchase a flood insurance policy through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).[9]
Compare quotes and get the coverage you need at the best price.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about homeowners insurance in California.
It depends. Average premiums in California can vary widely depending on your home’s value, location, coverage, and other risk factors. California homeowners pay an average of $180 per month for $300,000 of coverage, according to Compare.com data.
It depends. There’s no single best insurer for everyone. The right choice for you depends on factors like your ZIP code, coverage needs, available discounts, and customer service.
Farmers offers the cheapest homeowners insurance in California, with rates starting at $86 per month, according to Compare.com data. You should compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best deal for your coverage needs.
The 80% rule in homeowners insurance means your dwelling coverage should be at least 80% of your home’s replacement cost. The 80% rule helps you avoid penalties or reduced claim payouts.
Most major insurers still offer home insurance policies in California, though some insurance companies have reduced their coverage in the state. Travelers, Chubb, and USAA are a few of the best home insurers in California, according to Compare.com research.
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Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.
For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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