California Renters Insurance FAQs

One way to save money on California renters insurance is by raising your deductibles. The higher the deductible—the amount you pay out-of-pocket should damage or loss occur—the lower your premium. Some companies offer discounts if you hold other insurance policies with them, such as car insurance, etc. You may receive discounts for safety features, such as fire alarms and burglar systems. Remember that California law allows insurance companies to set their own rates, subject to California Department of Insurance approval, so always get quotes and compare what different California Insurance companies offer, and save money.

In California, burglary of rental units is far more common than burglary of private homes. California residents, whether in homes, condos, or apartments, face a high risk of wildfires. Tornadoes and other windstorms cause major damage in many parts of California. And California is earthquake prone, so make sure that your California renters insurance covers earthquake damage.

Yes, your possessions are protected against damage and loss even when they are not in your rental unit. Check your policy for specifics.

Since no part of California is immune to earthquakes, getting earthquake insurance makes good sense. Since regular California renters insurance policies do not cover earthquakes, you need to purchase additional coverage which must, by law, be offered by your California insurance company. CEA, the California Earthquake Authority, provides affordable earthquake insurance that you can purchase through many California renters insurance providers.

A master policy is an insurance policy provided by the owner of the complex in which you live. You pay for part of this plan, which covers areas that are shared between tenants. You need your personal insurance policy to cover the property in your rented unit, but the master policy covers common areas, such as walkways and basements, with both liability and damage coverages.

Yes you can. You can have your roommate listed on your policy, which should then cover both of your possessions. For most companies this option costs very little. Make sure when you decide on this sort of arrangement that there is no exception in the policy that excludes your roommate from liability coverage attached to your renters’ insurance, because this could result in some very expensive problems if your roommate’s actions were to injure someone.