Homeowners insurance
For homes that fit a standard policy.
Insurance for High Value Homes in California
If rebuilding your home would cost more than about $1 million, a standard homeowners policy often runs out of room. We place homes like yours with specialty markets that write dwelling limits up to $7 million for owners who live in the house, full time or part of the year.
We shop the market for you, no broker fees
How it works
10 minute form
A few questions about your business or home.
We shop the market
We compare carriers and read the forms line by line.
Quote and bind
We pick the best policy and get you covered.
Built for the homes standard policies turn away
These policies are for a home you live in, whether it is your main home or a place you spend part of the year. They are not written for rentals, vacant homes or houses in the middle of a remodel.
Room for the full rebuild
Dwelling limits run from about $1 million up to $7 million, and the whole policy can reach $10 million depending on the market.
Wildfire is part of the conversation
Markets use their own wildfire models. Depending on where you live, one may ask for things like double paned windows, closed eaves and vent screens of 1/8 inch or less.
Water coverage that matches the house
One market includes $100,000 of water damage and lets you buy up to $500,000 once an automatic water shutoff device is installed.
What each half of this policy covers
What it usually covers
- The house and other structures on your lot, insured for what it costs to rebuild them
- Your belongings, with replacement cost available instead of depreciated value
- Living costs while the home is being repaired after a covered loss
- Personal liability, medical payments to guests and personal injury
- An extra 10% or 25% on the dwelling if a total loss costs more than expected to rebuild
- Jewelry, fine art, silverware and other valuables listed on a schedule
What it does not cover
- Short or long term rentals, including home sharing
- Damage that was already there before the policy started
- Pool, trampoline, firearm and ATV liability with some markets
- Dogs with a bite history and certain breeds, such as Rottweilers and Dobermans
- Solar panels more than 15 years old
Limits and terms
- 01
Liability up to $1 million
Personal liability usually runs from $100,000 up to $1 million, depending on the market.
- 02
Deductibles from $5,000
The regular deductible is usually between $5,000 and $100,000, and larger homes need a higher minimum.
- 03
A separate wildfire deductible
Expect a wildfire deductible of its own. With one market it starts at $25,000.
- 04
A 25% minimum premium
If you cancel early, at least 25% of the premium is kept, and policy and inspection fees are not refunded.
Who can apply
- Homes in California that you live in as a main or second home
- A single family home or a duplex, insured for its full cost to rebuild
- Up to 10,000 square feet and 3 stories, and at least half a mile from a beach, coast or cliff
- No wood shake roof, knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring
- Usually no more than 2 losses in the last 3 years
Coverages that go with it
DIC insurance
Coverage without fire, next to a separate fire policy.
Umbrella insurance
More liability above your home and auto.
Landlord insurance
For a home you rent to others.
What to have ready
- An estimate of what it would cost to rebuild the house today
- The year it was built, the square footage and the roof material and age
- When the wiring, electrical panel, heating and plumbing were last updated
- Any claims from the last 5 years
- Fire alarms, sprinklers or a security system, since one market gives a discount for them
Questions we get asked
Is this an admitted policy?
Usually not. Homes at this value are written by surplus lines markets rated A+. We explain what that means for your policy before you decide.
Will someone come out to look at the house?
Usually yes. One market inspects every home it insures and looks again at least every third renewal. The inspection fee is not refundable.
Can I rent the house out while I am away?
Not on these policies. Airbnb, Vrbo and longer leases usually make the home ineligible. If you rent it out, ask us about a landlord policy instead.
My roof is older. Is that a problem?
It can change how roof damage is paid. With one market, a composition shingle roof between 11 and 20 years old is paid at actual cash value, and an older one is excluded.
What happens after I start a quote?
Tell us about the coverage you need and complete the application. We use those details to approach suitable markets and may ask follow-up questions. Requesting a quote does not put coverage in force.
Review your coverage options.
A licensed broker can review eligibility and policy terms with you.