With a score of 4.1 out of 5 Amica ranks as the top homeowners insurance company in California, based on our research. Amica offers homeowners numerous coverage options and a variety of discount opportunities.
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Standard home insurance policies typically consist of the following six coverages:
- Dwelling. Losses to a home’s main structure and attached structures, like carports and garages, as well as electrical wiring, permanently installed cooling and heating systems, and plumbing
- Other structures. Repair or replacement of unattached structures on your property, like fences and sheds
- Loss of use. Expenses like hotel bills and restaurant tabs that you acquire if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss
- Personal property. Personal items, like clothing, furniture, and sports equipment
- Personal liability. Expenses resulting when someone sues you over property damage or bodily injuries
- Medical payments. Medical bills resulting from injuries someone outside of your household sustained while on your property
California law doesn’t require homeowners to carry home insurance. But lenders often require borrowers to maintain homeowners coverage throughout the life of the mortgage. A lender may include your insurance premium in the mortgage payment. In such cases, the lender usually holds the insurance portion in an escrow account and pays the premium when it’s due.
California law doesn’t require special home insurance coverages.
Most standard homeowners policies do not cover damages caused by floods. Homes with government-backed mortgages that lie in high-risk flood areas must have flood insurance. Even if your home isn’t in a high-risk flood area, your lender may require you to purchase flood insurance.
Many major home insurance companies sell private flood insurance or policies offered through the National Flood Insurance Program.
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Company | Flood Coverage |
|---|---|
Amica | Yes* |
USAA | Yes* |
Nationwide | No |
Lemonade | No |
Chubb | Yes |
* Coverage is available for purchase through the insurer, but the insurance may ultimately be from an external program, such as the NFIP, CEA, or another partner.
California has more than 500 active faults, according to the California Earthquake Authority. Most standard home insurance policies do not cover losses caused by earthquakes. However, some insurers offer earthquake riders or standalone earthquake policies. Typically, earthquake insurance covers your home’s structure, its contents, and loss of use expenses.
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Company | Earthquake Coverage |
|---|---|
Amica | Yes* |
USAA | Yes* |
Nationwide | Yes* |
Lemonade | Yes* |
Chubb | Yes |
* Coverage is available for purchase through the insurer, but the insurance may ultimately be from an external program, such as the NFIP, CEA, or another partner.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s incident archive reports that 7,477 wildfires occurred throughout 2022, leaving 772 structures destroyed and 104 damaged. A basic homeowners policy – also called an HO-3 policy – typically covers fire damage, but wildfires may be specifically excluded or coverage may be limited depending on your location and your insurer.
Some insurance companies partner with Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. to help protect against, respond to, and mitigate damage from wildfires. Program availability may vary by state.
For homeowners unable to obtain coverage for wildfires with a traditional insurance company, the California FAIR Plan Association may provide temporary, basic coverage. However, it’s important to note that this option is not as comprehensive as standard homeowners insurance, so a supplemental Difference in Conditions policy may be advisable to cover additional losses that may be excluded under a FAIR Plan.
Windstorms are typically covered under an HO-3 homeowners policy, but a separate deductible or coverage limit may apply. California homeowners living in areas prone to high winds should discuss these specifics with their agent or insurer.
Basic homeowners policies usually include coverage for theft and vandalism. When theft occurs, home insurance may pay for structural damage caused by a break-in and may replace stolen personal property on a replacement cost or actual cash value basis, depending on which coverage you chose. Certain categories of personal property, like jewelry, furs, artwork, antiques, and firearms, may have specific exclusions or reduced coverage limits.
Vandalism to your home and property is covered in most instances. However, many homeowners policies include a vacant-home clause, stating that there will be no coverage for vandalism if your home is vacant (i.e., empty of people and contents) for a specified period, typically 30 or 60 days.
The California FAIR Plan is a program that offers "last resort" home insurance. It was designed as a safety net for homeowners who can’t secure private insurance coverage. Financially supported by local insurance companies, it offers temporary fire and earthquake insurance for homes and businesses in high-risk areas.