Rising Insurance Premiums Hit California Homeowners Hard

Owning a home in the Golden State is a dream for many due to the state’s beautiful landscapes and low-key lifestyle.

But for a growing number of homeowners, that dream is turning into a financial burden. The California homeowners insurance market has taken a series of troubling turns, with premiums rising sharply and fewer insurers willing to take on the risk of insuring properties in high-risk wildfire zones.

An Unprecedented Increase in Costs

Here’s a sobering fact: according to the California Department of Insurance (CDI), a staggering number of California homeowners — over half — have been impacted by recent market changes, faced rising premiums, or found difficulty securing coverage at all. This results in a significant financial hurdle for many. Additional data reveals the average annual cost of homeowners insurance in the state has jumped to $3,100, a 62% increase compared to the national average. This financial squeeze is particularly harsh for Californians on fixed incomes or those already struggling with other economic challenges.

The reasons behind this surge are complex. On one hand, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California are driving up insurance company payouts. On the other hand, major insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate are overwhelmed by these rising costs and have retreated from high-risk areas or refused to write new policies.

Related: Read "What Is Homeowners Insurance and What Does It Do?"

Additionally, a report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights California as a state experiencing some of the steepest surges in insurance costs, with some coastal and inland locations facing double-digit percentage increases. This trend creates a vicious cycle: as insurers pull back, competition dwindles, allowing the remaining providers to dictate even higher premiums and further straining homeowners’ financial resources.

Uninsured in California’s Wildfire-prone Landscape

The mass retreat of insurance companies from California has consequences that extend far beyond rising premiums. The lack of affordable homeowners insurance has resulted in a significant number of uninsured homes. Estimates suggest around 20% of California homeowners are now taking a risky gamble by going without coverage in a state notoriously prone to wildfires. This means that one in five California homeowners could face financial ruin if their home is affected by one.

Yet, the financial nightmare doesn’t stop there: even for those who can secure coverage, the increase in premiums puts a heavy strain on household budgets. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the average cost of rebuilding a home after a California wildfire is a shocking $420,000. Without proper insurance, homeowners facing a wildfire could be staring down financial devastation as well. This lack of coverage not only puts individual homeowners at risk, but also creates an issue for the state and communities, as uninsured losses can strain public resources during disaster recovery efforts.

Potential Solutions on the Horizon

While the current situation for California homeowners is concerning, there are some tentative signs of hope down the road. California lawmakers are actively exploring new bills that could provide some much-needed relief. These bills aim to increase the availability of coverage and create a state-run insurance pool as a last resort for homeowners struggling to find coverage elsewhere. This could potentially stabilize the market and ensure that more homeowners have access to affordable insurance.

Moreover, five new insurance companies have been approved to operate in California, expanding options and potentially lowering premiums in the long run. However, it's important to note that these companies are initially focusing on policyholders who are being dropped by the California FAIR Plan, the state-run insurer of last resort. This means that homeowners who weren’t previously insured by the FAIR Plan might still face challenges finding new coverage in the immediate future. Experts anticipate these companies will open their doors to the general public by the fourth quarter of 2024. While not an immediate solution, this influx of new insurers could eventually lead to a more balanced and competitive insurance market in California.

Yet another positive development comes from Policygenius, an online insurance marketplace that can help California homeowners navigate the complexities of securing affordable coverage. Here's how Policygenius can benefit you:

• Compare rates from multiple insurers: Policygenius allows you to compare rates and coverage options from over 25 insurance companies entirely online. This saves you time and effort by eliminating the need to contact multiple insurers individually.
• Find competitive rates: By comparing quotes from a variety of insurers, you can potentially find a more competitive rate on your homeowners insurance. This can help you save money on your premiums, especially in the current market environment.
• Get expert guidance: Policygenius can connect you with licensed insurance agents who can answer your questions and help you choose the right coverage for your needs.

Related: Read "How to Tell If You Got a Good Homeowner’s Insurance Rate (And What to Do If You Didn’t)"

Frequently-asked Questions About California Homeowners Insurance

How do I know if I’m no longer covered?

Your insurance company is legally obligated to notify you if they decide not to renew your policy. However, it’s always a good practice to review your policy documents and renewal notices regularly to stay informed about your coverage status.

Who is still selling homeowners insurance in California?

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) maintains a database that allows you to verify whether an insurance company is licensed to operate in the state. You can search their database to find a list of insurers currently offering homeowners insurance in California. Keep in mind that availability can vary depending on your specific location and risk factors.

Which insurance companies are leaving California?

Several major insurance companies, including State Farm and Allstate, have scaled back or stopped writing new homeowners insurance policies in high-risk areas of California, particularly those prone to wildfires. It's important to note that the situation is constantly evolving, so contacting the CDI or a reputable insurance agent for the most up-to-date information is recommended.

Who is eligible for the California FAIR Plan?

The California FAIR Plan is a state-run insurance pool that provides coverage as a last resort for homeowners who cannot secure homeowners insurance in the traditional market. To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria, such as having been denied coverage by multiple insurance companies. It's important to be aware that FAIR Plan coverage may be more expensive and have limitations compared to standard homeowners insurance.

What do I do if I don't have enough coverage?

If you find yourself without adequate coverage, explore your options. New insurance companies entering the market and online insurance marketplaces like Policygenius might offer more competitive rates. Consider contacting a reputable insurance agent who can help you find the best possible coverage within your budget. They can guide you through the process of comparing quotes and securing the right insurance for your needs.

How do I find out if a company is insured in California?

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) maintains a database that allows you to verify whether an insurance company is licensed to operate in the state. You can search their database to ensure you're dealing with a reputable and legitimate insurer.

Do I need homeowners insurance in California?

No, homeowners insurance is not mandatory in California. However, if you have a mortgage, your lender will require you to carry homeowners insurance. Without it, you could default on your mortgage and risk foreclosure.

Using Hometap for a Brighter Future

Empowering California homeowners to navigate the insurance market is a crucial step towards protecting their most valuable asset, and our Home Equity Dashboard serves as a valuable tool in this journey. Our comprehensive Dashboard highlights essential information and resources, including an estimate of your home's value — a key factor that influences insurance premiums. However, the true advantage lies within the vetted Featured Offers page. Here, you'll find Policygenius, an insurance marketplace that’s a trusted resource for comparing quotes from a wide range of insurers.

If you’re a California homeowner, Hometap and Policygenius can help you leverage the power of data and secure the most competitive coverage for your specific needs. And by harnessing the resources available through the Home Equity Dashboard, you can also gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the ever-evolving insurance landscape and ensure that your home remains safe and protected.

Create your free Home Equity Dashboard account and get started today.