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.

With baseball season just around the corner, fans are gearing up for another year of home runs, double plays, and walk-off wins. But did you know that baseball and insurance have more in common than you might think? From the language of the game to the business behind it, insurance plays a major role in America’s favorite pastime. Let’s step up to the plate and explore these fascinating connections.

​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.

​Owning and managing older apartment buildings in California can be rewarding, but it comes with its fair share of challenges—especially when it comes to securing comprehensive insurance coverage. Many property owners are surprised to learn that insurance carriers often require building systems to be updated within the last 25 years to qualify for broad protection under a Special Form policy. This applies to key systems such as electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC. Buildings that don’t meet this standard are frequently downgraded to Basic Form coverage or sent to the Surplus Lines market, where premiums are higher, coverage is more limited, and consumer protections are fewer.

Failing to maintain and update these critical systems doesn’t just increase the risk of costly repairs and tenant dissatisfaction, it can also leave your property underinsured, jeopardizing lender requirements and long-term financial stability.

What are the differences between HO-3 and HO-5 Insurance Policies? Why is one preferable for the client, and is an HO-5 policy really that much better? (YES!)
​
Not all insurance policies are created equal.  I don’t know how many times I have had a conversation with a potential client about how you can’t just compare insurance quotes at face value or put two declaration pages against one another and consider it an “apples to apples” comparison.

Every policy starts with a quality action insurance plan to determine what coverages are needed and what limits best serve the insured party.  Here are some suggestions for developing an action insurance plan for various types of insurance policies.