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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
Updated
California homeowners pay an average rate of $167 per month for home insurance. Ongoing wildfire risks and limited insurer availability have made coverage more expensive and harder to find in much of the state. Rates vary significantly by ZIP code, home type, and insurance company.
The cheapest insurer for a $300,000 home is Pacific Specialty, with average monthly rates of $77. Let’s look at the best homeowners insurance options in California and how you can find the right coverage.
USAA, Travelers, and Amica are some of the best home insurance companies in California.
California homeowners face several weather-related risks, including wildfires, earthquakes, and mudslides.
Your home insurance rates can vary widely from one insurer to the next, so it’s important to shop around.
There’s no one best insurer for everyone, so it’s important to shop around and compare multiple insurance quotes. That said, California homeowners currently have few insurance options due to the recent wildfires in the state. Some insurers have started restricting which parts of California they cover, while others have left the state altogether.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of good options for you to pick from. Compare.com chose the five insurers in the table below based on their coverage options, available discounts, and customer ratings and reviews.
Company  | Compare.com Rating | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 4.68 | $127 |
| Travelers | 3.99 | $124 |
| Amica | 4.78 | N/A |
| Nationwide | 4.25 | $123 |
| Chubb | 4.19 | $172 |
California is home to more than 1.8 million veterans, making it the state with the largest veteran population in the U.S.[1] USAA offers flexible coverage options for military members, including water backup coverage and earthquake insurance. The company also covers uniforms with no deductible and offers coverage for military equipment.
Above-average claims satisfaction rating
Unique perks for military members
Available only to veterans, military members, and their families
Limited in-person support
Travelers offers customizable coverage and a range of endorsements. You can add water backup, green home, and personal articles coverage to your standard coverage options. Travelers also offers several home insurance discounts, including a security system discount and a discount for bundling your home and auto insurance.
Wide variety of discounts available
Offers jewelry and valuable items coverage
Below-average claims satisfaction rating
May not offer coverage for some dog breeds
Amica is one of the best choices for California homeowners thanks to its optional add-ons. The company offers coverage that other insurers don’t, including credit card fraud and extra coverage for valuables. Amica also offers broader coverage for cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
Above-average claims satisfaction score
Offers more coverage options than some competitors
Must complete your quote with an agent
No local insurance agents available
Nationwide helps California homeowners protect their homes from natural disasters. The company offers endorsements to protect your home from flooding and earthquake damage. You can also add extra dwelling coverage and protection for high-value items, like jewelry and antiques.
Above-average claims satisfaction score
Offers flood and earthquake insurance
Must finalize your policy with an agent
Poor Trustpilot rating
Chubb is one of the best options for California residents looking to protect high-value homes. The company offers complimentary risk assessments and recommends options to ensure you’re fully protected. In the event of a total loss, you can choose to receive a cash settlement if you don’t want to rebuild, making the claims process easier.
Above-average claims satisfaction score
Offers complimentary home appraisals
Online quoting not available
Higher rates than some competitors
Get personalized quotes from top home insurance companies in minutes.
Your home insurance rates can vary significantly from one insurance company to the next. Every insurer considers risks and determines pricing differently.
If you want the best deal on insurance coverage, compare quotes from at least three different insurers. Comparing rates will help you find the best price for your coverage.
The table below shows the cheapest companies in California for $300,000 homes, based on Compare.com data.
Company | Average Yearly Premium |
|---|---|
| Pacific Specialty | $924 |
| Cse | $1,104 |
| Farmers | $1,116 |
| Auto Club | $1,152 |
| Allstate | $1,260 |
| Mercury | $1,272 |
| CSAA | $1,392 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,428 |
| Nationwide | $1,476 |
| Travelers | $1,488 |
| USAA | $1,524 |
| Grange | $1,632 |
| AIG | $1,956 |
| Encompass | $1,980 |
| Foremost | $2,004 |
| State Farm | $2,040 |
| Chubb | $2,064 |
The amount of coverage you need plays a big role in how much you pay for home insurance. The more dwelling coverage you need, the more your insurer would have to pay if you file a claim. Insurers charge higher premiums to account for the extra risk that comes with increased policy limits.
The following table shows the average rates for different amounts of dwelling coverage in California, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Yearly Premium |
|---|---|
| Pacific Specialty | $648 |
| Auto Club | $756 |
| Farmers | $792 |
| Cse | $852 |
| Allstate | $876 |
| CSAA | $960 |
| Mercury | $984 |
| Grange | $1,080 |
| Travelers | $1,116 |
| Nationwide | $1,128 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,140 |
| USAA | $1,152 |
| AIG | $1,356 |
| Foremost | $1,356 |
| Encompass | $1,368 |
| Chubb | $1,380 |
| State Farm | $1,500 |
Company | Average Yearly Premium |
|---|---|
| Pacific Specialty | $924 |
| Cse | $1,104 |
| Farmers | $1,116 |
| Auto Club | $1,152 |
| Allstate | $1,260 |
| Mercury | $1,272 |
| CSAA | $1,392 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,428 |
| Nationwide | $1,476 |
| Travelers | $1,488 |
| USAA | $1,524 |
| Grange | $1,632 |
| AIG | $1,956 |
| Encompass | $1,980 |
| Foremost | $2,004 |
| State Farm | $2,040 |
| Chubb | $2,064 |
Company | Average Yearly Premium |
|---|---|
| Pacific Specialty | $1,176 |
| Cse | $1,392 |
| Farmers | $1,392 |
| Auto Club | $1,560 |
| Mercury | $1,572 |
| Allstate | $1,656 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,728 |
| CSAA | $1,812 |
| Nationwide | $1,872 |
| USAA | $1,908 |
| Travelers | $1,920 |
| Grange | $2,076 |
| Chubb | $2,532 |
| AIG | $2,556 |
| Encompass | $2,580 |
| State Farm | $2,616 |
| Foremost | $2,796 |
Company | Average Yearly Premium |
|---|---|
| Pacific Specialty | $1,428 |
| Cse | $1,704 |
| Farmers | $1,752 |
| Mercury | $1,860 |
| Auto Club | $1,956 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $2,028 |
| Allstate | $2,052 |
| CSAA | $2,208 |
| USAA | $2,316 |
| Nationwide | $2,364 |
| Travelers | $2,376 |
| Grange | $2,520 |
| Chubb | $3,024 |
| AIG | $3,144 |
| Encompass | $3,228 |
| State Farm | $3,240 |
| Foremost | $3,636 |
Company | Average Yearly Premium |
|---|---|
| Pacific Specialty | $2,100 |
| Cse | $2,424 |
| Farmers | $2,520 |
| Mercury | $2,676 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $2,772 |
| Auto Club | $3,012 |
| Allstate | $3,048 |
| CSAA | $3,156 |
| Nationwide | $3,528 |
| USAA | $3,576 |
| Travelers | $3,636 |
| Grange | $3,672 |
| Chubb | $4,176 |
| State Farm | $4,680 |
| Encompass | $4,872 |
| AIG | $4,908 |
| Foremost | $5,844 |
Home insurance rates not only vary by state but also by city. Los Angeles has high crime rates and severe weather risks, which can increase your home insurance costs.
The following table shows average premiums for some of California’s biggest cities, based on our data.
City | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $197 |
| San Diego | $155 |
Some insurers recently raised homeowners insurance premiums in California by more than 10%. Other companies have scaled back coverage or left the state altogether.[2] The state’s frequent severe weather events have made it risky for insurers to cover.
Wildfires are one of the biggest drivers of rising insurance costs in California. Wildfires have increased in recent years due to megadroughts and rising temperatures. In January 2025, the Palisades Fire burned more than 23,000 acres, making it the third-most destructive fire in California’s history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.[3]
Homes located in wildfire-prone areas will likely pay higher premiums and stricter coverage limits. But insurers may offer you a discount for certain mitigation steps, like installing a Class-A fire-rated roof and fire-resistant vents.[4]
California is located along several major fault lines, making earthquakes a common concern. Standard homeowners insurance coverage typically doesn’t include earthquake insurance. You need to purchase a separate earthquake policy or endorsement. Without it, your insurer wouldn’t consider any structural damage from an earthquake as a covered loss.
Without vegetation to absorb rainfall after a wildfire, some areas become more prone to flooding and mudslides. Homes in steep locations or recent burn areas are at a higher risk of mudslides, even after a light rain. Homeowners in high-risk areas may need a separate flood insurance policy through their insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Many California homes were built decades ago and have outdated plumbing, wiring, or roofing. Older systems can increase the risk of water damage, fire, or other claims, driving up insurance rates. In some cases, insurers may require upgrades before offering dwelling or replacement cost coverage.
The California Department of Insurance oversees California’s insurance market. The Department works to protect Californians from excessive insurance rates and discriminatory practices. It does this by conducting reviews of insurance companies, resolving customer complaints, and prosecuting insurance fraud.
It also oversees the California FAIR Plan, which serves as an insurer of last resort for homeowners who can’t find coverage. You can call the Department directly at 1 (800) 927-4357. You can also file a complaint on their website.
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Standard homeowners insurance includes several types of coverage to protect your home and belongings. Most home insurance policies include:[5]
Dwelling coverage: Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home’s structure after damage from fire, smoke, vandalism, or wind. Given the risk of wildfires in California, this is one of the most important parts of your homeowners insurance policy.
Other structures coverage: This coverage protects detached structures on your property, like a garage or shed.
Personal property insurance: Personal property coverage protects the belongings inside your home if they’re damaged or stolen.
Personal liability coverage: Liability coverage helps pay for any medical costs or legal expenses if someone injures themselves on your property.
Loss of use coverage: Also known as additional living expenses, your homeowners policy helps cover temporary housing and related costs if you can’t stay in your home due to a covered event.
Homeowners insurance is fairly comprehensive, but it doesn’t cover everything. Here are some important gaps to consider:
Earthquakes: Standard home insurance policies don’t cover earthquake damage.[6] You need to purchase earthquake insurance either through your insurer or the California Earthquake Authority.
Flood damage: Most homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage. You can purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the NFIP or your insurer.
Landslides: Insurers consider landslides as “earth movement” and typically don’t cover related damage. Ask your insurer if you can purchase a “Difference in Conditions” policy to cover landslides.
Maintenance-related damage: Homeowners policies don’t cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or poor maintenance.
Flooding can happen anywhere in California, but standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If you want flood protection, you need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. You can get coverage through the NFIP or a private insurer. Private insurers may offer higher coverage limits.
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Here are the biggest factors affecting your California homeowners insurance rates:[7]
The home itself: Your home’s age, square footage, and roof condition all affect your insurance costs. Older homes or properties with outdated electrical or plumbing systems may have higher insurance rates.
Your location: Homes in wildfire-prone areas, coastal regions, or high-crime neighborhoods often pay higher premiums. Your home’s proximity to a fire station and local rebuilding costs also affect rates.
How you structure your policy: Your deductible, coverage limits, and optional endorsements can raise or lower your premium.
Your background: Insurers will consider your credit and claims history when determining your homeowners insurance rates.
Compare quotes from California’s top insurance companies.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners ask about home insurance in California.
Home insurance in California costs an average of $167 per month for a $300,000 home, according to Compare.com data. But your exact rate will vary based on various factors, including your location and coverage limits.
USAA, Travelers, and Amica are Compare.com’s top picks for home insurance in California. That said, there’s no single best insurance company for everyone. The right company for you depends on your home’s value, location, and any unique risk factors.
The cheapest insurer in California is Pacific Specialty, with average premiums of $77 per month for a $300,000 home, according to Compare.com data. But the cheapest company for you depends on various factors, including your ZIP code and your home’s age.
Homeowners insurance for a $500,000 house in California costs an average of $246 per month, according to Compare.com data. Homes with higher coverage limits typically cost more to insure because they pose a greater risk to your insurer.
No. California doesn’t require you to buy home insurance. That said, most mortgage lenders require you to have it to protect their financial interest in your home.
California’s severe weather significantly affects the cost of homeowners insurance. Wildfires, earthquakes, and flooding increase rates in the state. Your home’s age and condition, and coverage limits, also affect how much you pay for home insurance.
Compare.com data scientists analyzed rates from more than 180 home insurance companies sourced directly from Compare.com’s partner companies and Quadrant Information Services. Rates span all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and quote averages represent the mean price for a given coverage level and geographic area. To ensure data reliability, only insurers meeting minimum quote thresholds were included in the analysis.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for homeowners with no prior claims and good credit with a home construction year of 1980. The default coverage assumptions include:
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Compare.com’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
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.
