After dealing with my car being totaled, I did a full audit of my insurance: home, auto, all of it, and I am so glad that I did.
If you’re a California homeowner, this is your friendly nudge: check your policy now. Keeping coverage is getting harder and a lot more expensive. It was all over the news last week, that State Farm just received emergency authorization in California to raise their rates.
I have had so many clients have their policies canceled and they are rushing to try and find new coverage. Many companies are doing drive-bys and drone flyovers, looking for reasons to non-renew policies. Here’s what they flag:
✔️ Green algae on the roof? Power wash it.
✔️ No chimney cap? Install one.
✔️ Trash cans or wood stacked against the house? Move it 5 feet away.
✔️ Trees or bushes touching the house? Trim it back.
✔️ Minor water leak? Think twice before filing a claim.
Even two small claims can cancel your policy and finding a new one can cost double or triple. Preventative maintenance is everything. Replace your roof before it causes damage. Don’t wait until a rainy day becomes a costly mistake.
Inspections are all about risk mitigation, and there’s talk that certain fire-hardening upgrades could help in the future (maybe even bring discounts). Things like:
Class A fire-rated roofEmber-resistant vents (like Vulcan Vents)
Enclosed eaves with fine mesh
Stucco or fiber cement siding
Clear 5 feet around your home; no mulch or plants
Metal chimney screens
Double-paned or tempered glass windows
Bottom line? Stay ahead of it. A little effort now can save a whole lot of headaches (and cash) later.
If your policy has been canceled or you’re worried about a non-renewal, I have great referrals to insurance brokers that can help.
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