The California home insurance market is the largest in the country, with over 50 providers competing for customers. As a result, the average rate for homeowners insurance is pretty low, despite an otherwise expensive housing market — the average monthly premium in California is around $55, approximately 31.1% less than the national average.
California’s enormous size and varying climates, however, create sizable differences in coverage costs among Golden State cities. And earthquakes and floods, two of California’s most common natural disasters, are not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. And the consistent threat of wildfires are making it more difficult for homeowners to find affordable insurance.
It’s crucial to do your research to make sure you get adequate coverage for the best price possible.
A great place to start is the California Department of Insurance website, which offers consumer education resources and tools. To further aid in your search, we’ve outlined our top picks for California homeowners insurance and provided a quote tool to compare policies in your region:
State Farm
State Farm is a solid option for home insurance coverage in California because it offers policies for nearly every type of home and living situation, which is ideal for such a diverse state. State Farm’s claims management network is one of the largest in the world; claims can be made online or via phone 24/7 with prompt response times and user-friendly servers.
State Farm policyholders have a wide array of discount options available to them, including those for simple safety-item installations like fire sprinklers. State Farm also has tools such as the Home Inventory calculator, which allows you to build an online inventory of your covered personal property and its value so you can purchase adequate coverage and reduce or eliminate loss in the event of a disaster.
Policyholders can also take advantage of State Farm’s Premier Service Program, which puts you in touch with reputable contractors in your area after a covered loss.
Mercury
Mercury Insurance was founded in California, and they pride themselves on being able to assess the specific and unique needs of the state’s residents. Their standard policy guards against weather damages, natural disasters, and theft, but Mercury allows you to craft a custom insurance plan that provides coverage where you need it most.
Mercury has local offices and agents throughout California, so speaking to a professional in your area about your plan is simple. The company offers competitive pricing on homeowners insurance policy premiums and has numerous discount options available, including protective devices discounts, multi-policy discounts, and discounts for selecting a higher deductible.
Mercury’s claims department is available via phone 24/7 and offers hassle-free reporting. However, unlike some of their competitors, they do not offer the ability to file a claim online or through a mobile app.
Travelers
Travelers has been providing service for over a hundred years, so they know a thing or two about insurance. Their homeowners insurance policy is comprehensive, with a lot of add-on options and an array of discounts available, ensuring a policy that you’re happy with at a price that is reasonable.
California residents can take advantage of their add-on earthquake, flood, and landslide coverage, which is not available from every provider and is incredibly valuable if you live in a high-risk area. Residents can also take steps to get their home certified ‘green’ and receive a 5% discount on homeowners’ insurance — in addition to reduced energy bills.
Travelers has an easy-to-use online claims center that simplifies the process to a few steps, as well as day and night phone support in case you need extra assistance. Their website provides excellent additional educational resources and tools as well to help consumers learn more about their policy options and tips for safeguarding their homes.
Nationwide
With by a 5-star J.D. Power & Associates rating for overall customer satisfaction and an A+ Financial Strength rating from A.M. Best, Nationwide is a name you can trust with your insurance policy. While you can’t get a direct quote from Nationwide online, contacting an agent is a seamless process thanks to their breadth and popularity in the California insurance market.
Nationwide’s homeowners insurance policy provides protection against damage caused by most natural disasters and theft, with options for additional coverage for earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Nationwide also has unique add-on options, such as Brand-New Belongings coverage which repairs or replaces the cash value of any personal items damaged, and Valuables Plus, which provides additional coverage for any high-value items you may own and wish to protect.
Once you sign up with Nationwide, you get a free “On Your Side” review and consultation that teaches you how to manage your deductible, file a claim, and choose the right policy to meet your budget and needs.
Best California Homeowners Insurance Companies
- State Farm
- Mercury
- Travelers
- Nationwide
For complete guide to insuring your home, read our Guide to Home Insurance and check out the Best Home Insurance companies nationwide.
