Throughout California, homeowners are losing policies and facing steep cost increases with replacement coverage as insurance companies look to reduce their risk. Prior to the fire, floods, and debris flow events companies like Chubb and AIG were writing residential policies. That’s changed. With all the uncertainty homeowners are understandably concerned.
California may seem like the center of fun and sun, but homeowners in the Golden State can’t be so carefree. In addition to being the most wildfire-prone state, California has a property crime rate that’s rising in certain areas. There are many reasons why California residents should purchase a homeowners insurance policy, one of which is most mortgage lenders require applicants to have homeowner’s insurance before they sign on the dotted line.
I’ve been in conversation with a local Title Company/Escrow Officer recently and may have some information in this post that might prove helpful. Although it seems that most insurance companies in Santa Barbara are writing Homeowner’s Insurance Policies I’d like to suggest that as you begin your research, if you have an existing policy check in with that company first. Since you have a pre-existing relationship with that company they may (or may not) treat you more favorably. Below is a list of some local Santa Barbara Insurance Companies that according to my conversation with a local Title Company’s Escrow Officer here in Santa Barbara are writing policies (1-7). Below that list is 3 alternative companies (8-11) that are also writing policies here:
1. Fidelity Mutual: 805.898.2637 Dave McGrath
2. Caesar & Seider Insurance: 805.682.2527
3. Costello and Sons: 805.682.4793
4. Allstate: Dave Thomas: 805.569.5949
5. State Farm: Paul Cashman 805.687.6666
6. Brashears: 805.564.7645
7. Baxter: 805.963.4048
8. GEICO: 888.873.0946 www.geico.com
9. Lemonade: www.lemonade.com
10. Pure Insurance has been writing in Montecito. Google for more information: www.pureinsurance.com 888.813.7873
11. A more expensive solution for some people has been Lloyds of London. In California, the Barry Greenberg Insurance Agency might be able to assist you. 805.494.8882 for Payment Information. www.lloyds.com
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