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California Home Insurance

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Home insurance coverage in California

California home Insurance

Buying a house is a big step in life that many Californian residents work hard to achieve. From the coast to the mountains, in the cities, suburbs and rural communities, everyone wants a safe, secure place to call home. But in order to be a responsible homeowner, you need the right homeowners insurance. Nationwide has been helping people protect what’s most important for over 85 years. We offer reliable homeowners insurance that can help you and your family in the event of water backup damage, theft, certain natural disasters and more.

Is California home insurance required?

Unlike California auto insurance, homeowners insurance is not required by law. However, if have a mortgage on your home, your lender will likely require home insurance.

California is a large market and has many home insurance companies to choose from. It can be hard to determine which one is the best for you. When buying California home insurance you want to focus on a few primary coverages and selections:

  • Dwelling Coverage (Coverage – A): This is the amount to the home’s primary structure. It’s important that this coverage is sufficient to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss.
  • Personal Liability (Coverage – E): This coverage helps to provide for a legal defense in the event a liability claims is filed against you.
  • Full Replacement Cost: Home insurance policies often have different replacement valuations. You want to avoid policies sold on an actual cash value for the dwelling or your personal property.

There are many other coverages and options to choose. Learn more about home insurance coverage or call an insurance agent for a full consultation.

How much does California home insurance cost?

California home insurance cost
Each insurance company sets it’s own rates, so premiums will be different between companies. However, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), homeowners insurance premiums in California average $986*. Home insurance rates are determined based on several  factors like:
  • Where the home is located
  • The size of the home
  • Quality of interior upgrades
  • Security or fire suppression systems
  • The home’s claim or loss history

Dealing with California’s unique catastrophes

Earthquake Insurance

Earthquake Hazards

There are 2,000 earthquake faults throughout the state and about four moderate earthquakes (with a magnitude of at least 5.5) each year, so nearly all Californians have experienced a quake or two.  Earthquakes are a very real concern for most Californians. However, only 17% of homeowners have earthquake insurance. Your insurer may offer a version of earthquake coverage, but it’s not the best option. If you want earthquake insurance, you can also purchase this coverage through privately held companies and the publicly funded California Earthquake Authority. Not all insurance carriers participate in the CEA, check to see if your company is a member.

California Good Driver

California Brush Fire

It’s an understatement to simply say California has wildfires. In fact, California suffers the worst wildfire seasons in the United States. While homeowners insurance generally covers losses and damages following a fire, it is more common these days to see insurance carriers not writing in fire prone areas or only offering a Difference in Conditions policy. Consult this map of fire-prone areas and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s website see if the your home is in a brush fire location.

California insurance agents

When moving to California for the first time, or for long-time residents, insurance agents are a powerful way for you to get information on insurance and California regulations.

Of course, you should compare quotes to know the best rates available, and independent insurance agents can do that as well as the online quote aggregator sites.

Which ever way works best for you, we are available to help. You can call us to speak with an insurance agent, or compare quotes online.

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