Q: Can older homes be insured? Are they more pricey?

A: Yes, older homes can be insured. They can be more pricey, but not necessarily. If your home is older make sure to get the roof replaced, the pipes redone, and keep it up to date on code. See our fire prevention tips for more information. https://orangecountyinsurancebroker.com/california-fire-insurance-prevention-tips/

Q: Do standard homeowners insurance policies cover fire insurance?

A: A home insurance policy does cover damages caused by a wildfire, but only to the policy limits. Always double-check because in some policies, a wildfire could be excluded from coverages.

Q: What about indirect damages, like soot, ash, and smoke?

A: Yes these are usually covered as well. Remember that any intentional damage by the insured is not covered, like arson.

Q: Can you be denied homeowners insurance?

A: Yes, you can be denied homeowners insurance. In terms of fire, insurance carriers can deny you if your property is in a wildfire and high brush zone area. Unity One Insurance can insure homes in fire areas, call us today!

Q: How do they determine whether your property is in a high brush and wildfire area?

A: Insurance Services Office is where homes are given a rating based on location. Insurance companies use these ratings to determine an approval or a denial. A home located in a Public Protection Class of 9 or 10, or if it has a Fireline score above 3 is usually un-insurable to most insurance carriers.

Q: I have a mortgage on my house, what happens if my house burns down in a fire?

A: Unfortunately, monthly mortgage bills will still be due even if your house does burn down. While your home is being rebuilt, you will need to live elsewhere. Check to see if your home insurance policy has Loss of Use coverage. Loss of Use covers the additional expenses you incur when having to live outside of your home.

Q: What does the California Fair Plan cover?

A: The California Fair Plan covers damage from fire, smoke, wind, hail, lightning, vandalism, riot, internal explosion, aircraft, and vehicles. The California Fair Plan needs to be combined with a DIC or Difference In Conditions to be more like a normal home insurance policy. The Difference in Conditions covers things like water damage, liability, and theft.

Q: How much does fire insurance cost?

A: It all depends! We give you the lowest cost with the right amount of coverage. Some insurance carriers will quote you a lower price, but give you inadequate coverage. Shopping for home and fire insurance cannot be about price, it has to be about the lowest price for the correct amount of coverage. California home fire insurance pricing is typically based on location, quality, size, and prior claim history.