Monterey County
Home insurance non-renewed in Monterey County?
A lot of Peninsula homeowners have opened a non-renewal letter in the last few years, especially in wooded areas of Carmel Valley, Pebble Beach, Carmel Highlands and Big Sur. It does not mean you can’t get coverage. It means you need a plan before the renewal date.
How much time you have
In California an insurer generally has to give you at least 75 days’ written notice before it non-renews a homeowners policy, along with the reason. Check the date on your letter and count back from your renewal date. The earlier we start, the more options are still open.
What we do, in order
- Read the notice and your current declarations page so we know the reason and your current limits
- Quote other admitted carriers that are still writing homes like yours
- Quote surplus lines (non-admitted) carriers, and explain that they are not backed by CIGA
- If nothing else fits, set up the California FAIR Plan with a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy so water damage, theft and liability are covered
- Recheck every year whether a standard carrier will take the home back
Things that can help your home qualify
- Defensible space cleared around the house and under decks
- A Class A roof and ember-resistant vents
- Updated roof, plumbing and electrical, with dates you can show
California’s Safer from Wildfires rules require admitted insurers to offer discounts for qualifying mitigation. Ask us which ones apply to your carrier. Our inspection tips cover what underwriters look at.
Wildfire moratoriums and complaints
After a declared wildfire emergency, the California Insurance Commissioner can order a one-year pause on non-renewals for ZIP codes in or next to the fire area. If you think your non-renewal is wrong, you can call the California Department of Insurance consumer line at 1-800-927-4357.
Send us your notice and current policy and we’ll tell you where you stand. Questions? See the FAQ or our FAIR Plan + DIC page.
The Jeremy Carter Insurance Agency · 327 7th Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 · Office (831) 717-8711
Matt Menke · (831) 224-2141 · [email protected] · We reply same business day.
Coverage descriptions are general summaries. All coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and underwriting of the policy issued. Jeremy Carter CA Lic. #4187910 · Matthew Menke CA Lic. #4476998.