As home insurance rates in California continue to rise due to devastating wildfires and companies leaving the state due to the high risk of claims, finding home insurance coverage in California isn’t easy.
We can help you find an insurer willing to work with you whether you have an older home or one with high wildfire risk, need a policy that includes flood coverage, or are looking for special deductible perks. Because of California’s constantly evolving insurance landscape, we will continue monitoring the situation and updating our list accordingly.
Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in California in 2024
Based on Policygenius' analysis of the most widely available insurance companies in the state, Nationwide, Farmers, Travelers, AAA, and Bamboo Insurance are California's best homeowners insurance companies in 2024.
While Allstate and State Farm — two of California's largest insurers in terms of market share — were among the highest-rated companies in our analysis, we didn't include them in our top picks as they're no longer selling new home insurance policies in the state.
Company | Best for... | Average monthly cost | Policygenius rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Overall | $98 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Bundling home & auto insurance | $120 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Affordable rates | $96 | 4.4 out of 5 | |
Customer service | $99 | 4.3 out of 5 | |
Homes with wildfire risk | N/A | 4.2 out of 5 |
Methodology and why you can trust our rates
Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:
Dwelling: $300,000
Other structures: $30,000
Personal property: $150,000
Loss of use: $60,000
Liability: $300,000
Medical: $1,000
All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
Best overall: Nationwide
2024 Policygenius award winner
Nationwide
4.5
Bundle home & auto
Mobile app
New homebuyer discount
Offers extended replacement cost
Why we chose it
Nationwide home insurance features an extensive range of comprehensive coverage and policy options. It also received high marks for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power, indicating you can rely on Nationwide when it matters most.
Pros and cons
Pros
Multiple high-quality coverage options
Highly rated for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power
Cons
Below-average customer satisfaction and digital experience ratings
Won’t cover Airbnbs or other short-term rentals
More details
Why we chose Nationwide
Nationwide is known for it's robust policy options and large selection of coverage add-ons, such as flood coverage and options to rebuild your roof with stronger materials after a covered loss, making Nationwide a smart choice if you live in an area of California at risk of wildfires or windstorms. Nationwide's average home insurance rate of $98 per month is also among the cheapest of any company in the Golden State, and it has several available discount options to boot.
How do Nationwide home insurance rates compare to the California average?
The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in California is $1,174 per year, which is around 15% lower than the annual statewide average of $1,383.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Nationwide
Best for bundling home and auto insurance: Farmers
2024 Policygenius award winner
Farmers
4.5
Offers extended replacement cost
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Along with saving around 20% when you bundle your home and car insurance, Farmers also gives you access to its extensive suite of discounts, unique policy credits, and claim-free incentives that help put money back in your pocket.
Pros and cons
Pros
12+ discounts to save on rates
Optional extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage
Shave $50 off your deductible each year you’re with Farmers
Cons
Below-average scores on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys
More details
Why we chose Farmers
Depending on your state of residence, you can save up to 45% on your auto insurance and up to 34% on your home insurance when you bundle policies with Farmers, according to the company website.
Even more, Farmers has up to 16 additional discounts and money-saving policy perks. For context, Farmers competitors offer an average of around seven discounts total.
How do Farmers home insurance rates compare to the California average?
The average cost of Farmers home insurance in California is $1,445 per year, which is around 4% higher than the annual statewide average of $1,383.
How to get a quote
Online through Farmers
Best for affordable rates: Travelers
2024 Policygenius award winner
Travelers
4.4
Bundle home & auto
New homebuyer discount
Mobile app
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Why we chose it
Travelers offers the best cheap home insurance in California thanks to an average annual premium that's 17% below the statewide average, industry-best financial ratings, and flexible policy options for most home types and budgets.
Pros and cons
Pros
Green home coverage and discounts
Offers short-term rental coverage for Airbnb hosts
Doesn’t require prior insurance on the home
Cons
Subpar customer service ratings with J.D. Power
Underwhelming number of available discounts
More details
Why we chose Travelers
Travelers is a reputable home insurance provider that offers comprehensive policy options at relatively cheap prices. Another benefit of choosing Travelers is its underwriting flexibility, meaning its willingness to provide coverage for risks that other insurance companies won't cover. These risks include homes with no prior insurance coverage, coverage for short term rentals, and liability protection for trampoline injuries if its fitted with protective netting.
How do Travelers home insurance rates compare to the California average?
The average cost of Travelers home insurance in California is $1,151 per year, which is around 17% cheaper than the annual statewide average of $1,383.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Travelers
Best for customer service: AAA
2024 Policygenius award winner
AAA
4.3
New homebuyer discount
Mobile app
Bundle home & auto
All 50 states
Offers earthquake insurance
Offers flood insurance
Offers extended replacement cost
Why we chose it
Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) lands the top spot for customer service thanks to its 4th place finish in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study, placing ahead of other insurance carriers in California.
Pros and cons
Pros
Affordable rates, plus 15+ home insurance discounts available
20+ policy coverages and add-ons — including flood and earthquake insurance
Slew of other perks and discounts that come with AAA membership
Cons
AAA membership required to purchase home insurance
Coverages, discounts, and claims experience will vary by the regional AAA auto club you receive insurance through
Below-average customer satisfaction scores — and 4 times more NAIC complaints than similar home insurance companies
More details
Why we chose AAA
AAA placed 4th out of 20 companies in J.D. Power's 2022 home insurance customer satisfaction study, placing ahead of every other California insurer we reviewed. The study takes into account customer interaction, billing process, pricing, policy information, and claims.
How do AAA home insurance rates compare to the California average?
The average cost of AAA home insurance in California is $1,192 per year, which is around 14% cheaper than the annual statewide average of $1,383.
How to get a quote
Online or by calling AAA. Keep in mind that membership is required to get a home or auto insurance quote AAA.
Best for wildfire risks: Bamboo Insurance
Bamboo Insurance
3.4
Why we chose it
Bamboo is an excellent option for California and Arizona homeowners who’ve struggled to find home insurance elsewhere. It’s one of the few home insurers still writing policies in the Golden State — many have pulled out due to the high risk of wildfires.
Pros and cons
Pros
Available in high-risk areas of California
Offers coverage for regular homes, vacant properties, rentals, and vacation homes
Cons
Not included in the NAIC complaint index, meaning we weren’t able to rate Bamboo on customer service
Policy cost information not available as of Feb. 2024
