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Usually not. When a wildfire is burning nearby, insurers commonly stop writing new policies or increasing coverage for homes in the area until the danger has passed.

These temporary restrictions can start as soon as a fire is reported within a certain distance of a property, so they can affect a home purchase or a policy change with little warning. If you’re buying a home, especially in the foothills or near open land, get your insurance bound early in escrow so a fire doesn’t delay your closing.

California’s fire season has grown longer, so it’s best to review your limits, deductibles, and rebuilding costs before summer.

Questions about your own policy? Elye Insurance in Mission Viejo helps homeowners and drivers across California and Nevada compare options from multiple carriers.

No. Standard California homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, so you need a separate earthquake policy or endorsement.

California law requires insurers that sell homeowners insurance to offer you earthquake coverage when you buy your policy and again every two years. You can buy it through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) or from private carriers. Coverage usually includes the dwelling, with options for personal property and additional living expenses, and it carries its own percentage deductible.

Fire that follows an earthquake is generally covered by your homeowners policy. Older homes, especially those built before 1980 on raised foundations, may benefit from a seismic retrofit, and the CEA’s Brace + Bolt program has offered grants for retrofits in eligible ZIP codes. A retrofitted home may also qualify for a CEA premium discount.

Questions about your own policy? Elye Insurance in Mission Viejo helps homeowners and drivers across California and Nevada compare options from multiple carriers.

California requires insurers to offer discounts to homeowners who take qualifying steps to reduce wildfire risk, under the state’s Safer from Wildfires regulation.

Upgrades that can count include a Class A fire-rated roof, ember- and fire-resistant vents, a five-foot ember-resistant zone around the home, six inches of noncombustible clearance at the base of exterior walls, enclosed eaves, upgraded windows, and maintained defensible space. Homes in a recognized Firewise USA community or another qualifying community program may earn an additional discount.

Insurers must also share your home’s wildfire risk score if you ask and let you appeal it. Discounts aren’t automatic, so keep photos, receipts, and inspection reports, and send them to your agent.

Questions about your own policy? Elye Insurance in Mission Viejo helps homeowners and drivers across California and Nevada compare options from multiple carriers.

Yes. A California insurer can decline or nonrenew a homeowners policy because of roof condition, but it has to follow state rules when it does.

Insurers generally must give at least 75 days’ written notice before nonrenewing a homeowners policy and tell you the reason. If you think the decision is wrong, you can ask the insurer to reconsider, for example after a roof repair or replacement, and you can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance. After a declared wildfire emergency, the Insurance Commissioner can also order a one-year moratorium on nonrenewals in affected ZIP codes.

Many carriers now review roofs with aerial images. Worn roofs and untreated wood shake roofs are common reasons for a nonrenewal, and older homes may also get questions about electrical panels, plumbing, and water heaters. Keep permits and receipts for any updates, and if you’re nonrenewed, we can shop private carriers and the FAIR Plan for you.

Questions about your own policy? Elye Insurance in Mission Viejo helps homeowners and drivers across California and Nevada compare options from multiple carriers.

Earthquake insurance in California usually has a deductible set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, often between 5% and 25%, and it is separate from your homeowners deductible.

For example, on a home with $400,000 of dwelling coverage, a 15% earthquake deductible means you pay the first $60,000 of damage to the house. A lower percentage costs more in premium, and a higher one costs less. Many policies, including those from the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), let you choose your deductible and add separate limits for personal property and additional living expenses.

A standard homeowners policy does not cover earthquake damage, but it generally does cover fire that breaks out after an earthquake. We can help you weigh the deductible against the premium so the coverage fits your budget.

Questions about your own policy? Elye Insurance in Mission Viejo helps homeowners and drivers across California and Nevada compare options from multiple carriers.