Home Insurance in California: Who’s Still Writing Policies (and What You Need to Know)
If you’re a homeowner or a buyer in The City, insurance is no longer something you can take for granted. Between major insurers pulling out of California, canceling policies, and refusing new coverage, plus older homes with “red flag” features like knob-and-tube wiring, trying to secure a policy can feel downright intimidating.. If you haven’t checked your policy lately, you should.
So who’s still offering coverage? What are your options if your home has “issues” (aka, was built before the 1980s)? And what can homebuyers do to make sure they aren’t left uninsured?
Who’s Still Covering Homes in California?
Some of the big names—State Farm, Farmers, Allstate, and Liberty Mutual—have either pulled out of certain areas, stopped issuing new policies, or are charging sky-high premiums. But a few options still exist:
Amica, USAA, and Chubb – Still writing policies but with stricter requirements.
Smaller regional insurers – Some are still covering homes, but expect higher costs and more exclusions. Examples include:
Mercury Insurance – Offers homeowners insurance in California with local agents available statewide.
California Mutual Insurance Company – Provides various property insurance options.
CSE Safeguard Insurance Company – Offers homeowners policies tailored to California residents.
California FAIR Plan – The state’s “last-resort” fire insurance. It’s expensive, limited, and doesn’t cover things like theft or liability. If you end up here, you’ll need a second policy to fill the gaps.
Note: The insurance landscape in California is changing rapidly. The availability of these insurers may change, so it’s essential to verify current coverage options.
What If Your Home Has Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
Most insurers either refuse to cover homes with knob-and-tube or give you a short window—usually 30 to 60 days—to replace it. Some will insure you, but at a premium.
If you’re buying an older home, plan for an electrical upgrade sooner rather than later. Full rewiring can easily cost $10,000 or more, depending on the size of your home.
Options for Homebuyers Who Need Insurance
If you’re in escrow (or about to be) and need insurance to close, here’s what to do:
Start calling insurers early. Don’t wait until the last minute—some companies take time to approve coverage.
Check for “insurability red flags.” Outdated electrical, old plumbing, or foundation issues can make getting coverage a challenge.
Ask about short-term policies. Some insurers will cover a home for a limited time—just long enough for you to fix any issues.
Have a backup plan. If private insurers say no, you may end up with California FAIR Plan coverage, which means higher costs and needing extra policies to fully protect your home.
Don't Wait Until It's a Problem
Home insurance isn’t what it used to be. If you’re buying, selling, or just want to make sure you’re covered, now is the time to figure it out. I can connect you with the right people, help you plan for necessary fixes, and make sure you’re not scrambling when it’s too late.
