Home & Property Insurance

Your home is likely your largest asset. Homeowners insurance protects it from fire, storms, theft, and liability. Required by mortgage lenders. National average: ~$1,915/year for $300K coverage (2024).

Homeowners Insurance (HO-3)

HO-3 is the most common form — covers your dwelling on an "open perils" basis (everything except specifically excluded perils) and personal property on a "named perils" basis (16 listed perils). Four main coverage components: Dwelling (Coverage A), Other Structures (Coverage B, typically 10% of A),

Renters Insurance (HO-4)

Covers your personal property, provides liability protection, and pays for additional living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable. Does NOT cover the building structure (that's your landlord's policy). Average cost: just $15-$24/month ($180-$288/year) — the cheapest essential insurance you

Flood Insurance

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flooding. You need a separate flood policy through NFIP (government) or a private insurer. NFIP limits: $250,000 dwelling / $100,000 contents (residential); $500,000/$500,000 (non-residential). Private flood can offer higher limits. Required by mortgage l

Earthquake Insurance

Standard homeowners does NOT cover earthquake damage. Available through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) in CA or standalone policies elsewhere. High deductibles are the norm: 5%-25% of dwelling coverage. At 15% deductible on a $500K home, you pay the first $75,000 out of pocket. CEA averag

Umbrella / Excess Liability

Provides additional liability coverage beyond your auto and homeowners limits. If someone sues you for $1M and your homeowners only covers $300K, umbrella covers the remaining $700K. One of the best values in all of insurance: $150-$500/year for $1M of coverage. Each additional $1M adds just $50-$15