Home insurance in California is frustrating right now. Premiums are up, policies are getting non-renewed, and options are shrinking—especially in wildfire-prone areas. When the stress builds, it’s tempting to throw in the towel and let your bank handle it.

"I’ll just cancel my policy and let the mortgage company force-place insurance."

​Many people want insurance that’s both affordable and reliable. But in the world of coverage, you often get what you pay for. Here’s why trying to get “good and cheap” insurance in California may not be as straightforward—or safe—as it sounds.

Home is where you should feel safest — but unfortunately, burglaries and break-ins remain a common threat across the U.S. According to FBI crime statistics, hundreds of thousands of home burglaries occur annually, with an average loss of nearly $3,000 per incident. The good news? You can greatly reduce your risk with strong home security measures and the right homeowners insurance policy.
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A well-protected home isn’t just about cameras and locks — it’s about having layers of defense that deter intruders and ensure you’re financially covered if the worst happens.

​The 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm was one of the most devastating urban wildfires in California history. The inferno, which ignited on October 20, burned over 1,500 acres, destroyed nearly 3,000 homes, and resulted in the deaths of 25 people. With insured losses exceeding $1.5 billion (equivalent to approximately $3.22 billion today when adjusted for inflation), the disaster sent shockwaves through the California homeowners insurance industry, leading to major changes in policy structures, underwriting standards, and risk assessment strategies.

​For decades, homeowners insurance in California was predictable—a competitive marketplace, stable rates, and widespread availability. That’s no longer the case.

Today, homeowners across the state are facing skyrocketing premiums, policy non-renewals, and shrinking coverage options. Insurers are pulling back from high-risk areas, while others have stopped writing new policies entirely.

At the same time, California’s auto insurance market is also in crisis, with drivers experiencing similar issues—rising premiums, fewer carriers, and stricter underwriting. While these two crises share some common causes, including outdated regulations and rising claims costs, they also have distinct challenges.

For homeowners, the biggest issue isn’t accident lawsuits or repair costs—it’s the growing threat of wildfires and the financial risks insurers face when covering homes in high-risk areas.

When most people think about their credit score, they associate it with things like mortgage approvals, car loans, or credit card interest rates. However, did you know that your credit score can also affect your home insurance premiums? While it may seem unrelated, insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to determine the risk level of a policyholder, which can lead to higher or lower home insurance rates.
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In this article, we’ll explore the surprising link between credit scores and home insurance premiums, how insurers use this information, and what you can do to get the best rates possible.

We’re thrilled to share that Schneiderman Insurance Agency was recently featured in an article on MSN, Yahoo Finance, AOL, and GOBankingRates! The article, written by Heather Altamirano, highlights expert strategies for homeowners to safeguard their finances against extreme weather. We’re honored to have contributed insights that can help protect families and their properties.