Best Homeowners Insurance Companies In California For 2024

State Farm is our choice for the best homeowners insurance in California.

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Updated: 15 March 2024
Written by
Bob Phillips
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I’ve experienced the difficulty in choosing an insurer best for your individual needs. You’re probably looking for a carrier that will provide adequate insurance coverage to protect you from the high costs of destruction and damage to your property as a result of  severe weather along with other losses.

Based on my own experience, and after doing a lot of research, I’ve found that State Farm is the best home insurance carrier in California, overall. I’d advise you, though, to look over what we’ve learned about other home insurers. You can then go on to make a more informed decision as to which insurer is right for you.

 

Best Home Insurance Companies In California, 2024

Best Home Insurance, California, 2024

Compare The Best Home Insurance Companies In California

Overall Rating Best For A.M Best Rating J.D Power Rating Online Experience Get A Quote
State Farm
4.9

Best Overall

A++

829

9/10

Instant Quote
Chubb
4.8

Best Price

A++

809

7/10

Instant Quote
Nationwide
4.6

Coverage Options

A+

815

8/10

Instant Quote
Farmers
4.4

Policy Perks

A

792

9/10

Instant Quote
Allstate
4.7

Discounts

A+

816

9/10

Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons

Our Methodology

When trying to decide which are the best home insurance providers in California, we base our selections on a variety of things, including customer reviews, ratings from respected , objective companies like J.D. Power and AM Best, and more. Data on customer satisfaction for different insurance companies we get from J.D. Power. AM Best is our go-to for facts about an insurer's strength financially. Additionally, we check out feedback from customers, along with my personal experience.

51

Quotes Analyzed

17

Brands Reviewed

15+

Years Of Experience

30+

Research Hours

Best Home Insurance Companies In California


Best Overall

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Our first choice for the best homeowners coverage in California is State Farm. This is a company that has received the best rating (A++) from AM Best for its financial stability and strength. In customer satisfaction, J.D. Power gives State Farm a respectable rating of 829/1000, a number based on many positive online reviews left by customers. With a lot of local offices and agents in California, policyholders can be sure of getting good service.

State Farm’s standard homeowners insurance policy offers coverage not often offered  by insurers. One such type of coverage protects you in the event that you fall prey to credit card fraud. Or perhaps you’re a member of an HOA with very strict rules, and are having a hard time complying with ordinances or legal coverage. State Farm has the coverage for those problems, along with others. Please note that AM Best has bestowed the  highest financial rating for State Farm, with an A++.

Initiating the process of buying home insurance from State Farm is fast and easy, because you can do it online. However, if you decide to purchase insurance from this company, you will have to meet with an agent. For your convenience, you’ll be able to access your account using the State Farm app or website. You can also utilize online tools to enroll in auto pay, arrange paperless billing, or file a claim. There’s a handy online resource library that will provide you with valuable information about insurance, too.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Top rated in financial strength by AM Best
  • Numerous sales and service agents locally
  • Lots of coverage options
Drawbacks
  • You won't be able to purchase a State Farm policy by going through an independent agent

Best For Cheapest Coverage

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Chubb has the lowest price homeowners insurance in California with an average insurance policy price of $1,362 per year. This is $1,170 less than the average premium statewide.

Don’t mistake their lower cost for lower quality coverage, though. This insurer offers the best homeowners insurance rates in the state along with high quality customer service, coverage  of high end homes, and exceptional financial strength. When you insure with Chubb, you’ll receive affordable premiums plus coverage providing extended replacement cost to replace  or repair your property, even if it’s not worth the price you paid for it originally.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Rates are the lowest in the state
  • High value homes have policy coverage with specialized, tailor made packages
  • You have a broad range of options that let you customize your coverage to suit your own personalized needs
Drawbacks
  • Online quotes aren't available
  • No personal property coverage schedule

Best Coverage Options

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

8/10 Affordability
6/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

AM Best rates Nationwide A+ Superior because it’s financially strong and stable. Ratings based on customer satisfaction run a bit on the low side, but overall it has a high rating. California has an abundance of local Nationwide offices and agents, which is good news for policyholders.

Homeowner coverage with Nationwide allows you to take advantage of coverage options not usually offered by the majority of companies  For instance, you might be reimbursed for losses such as Identity Theft or credit card fraud, along with law coverage and the cost of being in compliance with newer, stricter HOA codes if you must rebuild due to a covered loss.

If you have to repair or replace your roof after a covered weather event, Nationwide’s Better Roof Replacement is an option that provides you with more coverage when you must purchase new material at a higher, current price.

With Nationwide’s Brand New Belongings option, you’ll receive reimbursement for the depreciated value of your belongings if they’re damaged or destroyed. All you have to do is  buy replacements, and then send your receipts to Nationwide to get the difference in cost.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Many high-quality options for coverage
  • Very high AM Best rating in financial security
  • Multiple local agents and offices for service, claims and sales
Drawbacks
  • Multiple negative online customer reviews
  • No coverage for short term rental such as Airbnb

Best For Policy Perks

Overall Rating
4.4

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
6/10 Customer Reviews
7/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Farmers insurance receives a top rating for its multiple perks received by policyholders. it also ranks at the top with customers in the area of online experience. This is because of its  explanations of what those perks are and how they can be beneficial to you. This is valuable information if you’re shopping for the best home insurance you can find. Here are a few of the perks provided by Farmers:

  • Replacement Cost Guaranteed: If you must rebuild your home, Farmers will pay you the full price to rebuild, no matter the cost
  • Discount if Claim Free: Go at least three years without filing a claim and you get a discount on your premium
  • Multi Line Policies: Putting all your eggs in one basket insurance-wise is a good move with Farmers and can save you a substantial sum. Insure your vehicle and home, for example, and you can save as much as 34% off your premium
  • Claim Forgiveness: If you have made it five years without filing a claim, your rates won’t be raised if and when you do
  • Deductible Declines: For each year that your Farmers policy is current, you’ll receive $50 off your deductible

Farmers has a top notch rating of 9.3/10. This rating is a reflection of its lower than the national average customer satisfaction ratings according to J.D. Power.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Farmers has over 12 discounts available
  • Many local agents and offices in the state
  • Guaranteed replacement cost is included in every home and property policy
Drawbacks
  • Customer satisfaction ratings are less than the average based on data provided by J.D. Power

Best For Discounts

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

8/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

The home insurance industry has an average number of seven discounts, whereas Allstate home insurance offers eleven discounts. This is a valuable piece of information, because discounts can save you a lot on your home insurance. I, and many homeowner insurance analysts, believe that Allstate’s discounts are uniquely tailor-made to fit multiple needs.

Allstate’s discounts include:

  • Automatic Payment: If you like the convenience of having your monthly payments automatically deducted from your bank account, Allstate offers a  5% savings
  • Protective Device: You will receive a discount if you install fire and theft protection devices
  • Claims Free: Receive savings of five percent upon policy renewal, provided you haven’t filed any claims during the year
  • Early Payment: You might receive a ten percent discount if you purchase a new policy one week or less before you renew your existing policy
  • New Home Buyer: Get a discount if you’ve recently become a home buyer
  • New Home: Building a new house will qualify you for a discount
  • Deductible Reward: When you take out an Allstate policy, your deductible is decreased by $100
  • Claims Forgiveness: You’ll have no rate increase following a claim with the extra coverage from the claims forgiveness feature
  • Responsible Payment: A good, solid payment record gets you a premium discount
  • Loyalty: When you renew your Allstate policy, you’ll receive up to a 10% discount
  • Bundle: Get a discount of as much as 25% off your deductible if you have more than one type of insurance, like homeowners and auto insurance.

The national insurance industry has 7 options in types of discounts. But Allstate has nearly double that figure for home insurance, with 11 discounts. Other than the more common options such as ID Theft along with personal property schedules, Allstate has unique options for homeowners with yards and gardens. This option raises coverage limits if you must replace or repair lawn and garden items like mowers and landscaping.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Financially stable and strong
  • Numerous offices and agents throughout the state
  • Nearly twice the average number of discounts industry wide
Drawbacks
  • A higher number of complaints from customers than the national industry average

How To Find The Best Home Insurance Company For You

If you’re looking around for home insurance in California, determining which company comes closest to meeting your needs can be problematic. It will take time and effort to get enough information to enable you to make an educated decision. However, if you’re like the average homeowner, your home is your most valuable asset. This makes it critical to safeguard your home and belongings with the best home insurance you can get. You’ll be strengthening the financial security of yourself along with your family.

Follow these five easy steps to finding the right home insurance policy for your needs:

  1. Research to enlighten yourself regarding homeowners insurers in California. Most or all of this research can be done online. When you have found a few companies that look good to you, narrow the choices down to 3 companies that sound as though they’d be able to fill your coverage needs
  2. Decide how much homeowners coverage you need. It might be helpful to get assistance from an agent with this
  3. Next, get policy quotes from these 3 contenders
  4. Basing your selections on rates, coverage, customer feedback online, and financial strength and stability, settle on one company
  5. When this is done, make an application for coverage with the company you choose as your number one

In most scenarios, you’ll be able to obtain quotes and complete an application online, but there are some companies that require you talk to one of their agents

Average Cost Of Home Insurance In California

Cheapest Home Insurance In California

Insurer Annual Rate
Nationwide $1,527
Mercury $1,330
Travelers $1,097
California Average Rate $2,008
Farmers $2,209
USAA $2,662
Chubb $2,384

Cheapest Cities For Homeowners Insurance In California

City Annual Rate
Sacramento $1,859
Bakersfield $1,812
Los Osos $1,430
Modesto $1,742
Alameda $1.700

Most Expensive Cities For Homeowners Insurance In California

City Highest Rate
Crestline $2,601
Twin Peaks $2,530
Cedar Glen $2,542
Lake Arrowhead $2,524

Home Insurance Premiums By Deductible In California

Deductible Average Annual Rate
$500 $1,636
$1,000 $1,650
$1,500 $1,533
$2,000 $1,480
$5,000 $1,202

Home Insurance Prices By Coverage Level In California

Coverage Level Average Annual Rate
$100,000 Dwelling $673
$200,000 Dwelling $1,199
$250,000 Dwelling $1,382
$400,000 Dwelling $1,773

How To Get An Online Home Insurance Quote In California

It has never been any easier to research homeowners insurance in California, select the insurer that appears best for your coverage needs, and obtain a quote. Simply follow these 3  steps:

  1. Answer the questions found on the quote form about your home, its contents and value, its age and square feet, plus its exterior composition, its location (zip code), and all other information requested
  2. Submit your form to get quotes for coverage
  3. Choose the insurance company that best fits your home insurance needs, at which point you can complete an application to purchase a policy

You’ll have to contact an agent if you run across a home owners insurance company that won’t allow you to receive  an online quote.

 

Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Home Insurance Policy In California

Many factors determine the cost of home insurance in California, including:

  • Your claim history – An insurance company will almost certainly  charge you higher premiums if you’ve filed claims in the past
  • The age of the home – Because of more recent, stricter codes that make it more expensive to rebuild, homes 30 years old or older might be as much as 75% more costly to insure in comparison to more recently constructed homes
  • The zip code of your home – If you live in a zip code that sees extreme weather like hurricanes, storms, flooding, hail, wildfires, or earthquakes; your rates are probably going to be more costly than average
  • Deductibles and amount of coverage– The lower the deductible, the higher your rates for home insurance. If you want to save money, select a higher deductible. Another thing to take into consideration is that the more costly the home, the higher the price to replace it, which means that your insurer will charge more due to higher coverage
  • Close to flood zones – If your residence is in proximity to a lake or along the coast, your chance of filing a claim for  flooding is higher

California Home Insurance Laws To Know

California law doesn’t require anyone to have homeowners insurance. However, it does make it a requirement if a homeowner has a mortgage on the home and property. Another thing you might find it useful to know is that generally speaking, most home insurers in California will not cover earthquakes or floods. You must purchase cover for those hazards separately.

Home Insurance Discounts In California

Always ask an agent which discounts their company offers that will lessen the price of your home insurance premium. You might be able to get multiple discounts, such as:

  • Early Payment: Purchasing a new policy a week or less before expiration of your old policy, and you may receive a discount
  • Bundle: Numerous insurance companies give policyholders as much as a twenty-five percent discount if someone carries more than one sort of coverage with them, like your home and your auto, for example
  • New Home: If you have just built a new home, some companies will give you a policy discount
  • Automatic Payment: Using auto-pay and having your insurance premium come right out of your checking account, means that you may receive a discount
  • Claims Free: Policyholders who haven’t filed a claim in at least 12 months may receive up to a 25% discount
  • Responsible Payment: Pay your insurance premium on time and get a discount for a good payment record

The Most Affordable Areas For Homeowners Insurance In California

Homeowners insurance in California varies by ZIP code. It may range from a low of $742.00 in Sunnyvale in zip code 94806, up to $1423 in Lake Arrowhead, zip code 92387. The lowest rates according to zip codes are:

ZIP Code City Lowest Rate
94806 Sunnyvale $1,510
95051 Santa Clara $1,519
93313 Bakersfield $1,812
93703  Fresno $1,917

FAQs

Is home insurance more expensive in California?

No, it isn’t. With such extreme weather events such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes; one would think that home insurance in California should be above the national average yearly. But it isn’t. In fact, California ranks in second place of any state in the nation for cheapest home insurance rates.

How much per month is a million-dollar home insurance policy in California?

Rate vary depending on multiple factors such as zip code, value of residence, deductible amount, the insurer and more. However, two carriers with the lowest home insurance rates in California are Nationwide at $1,527 annually, and Mercury at $1,330 a year.

What is the average monthly cost of home insurance in California?

Insurance premiums depend on factors like how much your home is worth, where it’s located, how much of a deductible you have, age of the home, and other things. The average California home with a value of about $250,000 usually has a price tag of approximately $1207 a year.

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