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A Guide to California Homeowner Insurance for New Residents

If you’re new to California, one of the first things you’ll need to do is get homeowners insurance. California is known for its earthquakes and wildfires, so it’s important to have protection in case something happens to your home. 

Here is everything you need to know about California homeowner insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs, along with other types of insurance that you should consider.

What Does California Homeowner Insurance Usually Cover?

California home insurance policies typically cover the dwelling, other structures on the property (like sheds or fences), personal belongings, and liability. Some policies also cover loss of use, which means you’ll be reimbursed for expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your home is being repaired. 

One thing to be made aware of is that home insurance does not normally cover earthquakes. Because earthquakes are so common in California, most insurance companies offer earthquake insurance as a separate policy.

What Are The Threats to Your California Home?

In addition to earthquakes, wildfires are also a major threat to California homes. More than 25% of California homeowners live in an area at high risk for wildfires. That’s why it’s important to have adequate coverage in case your home is damaged or destroyed by fire. Home insurance policies typically cover fires, but you may need to purchase additional coverage if you live in a high-risk area.

Is Homeowners Insurance Pricey?

The cost of homeowners insurance varies depending on a number of factors which include:

  1. Value of your home
  2. Amount of coverage you need
  3. The deductible you’re willing to pay 

However, California homeowners can expect to pay more for insurance than homeowners in other parts of the country. This is because California is considered a high-risk state due to the dangers of earthquakes and wildfires.

What Other Types of Insurance Should You Consider?

In addition to California homeowner insurance and earthquake insurance, you may also want to consider flood insurance. Flooding is not covered by most home insurance policies, so if you live in an area at risk for floods, you’ll need to purchase a separate policy. You can learn more about California flood insurance here.

If you are a homeowner in California, you should be prepared to find insurance to cover the following:

  • Home
  • Other structures on your property
  • Your personal belongings
  • Liability
  • Living expenses if your home is uninhabitable

California is a high-risk state for many different types of disasters, so it’s important to be prepared. Bethany Insurance can help you find the right coverage for your needs and budget.

How Bethany Insurance can help

At Bethany Insurance, we understand the unique challenges that California homeowners face. We offer comprehensive coverage that includes protection from earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. We also have a team of experienced agents who can help you find the right policy for your needs and budget. 

Contact us today to learn more about our California homeowner insurance policies.