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California Home Insurance: Costs, Coverage and How to Save
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California has been affected by wildfire events that have caused some of the most devastating property losses in U.S. history. Between wildfire risk, earthquake exposure and a rapidly shifting insurance market, California homeowners face some of the most complex coverage challenges in the country.
Bundling your home and car insurance is easy with Jerry. It’s free to compare quotes and we’ll help you switch insurers once you’re ready, all online. Plus, our licensed agents are just a call away if you’d rather talk to a real person.
Based on cheapest quotes shown for all Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Bundle home + car and save up to 40%.
What California homeowners pay right now
Home insurance costs in California vary significantly based on your home’s location, age and rebuild cost, along with your claims history and proximity to wildfire zones. Homeowners in Los Angeles, the Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada foothills often pay more than those in lower-risk urban areas like Sacramento or the Central Valley.
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Jerry can help you find competitive prices and strong coverage, regardless of those factors. Here are some recent examples of real customers who saved by bundling their home insurance with Jerry:
Recent bundling quotes
Based on Jerry customers who found savings in the past 45 days. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Key takeaway: Home insurance rates in California are driven by wildfire risk, earthquake exposure and your home’s rebuild cost, but shopping around can still help you save.
Mix and match home and car insurance with Jerry
Bundling discounts typically range from 5%-25%, depending on the insurer. But bundling your car insurance with the same home carrier isn’t always the cheapest option overall. Sometimes exploring different carrier combinations can cost less. Over the past year, drivers who switched through Jerry saved an average of 40% compared to their previous policy.
Here’s what makes Jerry different: You don’t have to use the same insurer for both.
Jerry’s mix-and-match approach lets you pair the best home insurance rate with the best auto insurance rate, even from different carriers. This way, you’re not stuck overpaying on one policy just to get a bundle discount on the other.
Mix and match with Jerry to build your perfect bundle.
Best home insurance in California
There’s no single “best” home insurance company in California. It depends on your home, your budget and what kind of coverage you need. For example, homeowners in wildfire-prone areas near Malibu or the Santa Cruz Mountains may need specialized fire coverage, while those in San Francisco or San Diego may prioritize earthquake protection or coastal risk coverage.
That said, our data shows some clear trends among California homeowners. Here are the most popular home insurance companies Jerry customers pick:
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Why the variety? California homeowners prioritize different things. Some want the lowest premium, many care most about a smooth claims process after a wildfire, and others look for strong digital tools or local agent support. Keep in mind that several major insurers have scaled back or paused writing new policies in California in recent years due to wildfire losses, though new state reforms are requiring insurers to expand coverage in wildfire-prone areas. That makes shopping around even more valuable.
Also check: The best car insurance in California
Jerry recommends: The easiest way to find the right coverage is to compare home insurance quotes in the Jerry app. We find competitive quotes from top carriers in minutes, so you can find the best coverage at the right price.
Factors that affect home insurance costs in California
From devastating wildfires to seismic risk, where you live and what you own in California plays a major role in what you pay. Here’s what stands out most and how to stay protected.
🔥 Wildfires
Wildfire is the single biggest factor driving home insurance costs and availability in California. Fourteen of the 20 most destructive wildfires in state history have occurred since 2015 according to The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles County destroyed more than 12,000 structures. Homeowners in high-risk fire zones may face higher premiums, policy non-renewals or limited carrier options. If you can’t find coverage on the private market, the California FAIR Plan serves as a last-resort option, though it provides more limited coverage at higher costs.
🌍 Earthquakes
California sits along some of the most active fault lines in the world, including the San Andreas Fault. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. The California Earthquake Authority offers residential earthquake insurance that can be added to your policy. Premiums vary widely based on your home’s distance from fault lines, construction type, age and soil conditions.
🌧️ Mudslides
After wildfires strip hillsides of vegetation, heavy rain can trigger devastating mudslides, especially in Southern California. Standard home insurance typically does not cover earth movement or mudslides unless the damage is caused by a covered peril like fire. Homeowners in high-risk areas should review their policies carefully.
🌊 Coastal exposure and flooding
Homes along California’s coastline face risks from storm surge, wave damage and coastal erosion. Flooding from rivers and heavy winter rains is also a growing concern across the state. Standard home insurance does not cover flood damage, so homeowners in low-lying or coastal areas should consider a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
🏠 Home age and construction type
California has a wide mix of housing stock, from century-old Victorians in San Francisco to newer developments in the Inland Empire. Older homes with outdated wiring, plumbing or non-reinforced masonry can be more expensive to insure due to higher replacement costs and increased risk. Homes built to modern California building codes with fire-resistant materials tend to qualify for lower rates.
Key takeaway: California’s unique combination of wildfire, earthquake and flood risk all factor into your rate. Understanding your area’s specific threats helps you find the right coverage without gaps.
Get bundling quotes in minutes, no calls needed.
Get the right coverage without overpaying
For California homeowners, choosing the right coverage levels can save you money while making sure you’re protected when it counts.
Dwelling coverage is the core of your home insurance policy. It pays to repair or rebuild your home’s structure if it’s damaged by things like fire, wind, hail, lightning or vandalism.
Your dwelling coverage amount is based on your home’s rebuild cost as calculated by your insurer, not its market value. In California, where market values often far exceed rebuild costs, this distinction is especially relevant. Jerry can estimate your replacement cost right in the app, so you’ll know you’re covered for the right amount.
Here’s what California homeowners typically pay based on their home’s rebuild value:
$150-299k
dwelling coverage
Typical for smaller homes, condos or older properties.
$300-499k
dwelling coverage
Covers most mid-range homes.
$500-749k
dwelling coverage
Typical for larger or newer homes.
$750k-1M
dwelling coverage
Common for high-value properties.
Key takeaway: Your dwelling coverage should match your home’s rebuild cost, not its market value. Jerry shows you real-time pricing at every level so you can find the right balance.
Learn more: What does home insurance cover?
4 ways to save on home insurance in California
California prohibits insurers from using your credit history or credit score to price homeowners insurance policies. That means your rate is based entirely on factors like your home’s location, age, construction and claims history. Bundling your home policy with the cheapest car insurance in California is one of the most effective ways to lower your premium, but it’s not the only one. Here are four worth looking into.
Jerry Agent Tip 1: Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Every insurer weighs California’s wildfire, earthquake and flood risks differently, which means the same home insurance policy can cost hundreds less depending on who you’re with. With some carriers pulling back from parts of the state, comparing your options is more valuable than ever. Jerry shows you quotes side-by-side so you can find the best available rate for your area.
Recent quotes
Why it matters: Two homeowners in California with similar homes can pay very different rates depending on the insurer. Jerry shows you quotes side-by-side to help you find coverage that fits your home and budget.
Jerry Agent Tip 2: Stack discounts for a cheaper rate
From paying in full to getting security system credits, most homeowners qualify for at least a few discounts, and stacking them could add up to some serious savings. But insurers don’t always apply all of them, which is why Jerry automatically finds the discounts you qualify for.
Besides bundling, here are some common California home insurance discounts:
🔥 Wildfire mitigation discount
California’s Safer from Wildfires regulation requires insurers to offer discounts to homeowners who take steps to reduce wildfire risk. Creating defensible space around your property, using fire-resistant roofing and siding, and installing ember-resistant vents can all qualify you for meaningful reductions in your premium. In high-risk areas, these steps can also help you keep or regain coverage from private insurers.
🔒 Security system discount
Installing safety devices like alarms, smart home systems and deadbolts can qualify you for a lower rate. Many carriers offer protective device discounts of up to 15% when you combine security systems like advanced burglar protection and automatic water leak valves.
🆕 New home discount
Newer homes built to California’s current building codes are more resistant to fire and seismic damage, and insurers reward that. Depending on the carrier, homes built within the last 10 to 15 years may qualify for savings of up to 15% for the first year you’re with an insurance company.
🏆 Claims-free discount
The longer you go without filing a claim, the more you save. Most insurers offer this discount after three or more claims-free years, with some offering savings of up to 20%.
🔧 Home renovation discount
Updated your electrical, plumbing or heating systems? Some carriers offer discounts when these systems have been replaced within the last 10 to 15 years, since modern systems reduce the risk of fire and water damage. Seismic retrofitting, like bolting your home to its foundation, may also qualify for discounts with some insurers.
💳 Pay-in-full discount
Paying your full annual premium upfront instead of in monthly installments can earn you a discount with many carriers, typically between 5-10%.
🚭 Non-smoker discount
Since smoking increases the risk of house fires, some carriers offer lower rates to non-smoking households. In a state where wildfire is already a top concern, this discount can be especially valuable.
🏡 HOA or gated community discount
If your home is in a homeowners association or gated community, you may qualify for a lower premium. Insurers view these properties as lower risk due to added security and regular maintenance.
⏳ Loyalty discount
Staying with the same insurer year after year can lead to increasing savings. Some carriers start rewarding loyalty after just one year, with discounts growing the longer you stay. But still, it never hurts to shop around when your policy is up for renewal.
📋 Quote-in-advance discount
Shopping early can pay off. Some insurers offer a discount of up to 15% when you get a quote before your previous policy expires.
Key takeaway: Most homeowners qualify for multiple discounts, from bundling and wildfire mitigation to claims-free credits. But insurers don’t always apply them automatically. However, Jerry can help you find all discounts you’re eligible for to maximize your savings.
Jerry Agent Tip 3: Pick the right deductible
Your deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in, has a direct impact on your premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10 to 25%, depending on your location, insurer and home’s replacement cost.
Here’s how to find the right balance:
- Check what you can afford out of pocket. If a $2,000 expense after a covered event would be manageable, a higher deductible could save you hundreds a year. If it would strain your budget, stick with a lower one.
- Consider how often you’d actually file a claim. Most homeowners only file a claim once every 8 to 10 years, so the premium savings can add up long before you ever pay that deductible.
The Jerry difference: Jerry lets you compare quotes for different deductible amounts to see how it affects your home insurance costs.
Jerry Agent Tip 4: Take steps to protect your home from wildfires
In California, wildfire mitigation isn’t just about safety; it can directly lower your insurance costs. Under the state’s Safer from Wildfires framework, insurers are required to factor in mitigation efforts when pricing your policy. That means taking proactive steps to protect your property can translate into real savings.
Here are some of the most effective mitigation steps California homeowners can take:
- Create defensible space. Clear brush, dead vegetation and flammable materials within 100 feet of your home. This is the most widely recognized mitigation measure and is required by California law in many areas.
- Upgrade to fire-resistant materials. Class A fire-rated roofing, non-combustible siding and ember-resistant vents can significantly reduce your home’s vulnerability.
- Harden your home’s exterior. Enclosed eaves, tempered glass windows and fire-resistant decking all help prevent ignition from wind-blown embers.
- Join a Firewise USA community. Neighborhoods that participate in NFPA’s Firewise USA program demonstrate collective wildfire preparedness, which some insurers recognize when setting rates.
These improvements can also help homeowners in high-risk fire zones retain coverage from private insurers or transition off the FAIR Plan and back into the standard market.
Key takeaway: Wildfire mitigation efforts can lower your premium and help you keep or regain coverage in California’s challenging insurance market. Every step you take to reduce risk counts.
Compare home + car bundles in one place, all online.
FAQ
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💰 How much is homeowners insurance in California?
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🔥 Does homeowners insurance cover wildfire damage in California?
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🌍 Do I need earthquake insurance in California?
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📋 What is the California FAIR Plan?
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💰 Does California use credit scores for homeowners insurance?
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🏠 Is homeowners insurance required in California?
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🌧️ Does homeowners insurance cover mudslide damage in California?
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.