Best homeowners insurance in California (2024)

We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best home insurance companies in California.

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By

Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Edited by

Jennifer GimbelJennifer GimbelSenior Managing Editor & Home Insurance ExpertJennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor at Policygenius, where she oversees all of our insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.

Published|1 min read

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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 home insurance rates in California

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

Nationwide

Overall

$98

4.5 out of 5

Farmers

Bundling home & auto insurance

$120

4.5 out of 5

Travelers

Affordable rates

$96

4.4 out of 5

AAA

Customer service

$99

4.3 out of 5

Bamboo Insurance

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

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Nationwide

Nationwide logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Mobile app

New homebuyer discount

Offers extended replacement cost

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Farmers

Farmers Insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers extended replacement cost

Bundle home & auto

Smart home discounts

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Travelers

Travelers home insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.4

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

New homebuyer discount

Mobile app

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

AAA

AAA logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.3

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

New homebuyer discount

Mobile app

Bundle home & auto

All 50 states

Offers earthquake insurance

Offers flood insurance

Offers extended replacement cost

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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

Bamboo Insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange starEmpty gray star

3.4

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

NA

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

NA

Why we chose itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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

Compare home insurance rates in California

Author

Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Editor

Jennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor at Policygenius, where she oversees all of our insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.

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