It’s all over the news: Insurance companies are leaving California homeowners in the dust. What happens now? District 18 Assemblymember Mia Bonta [1] issued a special newsletter to constituents on Friday, May 10, urging homeowners to know their rights.
[2]
“My office has received many calls from community members across the district who have shared troubling news that their home insurance [3] will not be renewed as companies like State Farm announce new restrictions and limitations amid a changing insurance market,” Bonta wrote. “During this stressful time, I want to ensure you have the proper information to know your rights and make the best decision for you and your family.”
Non-renewals are expected to impact homeowners’ policies, rental, and other property insurance, and official notices are expected over the coming months. In California, an insurer must notify policyholders at least 75 days before a policy expires.
Helpful tips
If you learn you are impacted, Bonta’s office offers some helpful tips as you navigate the next steps.
- If your insurer fails to provide at least 75 days’ notice, call the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-HELP or visit the website at insurance.ca.gov [4].
- If you feel the non-renewal notice is unfair, file a complaint [5] with the California Department of Insurance.
- Contact your insurer and ask if you can take any specific actions to mitigate your risk and retain your coverage.
- Shop for a new homeowners’ policy with the California Department of Insurance home insurance finder tool [6].
- Use the homeowner’s insurance comparison tool [7]to compare policies from different insurers.
- Visit the California FAIR Plan [8] for basic fire and smoke coverage.
- Learn about Difference in Conditions (DIC) [9] policies that complement a FAIR Plan policy so that the consumer (who buys both) has the same or similar coverage as a traditional homeowners’ policy.
“Please do not hesitate to utilize the protections and resources available to you,” Bonta wrote, “and know that for any additional information or questions, you can visit my website [10] or contact my district office at 510-286-1670.”