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Search by Quote ID → Search by Date of BirthWhat Is Renters Insurance?
Renters insurance is a form of coverage that protects your personal belongings and potential liabilities within your rented property when unforeseen events occur. While living in California comes with plenty of benefits like beautiful scenery, diverse cultural experiences, and year-round mild weather, it also presents its unique challenges, such as the risk of natural disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. If you're not adequately insured, these events can cause significant financial strain.
Mercury offers some of the cheapest renters insurance in California, allowing you to get quality coverage at an affordable price. Whether you live in a condo in Sacramento or a beachfront property in San Diego, renters insurance is an easy, affordable way to ensure peace of mind in the face of the unexpected.
Get a free quote today, and we can tailor a coverage plan that suits your needs and budget.
California Renters Coverage
Items and Expenses Covered by Renters Insurance
Renters insurance provides a crucial layer of protection for tenants, covering a range of items and expenses in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Here's a breakdown of what renters insurance typically covers:
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Personal belongings: Renters insurance helps replace or repair personal belongings, such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and other valuables. This coverage includes covered losses inside and outside your home, such as if your laptop gets stolen from your car. However, you may need additional coverage for certain high-value items, such as jewelry, fine art, or antiques.
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Liability protection: California rental insurance typically includes liability coverage, which financially protects you if someone gets injured on your rental property or you accidentally damage someone else’s property. It usually covers the other party’s medical or repair expenses and your legal expenses if you’re sued for damages.
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Additional living expenses: If your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, renters insurance often covers additional living expenses, including the cost of temporary accommodations, meals, and other necessary expenses while your home is being repaired.
Incidents Covered by Renters Insurance
Renters insurance offers coverage for various incidents, many of which are particularly relevant to you as a Californian. Here's what's typically covered:
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Fire and smoke damage: Wildfires are a notable risk in California. Renters insurance can help replace your personal property damaged or destroyed in a fire, and cover additional living expenses if you need to relocate temporarily.
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Theft and vandalism: If your rental property is subject to theft or vandalism, renters insurance can provide coverage for the stolen or damaged items. In areas with higher crime rates, this coverage becomes especially important.
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Water damage: Burst pipes, leaks, or accidental water damage can happen, and renters insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing items damaged by water.
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Severe weather: Renters insurance usually covers damage caused by windstorms, hail, lightning, and other severe weather.
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Falling objects: Damage caused by a falling object, such as a tree limb, is usually included inpart of renters insurance coverage.
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Visitor injuries: Renters insurance can help cover the associated medical and legal costs if a guest injures themselves on your rental property and you’re found responsible.
What Renters Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Renters insurance provides a significant level of protection for Californian tenants. However, it does have certain limitations. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
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Earthquakes: Standard renters insurance policies usually don't cover damage from earthquakes, which are common in California. To be protected, you'd need a separate earthquake insurance policy.
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Floods: Similarly, renters insurance typically doesn’t cover damage from floods, which can be a risk in certain parts of California. Consider additional flood insurance for comprehensive protection.
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Pest damage: Damage from pests like termites and rodents is usually not covered by renters insurance. In California, where these pests can be prevalent, you may need to invest in pest control services.
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Neglect and wear-and-tear: Rental insurance is designed to address sudden and accidental damage. Damages resulting from neglect, lack of maintenance, or general wear-and-tear are typically not covered.
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Business activities: If you run a business from your rental property, renters insurance likely won’t cover any business-related losses or liability. You’ll need business insurance to protect your assets and yourself.
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Intentional damage: If you deliberately cause damage to your own property or the property of others, renters insurance won’t cover those intentional acts.
While renters insurance has limitations, Mercury is committed to helping you navigate these and find the most comprehensive coverage for your needs in California. Contact your local agent today!
Why Is My Landlord Asking for Me to Get Renters Insurance?
While California law doesn’t mandate renters insurance, it’s common for landlords to ask for proof of renters insurance before you can move into your property. Here are some key reasons why landlords in California may insist on this:
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Minimizes landlord liability: If a guest sustains an injury while on your rental property, your renters coverage becomes a primary source for compensation. This way, your landlord avoids bearing the financial burden of court expenses tied to bodily injury claims.
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Avoids tenant compensation claims: Landlords are only liable for structural damages to the building. With renters insurance, you can cover the cost of your personal belongings and any additional living expenses in the aftermath of a disaster, preventing you from seeking compensation from your landlord.
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Recover damages: If you accidentally cause fire or water damage to your rental unit, your landlord’s insurance can cover the structural damages, but your landlord would have to pay the deductible first. If you have renters insurance, your insurer can cover this deductible, easing the financial burden on your landlord.
Get Cheap California Renters Insurance from Mercury
No matter where you call home in the Golden State, Mercury is your shield against the unpredictable. We’re committed to providing quality, affordable renters insurance that gives you peace of mind without breaking the bank. Talk with a local agent today to create a custom policy tailored to your needs and budget.
Save More with Discounts
Renters insurance is already an affordable way to protect yourself and your belongings, but you can save even more with discounts from Mercury. We offer our home and auto bundle and our paid-in-full discount, where you can save up to 10% on your annual premium by paying your renters insurance upfront.
Your Questions About Affordable Renters Insurance in California – Answered
How much is renters insurance in California?
According to Nerd Wallet, the average cost for renters insurance in California is $182 per year or about $15 per month.
Who is the cheapest rental insurance in California?
While rates can fluctuate, Mercury consistently offers some of the cheapest renters insurance rates in California. Additionally, Mercury's commitment to excellent customer service ensures you're not just buying a policy, but investing in a partnership. Our customer service representatives are always ready to assist you, ensuring your claims process runs smoothly and swiftly, and giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
How do you find the cheapest renters insurance in California?
Mercury offers flexible coverage, competitive rates, generous discounts, and excellent customer service. Contact us for a fast, free quote today!
Is it illegal to not have renters insurance in California?
No, it’s not illegal to not have renters insurance in California. However, your landlord or property manager may require you to get a policy before you sign your leasing agreement.
What Mercury Insurance products are available to California residents?
Here are the Mercury products available to California residents:
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California Cheap Renters Insurance
How do I find a Mercury agent in California?
Visit the California Insurance Agents page and find an agent in your area!