3 minute readCalifornia Insurance
Coverage must be in place before closing — your lender will require proof. Set the dwelling limit from rebuild cost rather than purchase price, review flood and earthquake decisions deliberately, and revisit your auto and umbrella policies since the move changes both.
What you need to know
Before closing
Bind the policy early enough for the lender's file, and confirm the effective date matches funding.
First-year adjustments
Once you are living in the home, revisit contents, valuables, and any planned renovations.
Do not forget umbrella
New home equity is exactly the asset an umbrella policy exists to protect.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a non-renewal means you did something wrong.
- Accepting a FAIR Plan policy without a difference-in-conditions wrap.
- Skipping mitigation work that affects eligibility and pricing.
- Never rechecking the admitted market after being placed in a surplus-lines policy.
- Leaving loss of use limits too thin for a long California rebuild.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent as soon as you receive a non-renewal notice, when your renewal price jumps, or when you are being told the FAIR Plan is your only option — there are usually more options than one carrier can see.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.