If you are a California Homeowner, you may be frustrated with the rising cost of your Homeowners Insurance. You are not alone!  Unfortunately, there is not a lot that you can do in the short term, but planning your strategy going forward is important because the situation is unlikely to change in the near future.  Here are some things you can do to protect your home and increase your ability to keep your insurance rates as low as possible going forward.

1.  Remove and Clear and brush and other combustible items around your house.  See FEMA.GOV for more information about Defensible Space.
2.  Keep your roof clean and when it’s time to replace it, use composition or other fire resistant materials as many insurance companies will not insure you if you have a wood roof.
3.  Check your plumbing and heating system and keep them properly serviced and maintained. Many insurance companies will ask when these were last upgraded.
4.  If you have an older electrical panel or worse yet, an electrical system without circuit breakers, it’s imperative that you consider upgrading.
5.  Home Security System – most if not all insurance companies offer discounts for burglar and fire alarm monitoring.

While it may not be possible to do all of things at once, as you are planning and maintaining your home, these items will not only help with insurance costs but add a layer of safety and protection as well.

The Insurance Commissioner of California has been trying to keep insurance companies from non-renewing policies in certain fire-prone areas. We expect the non-renewal windows to be short-lived and it’s prudent to expect that getting coverage in many areas will get harder and even more expensive going forward.  Give us a call with any questions and/or for help with your insurance needs.  We are here to help.

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