Our team analyzed factors including price, localized weather and claims hazards when choosing our top picks. We also collected quotes for sample residences across the Bay Area before naming the top companies. For an average monthly premium of $13.13, you can purchase protection for your belongings in a San Francisco rental in case anything gets stolen or damaged.

Top 5 Renters Insurance Providers in San Francisco

When comparing renters insurance companies, we considered the cost of renters insurance, coverage, policy ease of use and brand trust.

Average Cost of Renters Insurance in San Francisco

The average cost of a renters insurance policy in San Francisco is $13.13 per month or about $158 per year, according to data from Quadrant Information Services. Pricing will vary based on factors including the amount of coverage you choose and details about your rental. 

Cheapest Renters Insurance in San Francisco

The cheapest renters insurance policy in San Francisco is Farmers, which features an average premium of $11.26 per month. This is about 12% lower than the city average of $13.13 — but remember that pricing will vary depending on your exact location and coverage choices. 

How To Save on Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is generally around or less than $15 per month, making it an affordable way to protect your belongings financially against theft or damage. Still, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of loss, which may help you obtain savings on your premiums.

Ask Your Landlord To Install Anti-Burglary Alarms 

San Francisco’s new local safety measures have resulted in a 17% drop in burglaries since the beginning of 2024, according to the San Francisco government. Still, break-ins remain a top concern for safety officials — and insurance providers. Some renters insurance providers offer discounts for having anti-burglary or anti-theft devices installed in your apartment. 

Take Steps Against Vandalism

In addition to theft, vandalism is a common claim among California renters. According to our survey, 46% of Californians’ claims said they’ve filed claims related to vandalism. Some renters insurance companies allow you to claim a discount on coverage if you have vandalism-deterring devices such as spotlights or video doorbells. You can ask your landlord to install these devices if your unit does not have any. 

Choose a Higher Deductible

Although you’ll pay more each time you file a claim, choosing a higher deductible is one way to lower your monthly renters insurance premiums. Before you select a deductible that is too high, make sure you can afford to pay it should you need to file a claim.

What Factors Affect Renters Insurance Rates in San Francisco?

Understanding the specific hazards that you may face as a resident of San Francisco can help you better manage renters insurance costs. Here are some of the factors that negatively influence renters insurance premiums in San Francisco:

• Crime rates: While city officials have taken steps to tackle San Francisco’s local crime rates, vandalism and theft remain two of the top concerns for personal property coverage providers. In our survey, these two offenses were the top causes of claims among renters throughout the Golden State. As a result, local neighborhood property crime rates play a role in renters insurance pricing. 
• Flooding and water hazards: San Francisco’s location directly on the water might make for some beautiful views — but it’s not ideal for preventing water damage. Data analyzed by FirstStreet shows that 8.5% of San Francisco residents live in a high-risk flood zone. This means the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has indicated a relatively higher chance of water-related property damage. If you’re in a flood zone, we recommend investing in flood insurance to protect your personal property. 

Additional factors that might affect your California renters insurance cost include: 

• Your location in the city
• Your proximity to fire stations and other emergency services 
• Your chosen coverage levels and endorsements
• Your claims history

Common Causes of Renters Insurance Claims in San Francisco

While no one wants to file a claim, California residents may face a higher risk of needing to file an expensive claim. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), California residents incur some of the most expensive property damage in the country. Some of the most common causes of claims include: 

• Water damage: One of the most common personal property claims in San Francisco and California is water damage. Although errant water often comes from the bay and weather hazards such as thunderstorms, it may result from plumbing issues. In our survey, 46% of California residents who’ve filed a renters insurance claim said it was for water damage. 
• Vandalism and theft: Vandalism and theft are two of the most common renters insurance claims in the U.S. — and San Francisco is no exception. Based on our survey, nearly 46% of California respondents have filed a vandalism claim and 42% have filed a theft claim. You can try to reduce these risks by making sure your property is secured before leaving for work or vacation and activating security cameras. 
• Fire damage: Californians are no strangers to wildfires, but house fires can also occur in San Francisco. Rental units and homes with older electrical systems and building materials can contribute to house fire risk. According to our survey, about 46% of California residents who’ve filed renters insurance claims said it was fire-related.

Recommended Renters Insurance Coverage in San Francisco

The typical renters insurance policy is called an HO-4 policy, which generally offers the following types of standard coverages. 

• Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace you for damage to your personal belongings, such as your bicycle, clothing and furniture.
• Liability protection coverage helps you pay legal fees and court-ordered judgments if someone sues you. For example, a guest who visits your home and is bitten by your dog might sue you for resulting medical expenses. Personal liability coverage helps you cover a guest’s medical bills and many legal costs.
• Loss of use coverage helps cover the ancillary costs of temporary housing if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, including while your rental is repaired. For example, the coverage may include the cost of meals that you would normally cook at home. Your landlord’s insurance will usually cover the cost of your temporary housing.

In addition to the standard coverages included with HO-4 policies, you may also want to consider the following endorsements as a resident of San Francisco:

• Water backup coverage 
• Water damage coverage
• Scheduled personal property (if you have valuables)

It can help to create a list of your assets and their approximate value before you shop for renters insurance. Knowing how much coverage you need can make it easier to request customized quotes.

Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Renters Insurance Companies

How We Gather Cost Data