California Renters Insurance

Affordable renters insurance coverage for around $12 per month.[1]

Already have a policy? Call 800-640-2920 so we can help you.

Renters Insurance in California

California is the most populous state in the nation for good reason. Temperate climate, beautiful beaches, and snowy mountains make the Golden State an irresistible place to call home. While you’re enjoying the sunny skies and sandy beaches of California, wouldn’t you like to have peace of mind, knowing your belongings are protected if something bad should happen like a fire or burglary? The good news is that security and peace of mind can be yours for around $12 a month.[1]

See how affordable a California renters insurance policy can be by getting a free quote.

What does renters insurance cover in California?

Renters insurance in California covers a surprising number of mishaps considering how low the rates can be. A renters insurance policy can cover your personal belongings from damage or theft, covers your liability (subject to policy limits) if a visitor is injured on the property, and can help pay for additional living expenses if you’re temporarily displaced due to a covered loss. Some coverages are included in a basic policy at no additional cost, while extended coverage limits are available for certain higher end items. Renters insurance can financially protect your belongings from damage or loss even if it occurs away from home.

Here’s what’s included with your basic renters insurance policy

Personal Property

Renters insurance is an inexpensive safeguard against expensive and unpredictable incidents. If your bike is stolen, renters insurance can help you replace it. If your laptop, big screen TV, and sound system are destroyed in a fire, your items will be covered. Moreover, your personal belongings are covered, no matter where you happen to be at the time. If your gym bag is stolen from your car, or your backpack is ripped off in a hostel on the other side of the world, renters insurance can save the day. California renters insurance covers your belongings from damage or theft whether you’re at home or away.

Loss of Use

Renters insurance also covers expenses if you've been displaced by a covered incident and need a temporary place to stay. Your landlord's insurance policy doesn't cover any of those expenses — even if a pipe bursts or the electrical system causes a fire. Without renters insurance, you would have to pay for your own hotel accommodations and additional living expenses while the damage to your place was being fixed.

Personal Liability Protection

No one likes to think that a friend or family member will take them to court, but it’s best to be on the safe side with liability protection, which is included in a California renters insurance policy. Say your sister brings her friend with her when she visits, and your dog accidentally bites that friend in your home. If that friend is injured, they could file a lawsuit against you for those injuries. The policy will provide a defense and indemnification of any award that might be rendered (subject to policy limits). A renters insurance policy will also give you financial protection if you (or your pet) accidentally cause damage away from your residence.

Medical Payments to Others

A renters insurance policy provides coverage for any medical expenses incurred (up to the limits of the policy) if a visitor is injured on your property. For example, a friend is helping you build a bookcase and smashes their thumb with a hammer, or they trip over your dog and fall breaking their wrist. However, the medical coverage in a renters insurance policy does not cover you, the policyholder or regular residents of the household. (You would use your own health insurance coverage if you were injured.)

Optional Coverages

We also offer optional coverages that can customize your renters insurance policy such as limited earthquake coverage, increased limits on items of higher value, business pursuits, and more. Get a quote online or give us a call at 800-640-2920.

Why get renters insurance in California?

California living may be a dream most of the time, but extreme weather events can turn that dream into a nightmare. Get security and peace of mind with an affordable renters insurance policy from Wawanesa.

Your personal belongings will be covered in the event of damage as a result of any of the following covered events, unless the loss is excluded by the policy:

Fire or lightning
Windstorm or hail
Explosion
Riot or civil commotion
Aircraft
Vehicles
Smoke
Vandalism
Theft

Falling objects
Freezing
Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam
Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning or bulging
Sudden and accidental damage from artificially generated electrical current
Volcanic eruption

How much is renters insurance?

Renters insurance in California is surprisingly affordable. Exactly how much it will cost depends on where you’re located in the state, the type of property you’re renting, and how many items you have to insure. Typically, you can get a basic renters insurance policy for around $12 a month.[1] Find out exactly how much renters insurance will cost you by getting a quote now. Also, checkout what renters insurance discounts are available in California that could lower your rates even more.

Learn More About Renters Insurance

Learn how renters insurance can protect a lot more than you may imagine. Get help in understanding how much coverage you’ll need, see what discounts you may qualify for, and how to file a claim 24/7.

Get a quote now or call one of our helpful agents at 800-640-2920.

California Renters Insurance FAQs

Is renters insurance required in California?

Renters insurance is not required by law in California, but many landlords and property rental companies require tenants to provide proof of renters insurance as part of the rental lease agreement.

Can landlords require renters insurance in California?

Yes. An increasing number of landlords in the state now require tenants to buy renters insurance. Keep in mind that the landlord’s insurance covers only the building structure. Without a renters insurance policy, if your personal belongings were damaged or stolen, you would have to pay to replace them yourself.

How much coverage is needed in California?

The amount of renters insurance coverage needed in California depends on what you have in the way of valuables. You may not think you own a lot, but if you calculate how much it would cost to replace your laptop, smartphone, and other electronics — never mind your clothing, furniture, books, and sports equipment — you may be surprised. If you happen to own expensive items, for example, valuable jewelry, artwork, or expensive photography equipment, you can (and should) buy additional coverage.

How much does renters insurance cost in California?

The cost of renters insurance in California depends on several variables. Your rates will depend on your location, the size of your place, the value of your personal property, and which discounts you can apply to your premium. Typically, a basic renters insurance policy will cost you around $12 a month for $15,000 of property protection liability.[1]

Get a free renters insurance quote today.

Who qualifies for renters insurance discounts?

In California, there are a couple of ways you can lower your renters insurance premium even more using the available discounts: If you have a fire or smoke alarm, a fire extinguisher, and dead bolt locks, you’ll qualify for the residence protection device discount. If your place is manned with 24-hour security, or is in a secured building, you’ll earn the gated community/secured building discount.

Learn more about renters insurance discounts offered in California.

What would happen if a renter has no renters insurance?

If you decide, as a renter, to go without renters insurance, the cost to replace stolen or damaged items could be financially devastating. Replacing a laptop or big screen TV out of pocket might be hard to manage. Or a burst pipe, may ruin your rugs and render your place unlivable for a while. You’d have to pay out of pocket for alternative accommodations and for new rugs too. That’s why it’s smart to get renters insurance for the security and peace of mind it offers.

What is the minimum renters insurance coverage offered in California?

The minimum limit of renters insurance coverage offered by Wawanesa in California is $15,000 of personal property coverage and will cost you around $12 per month.[1]

Have more questions on renters insurance? Visit our FAQs page to find answers on common questions relating to coverage, making a claim, and more.

Renters Insurance FAQs

Disclaimers

Average premium cost of $12 per month in the state of California, for a Wawanesa 12-month renters insurance policy of personal property liability limit of $15,000.↩

Please note that this website provides only a summary of renters insurance to generally illustrate how renters insurance works. Your insurance policy is the legal contract containing the terms and limitations of your coverage. Any coverage provided by a Wawanesa General Insurance Company policy is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and endorsements of your insurance policy.