Your lease says you need renters insurance, or a friend tells you it is the law. Which is it? In California, no state law makes renters buy insurance. Your landlord, though, is allowed to require it, and many do.
The short version:
- California law does not require renters insurance. Your lease might.
- Your landlord’s insurance covers the building, not your things.
- A renters policy covers your belongings, your liability and a place to stay after a covered loss.
- Renters insurance from MIS Insurance starts as low as $11 a month. Prices vary.
The law versus the lease
There is no California statute that requires tenants to carry renters insurance. A landlord can make it a condition of the lease, and many California landlords ask for a policy with at least $100,000 in liability coverage. If it is in your lease, you need it, and your landlord may ask for proof.
Why your landlord’s policy does not help you
The California Department of Insurance says it in one sentence: your landlord does not provide insurance for your personal property. If a fire or a burst pipe ruins your furniture, the landlord’s policy repairs the building. Replacing what you own is up to you.
What renters insurance covers
- Your belongings: furniture, electronics, clothing and other things you own, if they are stolen or damaged by fire and other covered causes.
- Your liability: if someone is hurt in your home, or you accidentally damage someone else’s property, including legal costs if you are sued.
- Additional living expenses: hotel bills and other extra costs if a covered loss forces you out of your home.
What it does not cover
- Floods and earthquakes, which need separate coverage
- Your roommate’s belongings, unless they are named on your policy
- Your car, which is covered by your auto insurance
- Normal wear and tear
How much coverage do you need?
Walk through your home and add up what it would cost to replace everything you own. Most people are surprised by the total. Then decide between two kinds of coverage:
| Kind of coverage | What it pays |
|---|---|
| Replacement cost | What it costs to buy the item new today |
| Actual cash value | What the used item was worth, after depreciation |
Replacement cost coverage costs more, and it pays more when you have a claim.
How much does renters insurance cost?
Renters insurance from MIS Insurance starts as low as $11 a month. Prices vary with where you live, how much coverage you choose, your deductible and your claims history. Ask about an extra discount if you also have car insurance with us.
Common questions
Do my roommate and I each need a policy?
Usually, yes. Each roommate generally needs their own policy unless they are named on yours.
Is my stuff covered when it is not at home?
Typically, yes. Belongings stolen from your car, for example, are usually covered by your renters policy. The car itself is covered by your auto insurance.
I’ve had claims or my insurance company dropped me. Can you still insure me?
Yes. Even if you have had claims or your insurer dropped you, we can still find you a policy.
How fast can I get covered?
Most policies can start the same day, and we can send proof of insurance to your landlord.
Need renters insurance?
Start at our renters insurance page, or call 800-726-0640, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm Pacific. MIS Insurance Services is an independent agency rated 4.9 stars across more than 3,100 Google reviews.
Coverage we can help with
- General liability insurance, as low as $59 a month
- Workers’ compensation insurance, as low as $83 a month
- Commercial auto insurance, as low as $79 a month
- Homeowners insurance, as low as $69 a month, and as low as $175 a month for brush-area homes and homes with claims
- Condo insurance, as low as $79 a month
- Renters insurance, as low as $11 a month
- Landlord and investment property insurance, as low as $75 a month
- Short-term rental insurance, as low as $85 a month
- All property insurance
Prices vary by business, property, location and coverage.
This article is general information, not legal advice. What a policy covers depends on the policy you buy, and California’s rules change. Confirm the details for your own situation with your agent. Last reviewed October 2026.