A Complete Guide for California Homeowners Looking for Coverage
Updated for 2026
If you’ve recently received a homeowners insurance non-renewal notice, you’re probably asking one question:
“Who is still writing home insurance in California?”
The good news is that you still have options.
While California’s homeowners insurance market has become much more challenging, there are still insurance companies writing new policies throughout the state. However, availability depends on factors such as your home’s location, wildfire exposure, brush score, claims history, and replacement cost.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we’ve helped California homeowners find coverage since 1995 by comparing admitted carriers, specialty insurers, Excess & Surplus (E&S) markets, and the California FAIR Plan when necessary.
Let’s take a look at the current California home insurance market.
Why Are Insurance Companies Leaving California?
Over the past several years, California has experienced:
- Historic wildfire losses
- Rising construction costs
- Inflation
- Higher reinsurance costs
- Increased catastrophe exposure
- More restrictive underwriting guidelines
These factors have caused many insurance companies to reduce their exposure or stop writing new homeowners policies in certain areas.
That doesn’t mean homeowners can’t get insurance—it simply means finding the right carrier has become more important than ever.
Insurance Companies Still Writing Home Insurance in California
The list below is based on market availability as of 2026. Each carrier has its own underwriting guidelines, and eligibility varies by property.
1. Mercury Insurance
Mercury continues to write homeowners insurance in many California communities.
Best for:
- Standard homes
- Bundled auto and home insurance
- Preferred risks
- Existing Mercury customers
Availability varies by wildfire exposure and underwriting guidelines.
2. Nationwide Private Client
Excellent option for:
- High-value homes
- Luxury properties
- Higher replacement cost homes
Offers broad coverage options and strong financial stability.
3. Bamboo Insurance
A popular choice for homeowners who may not qualify with traditional carriers.
Often considered for:
- Brush area homes
- Moderate wildfire exposure
- Newer homes
Coverage varies depending on underwriting.
4. Stillwater Insurance
Stillwater continues writing homeowners insurance in selected California markets.
May be a good option for:
- Standard homes
- Homeowners with favorable underwriting characteristics
5. Foremost Insurance
Foremost provides flexible homeowners insurance solutions for many property types.
May be available for:
- Older homes
- Specialty properties
- Homes declined by standard carriers
6. Aegis Security Insurance
Aegis has become an important option for many California homeowners, especially in areas where traditional insurance companies have become more selective.
7. Excess & Surplus (E&S) Markets
When admitted insurance companies decline a home, E&S carriers may provide another solution.
These policies are commonly used for:
- Brush areas
- Luxury homes
- High wildfire exposure
- Unique properties
- High-value homes
Premiums are often higher, but they may provide important coverage when admitted carriers are unavailable.
8. California FAIR Plan
If traditional insurance companies decline your application, you may qualify for the California FAIR Plan.
The FAIR Plan provides basic fire insurance for homeowners who cannot obtain coverage elsewhere.
Most homeowners also purchase a companion Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy to provide broader homeowners protection.
Which Company Is Best?
There isn’t one insurance company that’s best for everyone.
The right carrier depends on:
- Your ZIP code
- Wildfire risk
- Brush score
- Home replacement cost
- Roof age
- Construction type
- Claims history
- Home updates
- Defensible space
That’s why independent insurance brokers compare multiple companies instead of relying on a single carrier.
What If Every Company Declines My Home?
Don’t panic.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn they still have options.
Possible solutions include:
California FAIR Plan
Provides basic fire insurance.
Difference in Conditions (DIC) Policy
Provides:
- Water damage
- Theft
- Liability
- Personal property
- Additional living expenses
Excess & Surplus Markets
Many specialty insurance companies continue writing homes that standard carriers decline.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Approved?
Insurance companies increasingly reward homeowners who reduce wildfire risk.
Consider:
- Trimming trees
- Removing dead brush
- Creating defensible space
- Installing a Class A roof
- Updating electrical systems
- Replacing older plumbing
- Installing ember-resistant vents
These improvements may increase your home’s eligibility with some insurance companies.
Buying a Home? Start Shopping Early
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is waiting until the week of closing to arrange homeowners insurance.
If your home is located in a wildfire-prone area, insurance may require:
- Additional underwriting
- Property inspections
- Wildfire evaluations
Starting early gives you more options and helps prevent delays during escrow.
Why Work With an Independent Insurance Broker?
Unlike captive insurance agents who represent one company, independent brokers can compare multiple insurance markets.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we help homeowners compare:
- Admitted insurance companies
- High-value home insurers
- Excess & Surplus markets
- California FAIR Plan
- Difference in Conditions (DIC) policies
Our goal is to find the best available protection for your home—not just the first policy available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which homeowners insurance companies are still writing policies in California?
Several companies continue writing homeowners insurance in California, but availability depends on your home’s location, wildfire exposure, and underwriting eligibility. An independent broker can help compare multiple options.
Is the California FAIR Plan my only option?
Not necessarily. Many homeowners still qualify for admitted or specialty insurance companies. The FAIR Plan is generally used when traditional coverage isn’t available.
Why do insurance companies keep declining my home?
The most common reasons include:
- Wildfire exposure
- Brush score
- Roof age
- Claims history
- Older electrical or plumbing systems
- High replacement cost
- Geographic concentration of wildfire risk
Can I switch back to a standard homeowners policy later?
Yes. If market conditions improve or your property becomes eligible again, you may be able to move back to a traditional homeowners insurance policy at renewal.
Should I wait for more insurance companies to return to California?
If your current policy is expiring or you’ve been non-renewed, it’s generally better to secure coverage now rather than risk a lapse. You can review your options again at each renewal as the market evolves.
Why California Homeowners Choose Starwest Insurance Services
For over 30 years, Starwest Insurance Services has helped homeowners protect what matters most.
We specialize in:
- Homeowners Insurance
- California FAIR Plan
- Difference in Conditions (DIC) Policies
- High-Value Homes
- Brush Area Homes
- Wildfire Properties
- Escrow Closings
- Difficult-to-Place Home Insurance
We shop multiple insurance companies to find the best available solution for your property.
Contact Starwest Insurance Services
📞 Office: (714) 893-7271
📱 Call or Text: (714) 231-0897
📧 Email: james@starwestinsurance.com
🌐 Website: https://www.starwestinsurance.com
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