Find the Best Homeowners Insurance in Bakersfield, CA

How to choose homeowners insurance in Bakersfield

Homeowners insurance is divided into several different components. The three main types of coverage include:

• Dwelling, which covers the structure of home if it is damaged by a covered “peril.” These usually include fire and smoke, lightning strikes, windstorms, hail, explosions, vandalism, snow and ice, falling objects and damage from an aircraft or automobile.
• Personal property, which covers things you own, like clothing, furniture and electronics. If items are stolen or damaged, a policy will pay for replacements or actual cash value.
• Liability, which will cover things like medical bills if you are legally responsible for a guest’s injury at your home.

Homeowners can also get additional coverages, such as for detached structures on the property or for emergency living expenses if a home is no longer able to be occupied.

In Bakersfield, homeowners insurance is not required, but mortgage companies usually require purchasing coverage while the borrower is making payments.

How much does homeowners insurance in Bakersfield cost?

In Bakersfield, many homeowners pay less than the average Californian and the average American. Cost is partly a function of where in Bakersfield you live. Policies in areas around Lamont and Shafter tend to be cheapest, while properties downtown and in South Bakersfield are more expensive to insure. For $200,000 dwelling coverage with a $1,000 deductible and $100,000 liability coverage, annual costs are between $800 and $850.

Average home insurance rates in Bakersfield

Many factors determine the cost of homeowners insurance in Bakersfield. Apart from the amount of coverage you purchase and the deductible you set, other variables are the location of your home, crime rates, the condition and building materials of the property, frequency of claims and credit score.

When shopping for a homeowners insurance policy, be aware of the many available discounts. Most insurance companies offer savings opportunities, whether it’s for having multiple policies, being a new home purchaser, installing safety features or renewing a poilcy.

Residents in Southern California also need to consider protecting their properties from earthquakes, which is not a standard coverage. Insurers in the state are required to offer earthquake coverage for an additional cost. California Earthquake Authority policies are available through many residential insurers.

Kern County also is subject to flooding, another peril not covered in standard homeowners insurance. For information about flood insurance, homeowners can refer to the federal National Flood Insurance Program.

Though damage resulting from fire is generally covered, California residents should be aware of higher premiums for homes in wildfire-prone areas.