Shop Around
Whether you are interested in purchasing, reviewing or replacing homeowners, renters, condominium or mobile home insurance, it is important to shop and compare insurance products just like you would when shopping for any other important consumer purchase. Since residential insurance often protects your largest financial investment, plan on spending some time to conduct a search of the insurance marketplace.
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) provides several information guides, tips and tools to help you understand home/residential insurance so that you can make the best decision for your situation. If you do not find the information you need, we invite you to call our Consumer Hotline for assistance. Our dedicated insurance experts are available to assist you.
What If I Can't Find Insurance?
If after shopping the market you are still having difficulty obtaining residential insurance, you may want to contact the California FAIR Plan to explore your coverage options. As the insurer of last resort, the California FAIR Plan should only be considered after a diligent search for coverage in the traditional insurance market. If you are turned down or non-renewed by your current insurance company, or are otherwise in need of coverage, you may apply for coverage under the FAIR Plan through an agent or broker licensed to sell property insurance and registered with the California FAIR Plan. The California FAIR Plan website contains a tool which will assist you in locating an agent or broker.
Please note that the FAIR Plan only provides coverage for the losses caused by Fire or Lightning, Internal Explosion, and Smoke. For an additional premium, Extended Coverage (windstorm, hail, explosion, riot or civil commotion, aircraft, vehicles, and volcanic eruption) and Vandalism or Malicious Mischief may be added to the policy. Since the FAIR Plan policy does not cover all the perils insured under a traditional homeowners' insurance policy such as theft or liability, you may want to consider purchasing a separate Differences in Conditions (DIC) policy in addition to the FAIR Plan policy. DIC insurance is designed to fill in gaps in insurance coverage for the perils not covered under the FAIR Plan policy. It provides expanded coverage for some perils that are not covered by the FAIR plan policy. This page provides a list of carriers currently offering DIC policies. You may also wish to contact an agent or broker to help you shop around for this type of coverage.
Locate a Residential Policy Post Disaster
If you cannot recall the name of the insurance company covering your residential property, visit our Residential Insurance Policy Locator page.
