​Tips for dealing with (and securing) Home Insurance as national insurers pull out of California. Have you received a non-renewal notice?

 
·     As soon as you get a non-renewal notice, start shopping - don't procrastinate!
·     Seek out a seasoned insurance broker with access to multiple options.
·    Do as much mitigation as you can to reduce the risk of your home being damaged or destroyed in a severe weather event. Seek out programs in your community that offer mitigation help and/or grants.
·    Provide your insurer with documentation of completed mitigation steps and/or your community’s risk reduction activities.
·   Get quotes for different deductible levels and make an informed decision: A higher deductible reduces your premium. With too high a deductible your insurance won’t cover even a moderate-sized claim. 
·    Avoid making small claims. Your claim history impacts your risk score. Your risk score impacts your insurance options and costs. 
·  Try and reduce/eliminate coverage you can live without (e.g. high dollar limits on Contents/Personal Property, Other Structures).
·    If you can't find a known brand insurer willing to insure your home, research the financial strength of the companies that offer you quotes.
·     If a state-sponsored insurance plan is your only option, consider supplemental policies to fill coverage gaps.
 
Tried and true tips:
 
·     Bundle your home, auto and/or umbrella policies.
·     Ask what discounts you may qualify for.
·     Comparison shop as much as feasible.
·   Aim to insure your property for its replacement value, even if that means you don’t pick the cheapest policy.
·     Ideally, buy insurance that covers risks in your region (floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, hail).
 
What can an insurance agent or broker do to help me?
 
·     Put in the time to seek out the best available options.
·     Identify insurance options that are only available through a broker.
·     Help you make good decisions and save money.
·     Tailor your coverages to your specific situation and needs.
·    Walk you through options available through non-standard (“non-admitted” “excess/surplus”) or government-sponsored programs.
·     Possibly offer a premium financing plan.