Renters Insurance in California
As Low As $11/month
Protecting Your Personal Belongings in Any Rental Home
damaged or stolen.
Renters insurance covers your possessions against losses from fire or smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm, and water damage from plumbing.
However, renters insurance does not cover floods, earthquakes or routine wear and tear. You can, however, buy separate policies for flood and earthquake damage.
The four parts of a renters policy
- Personal property pays to repair or replace your belongings after a covered loss. It usually covers your things away from home too, like a laptop stolen from your car or luggage stolen on a trip.
- Loss of use (additional living expenses) pays the extra cost of living somewhere else while your rental is being repaired after a covered loss.
- Personal liability pays if you’re responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property, including legal defense costs.
- Medical payments to others pays smaller medical bills for a guest hurt at your place, no matter who was at fault.
Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
This choice makes the biggest difference in what you get paid. Actual cash value pays what your things were worth after depreciation, so a five-year-old TV may be worth very little. Replacement cost pays what it costs to buy a new one. Replacement cost usually costs a little more, and we’ll quote both so you can compare.
Jewelry, cash and other valuables
Most policies have lower limits for certain items, such as jewelry, watches, cash, collectibles and sometimes firearms. If you own valuable items, ask us about adding a scheduled item (rider) so they’re covered for their full value.
Earthquake, flood and wildfire in California
Renters policies don’t cover earthquakes or floods. In California, renters can buy separate earthquake coverage for their belongings and living expenses through the California Earthquake Authority, sold by participating insurance companies. Flood coverage for belongings is also available separately, including through the National Flood Insurance Program. Fire, including wildfire, is a covered loss on standard renters policies, and smoke damage usually is too.
If you are forced out of your home because of a disaster, your additional living
expenses will be covered.
Renters insurance pays the reasonable additional costs of temporarily living away from your home if you can’t live in it due to a fire, severe storm or other insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt. Coverage for additional living expenses differs from company to company.
Renters insurance also covers your responsibility to other people injured at your home or elsewhere by you, a family member or your pet and pays legal defense costs if you are taken to court.
How much liability coverage do you need?
Many renters policies offer liability limits from $100,000 to $500,000. If your lease requires a minimum, often $100,000, choose at least that. Higher limits usually cost only a little more and protect your savings if someone is seriously hurt.
Have a dog?
Liability coverage on a renters policy can pay if your dog injures someone. Some insurance companies limit or exclude certain breeds or dogs with a bite history, so tell us about your pets and we’ll find a company that covers them.
Decide How Much
Insurance You Need.
Add up the cost of everything you would want to replace if it were damaged or stolen. This could also serve as the basis for an inventory that will make filing a claim easier. For an inventory, also record model numbers, dates and places of purchase. Take photographs or make a video of these items and place a copy of the inventory in safe place away from your home.
If you rent an apartment or house you need insurance to protect your belongings. While your landlord might have insurance, it only protects the building. Your belongings are not covered under those policies.
Showing proof to your landlord
Most landlords ask for a copy of your declarations page. You can also list your landlord as an “interested party,” so they’re notified if your policy is canceled. We can usually send your proof of insurance the same day you buy.
College students
Students living in a dorm may have limited coverage under a parent’s homeowners policy. Students renting an apartment or house off campus usually need their own renters policy.
Why Renters Insurance Is an Important Safeguard
caused by theft, fire, or sudden damage.
is injured while visiting your rental home.
if your unit becomes temporarily uninhabitable.
fit your lifestyle and monthly budget.
How Much Is Renters Insurance in California?
Renters insurance from MIS starts as low as $11 a month. Prices vary. Yours depends on where you live, how much coverage you choose, your deductible and your claims history. Call us or request a quote and we’ll give you an exact price.
We shop the market for you. MIS is an independent insurance broker, licensed by the California Department of Insurance (License #0G55496). Instead of one company’s price, our licensed agents compare multiple insurance companies and show you the best renters coverage for your budget. Call (800) 726-0640. Hablamos español.
Who Needs Renters Insurance?
Anyone who rents the place they live in. Your landlord’s insurance covers the building, not your things, and it does not protect you if someone is hurt in your home.
- Apartment and condo renters
- People renting a house or a room
- College students living off campus
- Roommates, who usually each need their own policy
Ways to Save on Renters Insurance
- Pair it with your car insurance. Ask about an extra discount when you also have car insurance from MIS Insurance.
- Choose a higher deductible. A higher deductible usually means a lower monthly price.
- Buy the right amount. Add up what your belongings are worth so you are not paying for more coverage than you need.
- Ask about safety discounts. Smoke alarms, security systems and other safety devices can help.
Renters Insurance Questions and Answers
Is renters insurance required in California?
California law does not require it, but many landlords require it in the lease, often with at least $100,000 in liability coverage.
Does my landlord’s insurance cover my belongings?
No. Your landlord’s policy covers the building. Your belongings are not covered under it.
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 or non-renewed you, we can still find you a policy.
Does renters insurance cover my roommate?
Usually not. Each roommate generally needs their own policy unless they are named on yours.
Does renters insurance cover theft from my car?
Your belongings are typically covered even when they are away from home, such as items stolen from your car. The car itself is covered by your auto insurance.
Does renters insurance cover floods or earthquakes?
No. Those need separate policies.
How fast can I get covered?
Most policies can start the same day.
What else do you insure?
Cars, homes, condos and more. See our auto insurance and all of our property insurance.
Does renters insurance pay replacement cost?
Only if you choose replacement cost coverage. Actual cash value pays what your things were worth after depreciation; replacement cost pays what it costs to buy them new. We’ll quote both.
Can I get earthquake insurance as a renter in California?
Yes. Renters can buy separate earthquake coverage for belongings and living expenses through the California Earthquake Authority, sold by participating insurance companies.
Does renters insurance cover wildfire and smoke damage?
Fire, including wildfire, is a covered loss on standard renters policies, and smoke damage usually is too. Check your policy for details.
Does renters insurance cover my dog?
Liability coverage can pay if your dog injures someone, but some companies limit or exclude certain breeds or dogs with a bite history. Tell us about your pets and we’ll find a company that covers them.
How much renters insurance do I need?
Add up what it would cost to replace your belongings to choose your personal property limit, and pick at least the liability limit your lease requires, often $100,000.
Can I add my landlord to my renters policy?
Yes. You can list your landlord as an interested party so they’re notified if your policy is canceled.
MIS Insurance provides renters insurance in all cities in California including: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Riverside, Stockton, Chula Vista, Irvine, Fremont, San Bernardino, Modesto, Fontana, Oxnard, Moreno Valley, Huntington Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Oceanside, Garden Grove, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Rosa, Ontario, Elk Grove