Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance in San Diego, CA (2024)


Nationwide is the best renters insurance company in San Diego, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 and an average annual premium of $107. Capital Insurance Group is the cheapest renters insurance provider in San Diego, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 89 and an average annual premium of $77. The best and cheapest quotes are based on $20,000 in personal property coverage.

The best homeowners insurance provider should balance customer service with affordability. Depending on your needs, other providers may be best. MoneyGeek also looked into the best and cheapest renters insurance in California for those who live elsewhere in the state.

Key Takeaways

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In San Diego, California, the best overall renters insurance provider is Nationwide, boasting a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 and an average annual cost of $107. This provider effectively balances affordability and customer service, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comprehensive coverage with reliable support. If you're looking for the top renters insurance in San Diego, Nationwide stands out for its value and service quality.

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For renters in San Diego, California, seeking the most affordable insurance coverage, Capital Insurance Group emerges as the cheapest provider with an average annual premium of just $77 for $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $1,000 deductible. Another cost-effective option is Allstate, offering coverage for $92 per year. While these options prioritize affordability, it's essential to consider the trade-offs with customer service. Opting for a higher deductible like $2,000 can further reduce premiums, as illustrated by Capital Insurance Group, which offers a policy for only $60 annually under these conditions.

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For renters in San Diego, California, who prioritize excellent customer service, Travelers and Nationwide are the top contenders. Travelers shines with a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $144, making it the best choice for service quality. Meanwhile, Nationwide, with a close follow-up MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 and a lower annual premium of $107, offers a strong balance between cost and service. Both providers ensure a smooth insurance experience, particularly when filing claims, thanks to their exceptional customer satisfaction ratings evaluated from J.D. Power surveys. Whether you value unparalleled service or a mix of service and affordability, Travelers and Nationwide stand out as excellent options in San Diego.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? To determine the best renters insurance in San Diego, California, we evaluated data from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.

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Renters insurance premiums in San Diego represent the most competitive estimates as of December 2024.

768Quotes Analyzed
 
8Providers Analyzed
 
7ZIP Codes

Overall Best Renters Insurance in San Diego, CA

Nationwide provides the best renters insurance in San Diego, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $107. These are the top two best renters insurance providers in San Diego for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage, $100,000 in personal liability and a $1,000 deductible:

  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($107 per year)
  • Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($92 per year)

Nationwide balances cost and affordability, with an affordability score of 49 out of 55 and a customer satisfaction score of 28 out of 30.

Company logo for Nationwide
Best OverallNationwide
MoneyGeek Score:
91/ of 100

Overview

Nationwide ranks first in San Diego for coverage, offering an average annual premium of $107. The company offers coverages like credit card forgery and theft from vehicles. Credit card forgery pays for unauthorized transactions on your credit cards and bank debit/ATM card, as well as forged checks and counterfeit money. Theft from vehicles extends protection to your personal belongings stored in or on any motor vehicle, trailer or watercraft, ensuring your valuables are covered even when on the go.

Best Renters Insurance in San Diego, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Nationwide91$ 107
Allstate87$ 92
State Farm87$ 121
Travelers86$ 144
Capital Insurance Group82$ 77
Farmers73$ 168
Chubb61$ 277

Cheapest Renters Insurance in San Diego, CA

In San Diego, California, Capital Insurance Group offers the cheapest renters insurance, with an average annual premium of $77 for $20,000 in personal property coverage. MoneyGeek rated the cheapest renters insurance with minimal consideration for customer service. The following providers are the top two cheapest in San Diego for $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $1,000 deductible:

  • Capital Insurance Group: $77 per year
  • Allstate: $92 per year

Personal property coverage helps protect your belongings, such as furniture, electronics and clothing, in case of theft, fire or other covered events. Cheap renters insurance policies often have low personal property coverage limits. Higher personal property coverage limits can lead to higher monthly costs but provide better protection if you have many belongings.

Cheapest Renters Insurance in San Diego, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Allstate90$ 92
Nationwide90$ 107
Capital Insurance Group89$ 77
State Farm87$ 121
Travelers82$ 144
Farmers71$ 168
Chubb49$ 277

Cheapest Renters Insurance With a High Deductible in San Diego, CA

In San Diego, California, Capital Insurance Group offers the cheapest renters insurance for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $2,000 deductible, with an average annual premium of $60. The following providers are the top two cheapest in San Diego for $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $2,000 deductible:

  • Capital Insurance Group: $60 per year
  • Nationwide: $85 per year

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest, and it can affect your rates. A higher deductible often leads to cheaper premiums, while a lower deductible means higher premiums. It’s important to balance both to ensure you can afford your deductible if you need to file a claim.

Cheapest High Deductible Renters Insurance in San Diego, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Coverage:$20K Personal Property
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Deductible:$ 2,000
Capital Insurance Group82$ 60
Nationwide92$ 85
Allstate84$ 92
Travelers88$ 116
State Farm84$ 119
Farmers70$ 164
Chubb61$ 257
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HOW TO SET YOUR DEDUCTIBLE

When selecting a deductible, ensure it is an amount you can comfortably pay out of pocket if you need to make a claim. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your annual premiums, leading to overall cost savings while providing adequate coverage.

Best Renters Insurance for Customer Service in San Diego, CA

Travelers offers the best renters insurance for service quality in San Diego, California, with an average annual premium of $144. The following providers are the top two best in San Diego for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage, focusing on excellent customer service without considering affordability:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($144 per year)
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($107 per year)

Great customer service is important for renters looking for insurance because it ensures a smooth and supportive insurance experience. For example, when you make a claim, a company with excellent customer service will efficiently guide you through the process, ensuring you feel supported and informed. MoneyGeek scores renters insurance providers and their customer satisfaction based on J.D. Power surveys, which assess customer experiences and satisfaction levels.

Company logo for Travelers
Best Service QualityTravelers
MoneyGeek Score:
96/ of 100

Overview

Travelers ranks first in customer satisfaction and coverage in San Diego, California. With an average annual premium of $144, it is the cheapest provider in the area. Travelers offers contents replacement cost and scheduled personal property coverages. Contents replacement cost covers personal property losses based on replacement cost without depreciation, ensuring you get the full value of your items. Scheduled personal property provides protection for high-value items like jewelry and fine art, allowing you to add higher limits to your policy without needing an appraisal.

Best Renters Insurance for Service Quality in San Diego, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Travelers96$ 144
Nationwide95$ 107
Chubb93$ 277
State Farm86$ 121
Allstate77$ 92
Farmers77$ 168
Capital Insurance Group61$ 77

Best Renters Insurance for High Personal Property Limits in San Diego, CA

For renters in San Diego, California, needing high personal property coverage, Nationwide stands out with an average annual premium of $322. For $100K in personal property coverage, the top two best providers in San Diego are:

  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($322 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($302 per year)

High personal property coverage ensures you're protected financially in case of significant loss or damage to your belongings. Those with extensive personal assets often require this level of coverage. However, it usually comes with a higher price tag; it's crucial to find a provider that balances cost and excellent service. Remember that high-value possessions like jewelry or artwork might not be fully covered under a standard policy and may require additional coverage.

Company logo for Nationwide
Best High Personal Property LimitNationwide
MoneyGeek Score:
92/ of 100

Overview

Nationwide ranks first in affordability and customer satisfaction for expensive homes in San Diego, with an average annual premium of $322. The company offers credit card forgery and theft from vehicles coverages. Credit card forgery covers unauthorized transactions on your cards, while theft from vehicles protects personal belongings stored in your vehicle.

Best Renters Insurance for High Personal Property Limits in San Diego, CA
Nationwide92$ 322
State Farm91$ 302
Travelers91$ 363
Allstate87$ 282
Capital Insurance Group82$ 237
Farmers79$ 432
Chubb61$ 872
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SCHEDULED PERSONAL PROPERTY COVERAGE

If you own valuables such as fine jewelry or art, you would need additional coverage as these items are not usually covered by standard policies. Opt for a provider that offers scheduled personal property coverage, which extends coverage to such valuables.

Best Renters Insurance for Military Families in San Diego, CA

In San Diego, USAA is the top-rated renters insurance company for those with military backgrounds, with an average annual premium of $96. These are the top two best providers for military members in San Diego for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage:

  • USAA: MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($96 per year)
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($107 per year)

USAA offers a range of products tailored for those with a military background, offering discounts and coverages that suit the military lifestyle. Although other insurers may have lower premiums, USAA's specialized offerings make it a better overall choice for service members in most cases.

Company logo for USAA
Best for MilitaryUSAA
MoneyGeek Score:
100/ of 100

Overview

USAA is the premier renters insurance provider for those with a military background in San Diego, leading in customer satisfaction and coverage. With an average annual premium of $96, it ensures affordability without compromising on quality. It offers contents replacement cost coverage, which ensures you can replace items at current retail prices. Worldwide personal property coverage protects your belongings globally, a significant benefit for those who may be deployed or relocated.

Best Renters Insurance for Military in San Diego, CA
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
USAA100$ 96
Nationwide91$ 107
Allstate87$ 92
State Farm87$ 121
Travelers86$ 144
Capital Insurance Group82$ 77
Farmers73$ 168
Chubb61$ 277

Average Cost of Renters Insurance in San Diego, CA

The average cost of renters insurance in San Diego, California, is $141 annually or $12 monthly. This rate is cheaper than the California state average of $148 and the national average of $145. These rates are based on a renters insurance policy with $20,000 in personal property limits, $100,000 in liability limits and a $1,000 deductible.

Renters should note that the average cost of renters insurance in San Diego may vary greatly depending on the amount of personal property coverage you purchase. Personal property coverage protects your belongings in case of damage or theft. Use the calculator below to see how much coverage you need based on the value of your personal property.

Personal Property Coverage Calculator

When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.

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Factors That Impact Renters Insurance Costs in San Diego

Various factors can influence the cost of renters insurance in San Diego, California. For instance, the location of your rental and the amount of coverage you choose can significantly impact your premiums. Understanding what affects the cost of renters insurance is crucial when selecting a policy, as it allows you to find the best coverage for your budget and needs. Here are some key factors that affect renters insurance costs:

  • Location: The neighborhood's crime rate and risk of natural disasters can increase premiums.
  • Coverage Amount: Higher coverage limits lead to higher premiums.
  • Deductible: A lower deductible means higher premiums, while a higher deductible lowers them.
  • Credit Score: A good credit score can reduce your premiums.
  • Claims History: A history of claims can raise your premiums.

What Renters Insurance Covers in San Diego, CA

Renters insurance primarily protects your personal belongings from damage, but it also covers personal liability and loss of use. Below is a detailed list of what renters insurance typically covers:

  • Personal Property Coverage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your personal items if they are damaged or stolen. For example, if a fire in California damages your furniture and electronics, this coverage helps you replace them.
  • Personal Liability Coverage: This protects you if someone is injured in your rental unit or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. For instance, if a guest slips and falls in your California apartment, this coverage can help pay for their medical expenses.
  • Loss of Use Coverage: This helps cover additional living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event. For example, if an earthquake in California makes your apartment unlivable, loss of use coverage can help pay for temporary housing.
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COMMONLY COVERED PERILS

Renters insurance typically covers losses from incidents like theft, fire and water damage. Understanding your policy's specific coverage is key to ensuring you're protected. Here are common situations renters insurance covers:

  • Fire or lightning
  • Windstorm or hail
  • Explosions
  • Riots
  • Aircraft
  • Vehicles
  • Smoke damage

What Renters Insurance Does Not Cover in San Diego

Renters insurance in San Diego does not cover everything, such as damage from floods and earthquakes. Below is a list of what renters insurance typically doesn't cover:

  • Floods: Damage caused by flooding is not covered.
  • Earthquakes: Damage resulting from earthquakes is excluded.

FAQ: Renters Insurance in San Diego, CA

The best renters insurance provider in San Diego, California, depends on your unique needs. We answered the frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

How much is renters insurance in San Diego, California, on average?

What is the cheapest renters insurance company in San Diego, California?

What is the best renters insurance company in San Diego, California?

Do I need renters insurance in San Diego, California?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.