If you’ve heard more people talking about home insurance non-renewals lately, you’re not imagining it. They’ve become more common across California — and in most cases, they have very little to do with something a homeowner did wrong.
We spend a lot of time helping families understand what’s really behind these notices and what their options are. This article is meant to make the topic feel clearer and less overwhelming.
What does “non-renewal” actually mean?
A non-renewal simply means your insurance company has decided not to continue your policy when it reaches its renewal date.
It’s different from a cancellation, and it usually comes with advance notice. Most of the time, it’s driven by company-wide decisions — not personal ones.
The most common reasons
Here are the main factors that tend to trigger non-renewals in California right now, explained simply:
1. Location and wildfire exposure
Many insurance companies use updated wildfire models that look at things like:
- Proximity to open space or brush
- Regional fire history
- Access for emergency response
Even homes that have never had a claim can be affected if risk scores change.
2. Carrier guideline changes
Some companies have reduced or paused new business in parts of California, or tightened their underwriting rules.
This can include:
- Restrictions by ZIP code
- Limits on certain construction types
- Changes in what homes they’ll continue to insure
These shifts often happen at the company level, not because of your individual home.
3. Roof age or condition
Roof-related issues are one of the most common and straightforward reasons for non-renewal.
Even a well-maintained roof can raise flags if it:
- Exceeds a carrier’s age guidelines
- Shows visible wear
- Doesn’t meet updated requirements
Sometimes documentation or updates can help. Other times, a different carrier may simply be a better fit.
4. Property maintenance items
Things like overgrown vegetation, visible exterior wear, or deferred maintenance can occasionally trigger concern — especially when insurers rely on photos or aerial images.
These issues are often fixable once identified.
5. Claims history
Multiple claims within a short period can impact eligibility, particularly water-related or liability claims. This doesn’t mean you did anything wrong — it just affects how insurers assess risk.
If you receive a non-renewal notice, here’s what to do:
First: take a breath. You usually have time and options.
A few helpful next steps:
- Review the notice so you understand the reason
- Don’t wait until the last minute to explore options
- Talk with a broker who can explain what paths are available
Depending on your situation, options may include:
- Moving to another insurance carrier
- Using the California FAIR Plan with a companion policy
- Making small updates that help with eligibility
- There’s rarely a single “right” answer — just the best fit for your situation.
Why working with an independent broker can help right now:
This is one area where having an independent insurance broker can make a meaningful difference — especially in today’s California market.
Because we’re not tied to one insurance company, we’re able to look across multiple carriers and help compare options side by side. That allows us to explain trade-offs clearly, talk through realistic paths forward, and help coordinate solutions like the California FAIR Plan when needed.
Just as importantly, we build time into the process. Our goal is to start reviewing options early, so you’re not forced into rushed decisions right before a renewal deadline. Having time to understand your choices often makes the entire process feel far more manageable.
At the end of the day, our role is to help you understand what’s happening, what your options are, and what makes the most sense for your situation — without pressure.
A quick note from us
We know this topic can feel stressful. Our role as independent insurance brokers is to help make it easier to understand and easier to navigate.
If you’ve received a non-renewal or just want to understand how your coverage fits into today’s California market, we’re always happy to talk it through.
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Cord & Nicole
Cord Insurance Broker