Building an ADU? Renting an ADU? Converting a Garage? Let Starwest Insurance Services Help Protect Your Investment.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are transforming neighborhoods throughout Orange County, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
Whether you’re building a:
- Detached ADU
- Attached ADU
- Granny Flat
- Casita
- In-Law Suite
- Garage Conversion
- Backyard Cottage
- Junior ADU (JADU)
one thing is certain:
ADU insurance is not one-size-fits-all.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we’ve been helping California property owners navigate complex insurance situations since 1995. As ADU construction continues to explode throughout Southern California, we’ve become a trusted resource for homeowners, landlords, real estate investors, and property managers seeking proper insurance protection for their ADU properties.
Why ADU Insurance Is More Complicated Than Most People Think
Many homeowners assume:
“My ADU is automatically covered under my homeowners policy.”
Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
Insurance companies want answers to questions such as:
- Is the ADU attached or detached?
- Is it owner occupied?
- Is it family occupied?
- Is it tenant occupied?
- Is it short-term rental or Airbnb?
- Was the ADU permitted?
- Does it have a separate address?
- Does it have separate utilities?
- Is it generating rental income?
The answers to these questions can dramatically impact:
- Eligibility
- Premium
- Coverage
- Liability exposure
- Claims handling
That’s why working with an experienced insurance broker is so important.
We Understand Every Type of ADU
Detached ADUs
Detached ADUs are separate structures from the main residence.
These may include:
- Backyard cottages
- Casitas
- Guest houses
- Converted detached garages
Insurance companies often treat detached ADUs differently than attached ADUs.
Attached ADUs
Attached ADUs share a wall or roofline with the primary residence.
Examples include:
- Home additions
- Attached guest quarters
- In-law suites
Coverage considerations can be very different compared to detached structures.
Garage Conversion ADUs
Garage conversions are one of the fastest-growing housing solutions in California.
We frequently help homeowners insure:
- Attached garage conversions
- Detached garage conversions
- Above-garage apartments
Many insurance companies require disclosure and underwriting review for garage conversions.
Family Occupied ADUs
Parents moving in.
Adult children moving back home.
Multi-generational living arrangements.
Family occupancy often receives different treatment than tenant occupancy.
Tenant Occupied ADUs
If you’re collecting rent from an ADU, additional insurance considerations may apply.
Examples include:
- Long-term tenants
- Month-to-month tenants
- Rental income exposure
- Fair rental value coverage
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that rental activity can affect coverage eligibility.
Serving Orange County’s Growing ADU Market
We help ADU owners throughout:
- Anaheim
- Anaheim Hills
- Yorba Linda
- Fullerton
- Brea
- Placentia
- Orange
- Tustin
- Irvine
- Lake Forest
- Mission Viejo
- Rancho Santa Margarita
- Westminster
- Garden Grove
- Fountain Valley
- Huntington Beach
- Costa Mesa
- Newport Beach
- Laguna Niguel
- San Clemente
Whether you’re building your first ADU or managing multiple rental units, we can help evaluate the insurance implications.
Long Beach ADU Insurance Specialists
Long Beach has become one of California’s most active ADU markets.
We regularly assist property owners with:
- Detached ADUs
- Garage conversions
- Duplex properties with ADUs
- Triplex properties with ADUs
- Rental property insurance
- Landlord insurance solutions
Many Long Beach property owners are using ADUs to generate additional rental income while increasing property value.
We Also Serve Surrounding Areas
Our agency works with ADU owners throughout:
Los Angeles County
- Long Beach
- Lakewood
- Bellflower
- Cerritos
- Norwalk
- Downey
- Whittier
- Torrance
- Carson
- San Pedro
Riverside County
- Riverside
- Corona
- Eastvale
- Norco
- Jurupa Valley
- Temecula
- Murrieta
San Bernardino County
- Chino
- Chino Hills
- Upland
- Ontario
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Fontana
Common ADU Insurance Mistakes We Help Clients Avoid
Not Reporting the ADU to the Insurance Company
One of the most common mistakes we see.
Not Increasing Dwelling Coverage
Your replacement cost often increases after building an ADU.
Not Carrying Enough Liability Coverage
More residents often means more liability exposure.
No Fair Rental Value Coverage
Rental income may be lost after a covered claim.
Assuming Airbnb Is Covered
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that short-term rental activity may require special consideration.
We May Have Alternatives to FAIR Plan Coverage
Many ADU owners were forced into:
California FAIR Plan + DIC Coverage
after carrier non-renewals.
The good news?
As insurance companies expand under California’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy, some property owners may qualify for alternatives that weren’t available just a few years ago.
Learn more:
California FAIR Plan Alternatives
https://www.starwestinsurance.com/california-fair-plan-alternatives/
Why Do I Need a DIC Policy?
https://www.starwestinsurance.com/why-do-i-need-a-dic-policy/
Can I Just Carry the California FAIR Plan and Skip the DIC Policy?
https://www.starwestinsurance.com/can-i-just-carry-the-california-fair-plan-and-skip-the-dic-policy/
Why Choose Starwest Insurance Services?
Serving California Since 1995
Over three decades of insurance experience.
Multiple Insurance Carriers
We shop multiple markets to help find solutions.
ADU Expertise
We understand the unique challenges ADUs create.
Personalized Service
You can call, text, email, or visit our office.
No Broker Fees
We never charge broker fees.
Schedule an ADU Insurance Review
Whether your ADU is:
✅ Attached
✅ Detached
✅ Family Occupied
✅ Tenant Occupied
✅ Airbnb
✅ Garage Conversion
✅ New Construction
✅ Existing Rental Unit
let us help unravel the insurance situation for you.
Contact Starwest Insurance Services
James C.Q. Banh
Owner & Broker | CA License #0B83846
Starwest Insurance Services
13752 Goldenwest St.
Westminster, CA 92683
📞 Office: (714) 893-7271
📱 Text: (714) 867-7799
🌐 https://www.starwestinsurance.com
Additional Resources
- Home Insurance in Orange County, CA
- The Ultimate ADU Insurance Guide
- How Can I Save Money on Home Insurance in Orange County?
- California FAIR Plan Alternatives
- Landlord Insurance for ADUs in California
- Umbrella Insurance in Orange County
Serving Orange County, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and Southern California Since 1995