Find the Best Homeowners Insurance in San Diego, CA

How to choose homeowners insurance in San Diego

Homeowners insurance is not required by law in California. However, if you financed your home with a mortgage, the lender will most likely require you to carry homeowners insurance. The California Department of Insurance provides detailed information for those considering coverage for their home.

On average, San Diego residents pay $905 per year for homeowners insurance, lower than both the national average of $1,083 and California’s average of $974. Our moderate weather that doesn’t bring freezing temps to most of the county might contribute to lower premiums.

Average annual home insurance rates in San Diego

Costs are lower than average in the western, northern and southern parts of the county. For example: Point Loma, Mira Mesa and Chula Vista. East county locations, such as Ramona, tend to have higher averages. The two highest rates in the state are in San Diego County: the mountain town of Julian and the desert community of Warner Springs.

Discounts on home insurance in San Diego

Homeowners in California can get discounts for features like sprinklers, smoke alarms, security systems and water sensors. Energy efficient homes also qualify for discounts, and you can usually save money by combining auto, life and homeowners policies. Employees of UC San Diego and San Diego State University should check with their employers to see if they partner with insurers to offer special savings.

Add-on coverage for natural disasters

California is prone to natural disasters, so homeowners must rely on insurance to protect their investments. In San Diego, it’s essential to ask about riders for things that are not typically covered, like earthquakes and mudslides. Flooding, which can happen in low-lying areas like Ocean Beach and Mission Valley, is also not covered by basic homeowners insurance.

The Los Angeles Times reported that 60 to 80 percent of homes in Southern California are infested by termites, another natural hazard not covered by home insurance. Neighborhoods with older housing stock, like North Park and South Park, might be more susceptible, but even new homes can get infested.

Finally, many homes throughout San Diego County have backyard pools, and those residents should be aware that basic homeowners insurance does not cover injuries in or around the pool.