10/14/2026
Sooo you're getting dropped… 😬🏠
If a nonrenewal or cancellation letter from your home insurance company just showed up, take a breath. Here's the plain-English version of what to do next. 👇
1️⃣ It's usually not about you. Insurers repriced wildfire after several bad fire seasons. Slope, brush, and your roof, vents, eaves and the first 5 feet around your walls all play a part.
2️⃣ Watch the clock. In California, a home insurer generally has to give at least 75 days' written notice before it nonrenews, and say why. Find the renewal date and the reason on that letter. A mid-policy cancellation follows different rules, so read yours today.
3️⃣ Make it safer, then prove it. California's Safer from Wildfires rules require admitted insurers to offer discounts for steps like a Class A roof, ember-resistant vents, enclosed eaves, a cleared area under decks and a 5-foot ember-resistant zone. Take photos of all of it.
🏅 Bonus: IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home is a voluntary certification, not a law, and some insurers offer a discount for it. Details: https://wildfireprepared.org/
4️⃣ Community credits get mixed up. Firewise USA is earned by your neighborhood and renewed every year. LA County is on the state's current Fire Risk Reduction Community list, but the City of Santa Clarita is not, so don't assume the county credit covers a Valencia address.
5️⃣ Shop in order: admitted insurers first, surplus lines next, California FAIR Plan last. The FAIR Plan is fire coverage only, so you'd also need a separate difference in conditions (DIC) policy for things like liability, theft and water damage. FAIR Plan dwelling rates rise an average of 29.1% on new and renewing policies starting Oct. 15, 2026, so treat a FAIR quote as a ceiling, not a target.
📋 Have ready: your declarations page, the letter, photos of your roof, vents, eaves and 5-foot zone, upgrade receipts, any inspection or Wildfire Prepared Home certificate, and your HOA's Firewise status.
If you're inside a nonrenewal window, the clock matters more than the Facebook thread. Call me with your letter and your renewal date, and let's look at your options.
📞 (661) 299-8778
🌐 www.borjainsurance.com
Enrique Borja Ins Agency Inc, Valencia, CA
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General information only, not legal advice. Discounts, eligibility and coverage vary by insurer and property.
