Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance in Santa Maria, CA (2024)

Nationwide is the best renters insurance company in Santa Maria, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 and an average annual premium of $98. Capital Insurance Group is the cheapest provider, with a MoneyGeek score of 89 and an average annual premium of $70. The best and cheapest quotes are based on $20,000 in personal property coverage.

The best homeowners insurance provider should offer a balance of 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.

Nationwide is the best renters insurance provider in Santa Maria, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $98. These are the top two best renters insurance providers in Santa Maria 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 ($98 per year)
• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($123 per year)

Nationwide has perfectly balanced customer satisfaction and affordability, with an affordability score of 49 out of 55.

In Santa Maria, California, Capital Insurance Group offers the cheapest renters insurance, with an average annual premium of $70 for $20,000 in personal property coverage. The following providers are the top two cheapest in Santa Maria for $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $1,000 deductible, with MoneyGeek's rating for the cheapest renters insurance having minimal consideration for customer service:

• Capital Insurance Group: $70 per year
• Allstate: $83 per year

Personal property coverage protects your belongings in case of damage or theft. Cheap renters insurance policies often have low personal property coverage limits. While higher personal property coverage limits can increase your monthly costs, they provide better protection if you have many personal belongings. Personal property coverage protects your belongings in case of damage or theft.

In Santa Maria, California, Capital Insurance Group offers the cheapest renters insurance for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $2,000 deductible at an average annual premium of $78. The following providers are the top two cheapest in Santa Maria for $20,000 in personal property coverage and a $2,000 deductible:

• Capital Insurance Group: $55 per year
• Nationwide: $78 per year

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in, 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 premium and still have manageable out-of-pocket costs if you need to file a claim. This balance helps you avoid financial strain in case of an unexpected event.

For renters in Santa Maria, California, who prioritize exceptional service over cost, the following are the top two providers for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage:

• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($123 per year)
• Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($98 per year)

Excellent customer service is vital for renters seeking insurance. If you're making a claim after a stressful event, a responsive and helpful insurance representative can make the process smoother and less daunting. MoneyGeek evaluates the best renters insurance companies for customer service based on J.D. Power surveys, which assess customer satisfaction in areas like policy offerings, price, billing process and claims.

State Farm offers the best renters insurance for high personal property coverage in Santa Maria, California, with an average annual premium of $216 for $100,000 in coverage. The top two best providers in Santa Maria for $100K in personal property coverage are:

• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($216 per year)
• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($297 per year)

Renters who own a lot of belongings often need higher personal property coverage, which means a higher limit on the policy to protect personal belongings in case of damage or theft. However, higher coverage levels typically come at a higher cost. Finding a provider that offers a good balance of cost and quality service is vital, especially when you have many possessions. Remember that high-value items like jewelry or art may require additional coverage as they're not always fully covered under standard policies.

For renters with military backgrounds in Santa Maria, the top two providers for a policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage are:

• USAA: MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($88 per year)
• Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 91 out 100 ($98 per year)

USAA offers a range of products tailored for active military members, veterans and their families. Although other insurers may have lower premiums, USAA's specialized offerings make it a better overall choice for service members in most cases.

The average cost of renters insurance in Santa Maria, California, is $130 annually or $11 monthly. This rate is $18 cheaper than the California state average of $148 and $15 cheaper than 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 remember that the average cost of renters insurance in Santa Maria may vary greatly depending on the amount of personal property coverage purchased. Personal property coverage protects your belongings, such as furniture and electronics, 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.

The cost of renters insurance in Santa Maria, California, is influenced by multiple factors, including the location of the rental property and the amount of coverage desired. Understanding these variables is key to finding a policy that fits your budget and needs.

• Location: The area where you live can affect your premium due to crime rates and weather-related risks.
• Coverage Amount: Opting for higher coverage limits will increase your insurance costs.
• Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you'll pay more out of pocket in case of a claim.
• Claims History: Renters with a history of claims may face higher premiums due to a higher perceived risk by insurance companies.
• Credit Score: Insurance companies may factor in your credit history when determining your premium, with better credit records often leading to lower costs.

Renters insurance primarily covers your personal belongings in case of damage, but it also includes other protections such as personal liability and loss of use coverage. Below are the key coverages provided by renters insurance:

• Personal Property Coverage: This coverage protects your personal belongings against damage or theft. For example, if a fire damages your apartment in California, your renters insurance can help replace your furniture and electronics.
• Personal Liability Coverage: This coverage helps with legal expenses if you are found liable for injuries or damages to others. If a guest slips and falls in your California apartment, your renters insurance can cover their medical bills and your legal fees.
• Loss of Use Coverage: This coverage pays for additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. If an earthquake makes your California apartment unlivable, loss of use coverage can help pay for a hotel stay and other related costs.

Renters insurance in Santa Maria does not cover everything, including natural disasters and high-value items. Below are some common exclusions:

• Natural Disasters: Damage from floods and earthquakes is typically not covered.
• High-Value Items: Jewelry and collectibles usually require additional riders for full coverage.

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