Home insurance: non-renewed
Non-renewed? Here's what to do first.
A non-renewal notice is stressful, but you have time if you start now. Send us your notice and your declarations page, and a licensed broker will review your options with you.
What usually goes wrong
- The notice sits in a drawer until the last few weeks, and options narrow.
- People assume the FAIR Plan is the only choice, or buy it without a DIC policy and find the gaps after a loss.
- Coverage lapses. If you have a mortgage, your lender can buy insurance on your home and charge you for it, usually with less coverage and at a higher cost.
How we handle it
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Step 1: Review your notice and current policy.
We read the notice, including the date and the reason given, next to your declarations page.
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Step 2: Check the basics.
California generally requires at least 75 days' notice, and a late notice can extend your current policy. We also check whether a state moratorium on non-renewals covers your ZIP code after a declared wildfire emergency.
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Step 3: Take your home to insurers.
Standard insurers first, then surplus lines insurers, then the FAIR Plan with a DIC policy if that's the right fit.
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Step 4: Walk you through the options.
Side by side, in plain language, including what each one leaves out.
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Step 5: Place coverage before your expiration date.
Then we send proof of insurance to your lender, if you have one.
What to have ready
- The non-renewal notice
- Your current declarations page
- Basic home details: year built, roof type and age, updates
- Any mitigation you've done
- Any claims in the last five years
Don't have everything? Start anyway.
Timeline
Every step is planned back from your date.
- Notice arrives
- Send us the notice and your declarations page
- We take your home to insurers
- Compare options with your broker
- Coverage placed, proof sent to your lender
- Policy expiration date
Common questions
I was non-renewed. What should I do first?
Send us the notice and your current declarations page right away. The earlier we start, the more options you're likely to have.
How much notice does my insurer have to give before non-renewing my home?
In California, generally at least 75 days before the policy ends, and a late notice can keep your current policy in force longer. Send us the notice and we'll check.
What is surplus lines insurance?
Coverage from insurers that aren't licensed by California but are allowed to cover homes that licensed insurers decline. These policies aren't backed by the California Insurance Guarantee Association, and you'll get a required state notice before you buy. We'll explain the tradeoffs before you decide.
What is a DIC policy?
A difference in conditions policy sits on top of a California FAIR Plan policy and covers things the FAIR Plan doesn't, such as liability and theft. Coverage varies by policy.
Have a date coming up?
Tell us what's happening and when. Your broker will reply within one hour on business days.