Certain types of coverage, such as auto insurance, are required by law in some states. So it makes sense to ask whether renters insurance is required in California. Keep reading to discover the answer to this question and learn more about renters insurance in California.
Is Renters Insurance Required in California?
The short answer is no, renters insurance (also known as tenants insurance) is not required by California law.
However, as many renters in California can attest, a lot of landlords require you to have renters insurance as a leasing condition.
While this adds a step to the process of renting a place, it also gives you an extra layer of protection that can make all the difference if something unexpected happens.
The reason is that your landlord’s insurance covers only the building itself. Renters insurance protects your belongings, in addition to other useful coverages we’ll review in the next section.
What Is Covered by Renters Insurance?
Your typical renters insurance provides three types of protection:
- Personal possessions. Helps pay for damage caused by risks that may include fire, smoke, lightning, explosion, windstorm, vandalism, and theft.
- Liability. Covers legal costs for bodily injury or property damage for which you or your family are responsible, up to the limits stated in your policy.
- Additional living expenses (ALE). Covers the costs of living elsewhere if the home you rent is rendered uninhabitable by a risk included in your policy.
It’s worth noting that renters insurance does not cover damage caused by earthquakes or floods. However, you can purchase these coverages separately. To round out your protection, we recommend you consider umbrella insurance as well.
RF1 Insurance Services: Renters Insurance in California
Looking for Renters Insurance in Ontario, California, or anywhere in the Golden State? At RF1 Insurance we work with some of the world’s most trusted insurance companies, including Safeco, Guard, Stillwater, National General Premier, Aegis, and the California Fair Plan.
Contact us by email (info@RF1ins.com), telephone (909-359-2067), or social media (Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn) for a free quote or to learn more about a full range of insurance solutions.