Best Pet Insurance In California For 2024
My pick for the best pet insurance in California is Lemonade Pet Insurance.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $350 per year on their pet insurance.
After diving into various pet insurance plans, I discovered that Lemonade Pet Insurance offers the best overall coverage in California for a wide range of scenarios.
Next, we’ll explore some of the top pet insurance providers in California and how different variables can impact your insurance costs.
Best Pet Insurance In California, 2024
Compare The Best Pet Insurance In California
| Average Annual Cost for Cats | Coverage Waiting Period | Overall Rating | Best For | Average Annual Cost for Dogs | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade Pet Insurance |
$20 |
2 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Overall Coverage |
$35.18 |
Instant Quote |
| Embrace |
$18 |
48 hours for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Cat Owners |
$48.25 |
Instant Quote |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance |
$20 |
2 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Affordable Coverage |
$35.18 |
Instant Quote |
| ASPCA |
$36 |
Immediately for preventive care and 14 days for illnesses and accidents |
|
New Pet Owners |
$83.30 |
Instant Quote |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance |
$20 |
2 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Owners of Young Pets |
$35.18 |
Instant Quote |
| Pets Best |
$26 |
3 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Owners of Multiple Pets |
$41.39 |
Instant Quote |
Best Pet Insurance Companies In California
Best Overall Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅The best pet insurance in any region is often judged by factors like price, service quality, and claim processing times. In California, Lemonade Pet Insurance stands out with competitive monthly rates of $18.41 for cats and $35.18 for dogs. Beyond its low prices, pet owners in Texas praised Lemonade for its excellent customer service and clear passion for pets.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Waiting period of 48 hours after an accident
- Top-ranking claims processing team
- Numerous discounts are ready for use.
- A share of the monthly dues aids nonprofit groups. ✓
- There are age limits for enrolling certain pet breeds.
- Guidelines may not be accessible in every state.
- The cost of pet insurance reflects the owner's creditworthiness and claim record. ✘
Best Affordable Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Pet owners often want to safeguard their pets, but a common belief is that pet insurance is too expensive. Lemonade Pet Insurance challenges this idea with affordable rates, averaging $18.41 for cats and $35.18 for dogs. Lemonade also offers discounts, such as bundling options that can save up to 15%, and their mobile app makes it easy to manage policies on the go.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Waiting period of 48 hours after an accident.
- Claims are processed faster than those of other major companies.
- You can enjoy several discounts.
- A portion of what you pay for insurance helps non-profits. ✓
- Insurance for certain pet varieties ends once they reach a specific age threshold.
- Where you live impacts coverage limitations.
- The cost of pet insurance can be higher based on the owner's credit and claim records. ✘
Best For Multiple Pets
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Managing multiple pets may increase your spending on essentials like food and toys, but it can save you on pet insurance. Many insurers, such as Pets Best, offer discounts for multi-pet policies. Pets Best also offers affordable premiums—$29.54 on average for cats and $41.39 for dogs. They include benefits like 24/7 vet support and coverage for animals with disabilities or special prosthetics.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Our policy includes pets that require wheelchairs or prosthetic devices.
- A 24/7 vet health hotline is available for veterinary assistance around the clock.
- After three days, accident coverage becomes effective.
- You can choose from different coverage options for accident and illness policies. ✓
- When it comes to processing claims, the speed is slower than what competitors offer.
- Policy revisions are restricted to the renewal timeframe. ✘
Best For Owners Of Young Pets
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Many families enjoy adopting young pets, but the responsibilities that come with a new puppy or kitten can feel overwhelming at first. Beyond training, it’s essential to choose a pet insurance provider that simplifies coverage. Lemonade Pet Insurance offers both affordability and convenience, with a highly-rated mobile app and excellent customer support. With rates averaging $18.14 for cats and $35.18 for dogs, Lemonade is the best choice for pet owners with young animals.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Policyholders can claim pet injury benefits after just 48 hours.
- Claims are swiftly processed.
- Policyholders can enjoy numerous discounts.
- The company dedicates a share of the premium from policyholders to support charities. ✓
- After reaching a certain age, specific pet breeds are no longer covered by insurance.
- Coverage does not extend to every state across the country.
- Insurance costs are calculated based on the pet owner's creditworthiness and previous insurance claims. ✘
Best For New Pet Owners
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅For those new to pet ownership, it’s important to select an insurance provider with a history of supporting pet health, like ASPCA. While ASPCA’s average premiums are higher—$38.67 for cats and $83.30 for dogs—their offerings justify the cost. They impose no age limits, allowing senior pets to get insured, and provide coverage for behavioral issues and alternative therapies, a bonus for specific dog breeds.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- The policy covers a broad array of items, including alternative therapies, behavioral concerns, and conditions from birth.
- A 14-day waiting period applies to cruciate injuries.
- Get veterinary advice anytime with our 24/7 telehealth vet service.
- Basic policies provide for vet clinic visit costs related to illnesses and accidents. ✓
- Only an agent can provide unlimited coverage for a full year.
- Options for deductions are minimal. ✘
Best For Cat Owners
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅If you’re a California cat owner in need of quality insurance, Embrace Pet Insurance offers cost-effective plans, averaging $20.44 per month. They also give back by donating $2 to charity with each policy sold. Furthermore, Embrace is the preferred partner for large insurers like USAA, Allstate, and GEICO.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- You can choose from budget-friendly policy alternatives.
- Many standard insurance policies cover treatable pre-existing health issues.
- If your pet needs orthopedic care, you can skip the wait with a vet's examination. ✓
- Accident-only insurance applies solely to pets aged 14 and above.
- Typical policies do not incorporate extra protection. ✘
Largest Pet Insurance Companies In The United States
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share Percentage |
| Trupanion | 30% |
| Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company | 19% |
| Embrace Pet Insurance | 9% |
| Fetch by the Dodo | 8% |
| Pets Best Insurance | 2.4% |
| Hartville Group Inc. | 1.4% |
| MetLife Pet Insurance | 1.4% |
| Petsecure | 1.3% |
| Healthy Paws Pet Insurance | .73% |
| Pumpkin Pet Insurance | .48% |
Average Pet Insurance Rates In California — By Cat Breed
| Cat Breed | Average Monthly Cost |
| Domestic Shorthair | $19 |
| Sphynx | $20 |
| Siamese | $23 |
| Maine Coon | $26 |
Average Pet Insurance Cost In California — By Dog Breed
| Dog Breed | Average Monthly Cost |
| Affenpinscher | $16 |
| Labradoodle | $33 |
| Greyhound | $64 |
Average Cost In California — Accidental-Only Coverage
| Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Lemonade | $32 |
| Pets Best | $35 |
| TrustedPals | $37 |
| Figo | $43 |
| ASPCA | $55 |
Average Pet Insurance Cost In California — Comprehensive Coverage
| Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| ManyPets | $38 |
| Pets Best | $43 |
| Lemonade | $48 |
| Trusted Pals | $55 |
| Healthy Paws | $59 |
How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For You
Buying pet insurance is much like purchasing health or life insurance. It’s vital to compare rates and what each plan covers, but first, grasp the essential aspects of pet insurance policies. Typically, insurers offer either accident-only coverage or more inclusive plans that cover both accidents and illnesses.
Accident-only coverage is often better for younger pets with fewer age-related issues, while comprehensive plans are more suited to breeds with higher health risks. Additionally, be aware of the waiting period, as different insurance providers have varying times for accidents and illnesses.
Pet Insurance Discounts In California
The cost of pet insurance in California can fluctuate based on where you live, much like regular health insurance. To help reduce your pet insurance costs, explore various discount opportunities. While discount availability may vary by provider, some options to consider include:
- Employer-sponsored discounts
- Discounts for insuring multiple pets
- Discounts through union affiliations
- Discounts from wholesale or special interest groups
- Discounts for holding multiple insurance policies
- Discounts for military personnel, both active and retired
- Discounts for seniors
- Discounts for purchasing insurance online
- Discounts for animal care professionals
- Discounts for service animals
How To Buy Pet Insurance Online In California
If you're using Insuranceopedia, getting pet insurance is easy, with steps to make the application smoother.
Make sure to gather key information ahead of time, such as your pet’s type, breed, age, medical history, and any papers related to their lineage.
Decide on the coverage amount and deductible that are most suitable for your pet’s situation.
Compare quotes from at least three distinct pet insurance providers to find the best deal.
Complete the purchase of your policy and update your veterinarian on your new insurance.
Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Pet Insurance Policy In California
Many pet owners assume that only one or two factors dictate their pet’s insurance cost. In truth, several variables affect the price, including:
- Type of Pet
- Breed
- Age
- Type of Insurance
- Location
Type of Pet
The kind of pet you have affects your monthly insurance premium. Generally, dog owners pay 2-3 times more than cat owners because dogs are at higher risk due to their outdoor activities.
Breed
The breed of your pet can influence your insurance costs. Some breeds, such as boxers and bulldogs, are prone to specific health issues, which can increase premiums, while most breeds have a minimal effect on rates.
Age
The age of your pet is another key factor in determining insurance quotes. Some insurers provide reasonable rates for pets of all ages, but others might not offer coverage for older pets. It’s important to explore different options for senior pets.
Insurance Type
When choosing a pet insurance plan, you typically have the option of accident-only coverage or accident and illness coverage. Comprehensive plans usually cost more but offer greater protection. Decide if the additional coverage is worth the higher cost.
Location
Regional differences can also impact insurance premiums. While city-to-city variations are usually minor, some states are considered higher risk due to a higher number of claims from those areas.
Our Methodology
Seeking the most economical pet insurance options in California, we meticulously examined data from different providers. Our team of insurance professionals, boasting a combined experience of more than 20 years, also shared their insights. It's crucial to remember that while the rates provided are current, premiums may fluctuate daily based on factors such as your pet's age and breed.
Quotes Analyzed
Brands Reviewed
Years Of Industry Experience
Research Hours
FAQs
Do all vets take pet insurance in California?
In California, all veterinary clinics accept pet insurance, but pet owners are responsible for paying the vet bills upfront and receiving reimbursement afterward from the insurer.
Do I legally have to insure my pet in California?
It’s beneficial to have pet insurance for your pets, but in California, there is no legal obligation to insure your dog or cat.
How much is pet insurance in California?
Consistent with the national pattern, California cat owners generally pay less for insurance compared to those with dogs. The average monthly premium for cat insurance is $27.56, while dog insurance tends to be around $48.81.
Related Content
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying? Pet Insurance Deductible
Pet Insurance In Your Area
Best Pet Insurance In Texas City Best Pet Insurance In New York Best Pet Insurance In Alabama
