Your Home Insurance Is Now Part of Your Home Purchase

Insurance used to be an afterthought when you bought a house.
Not anymore.
Now it's a contingency, just like your inspection.

We sat down with independent insurance broker Darlene Baxter. Here's what she's seeing right now.

**1. The market is stabilizing**
For years, many companies stopped writing policies in California.
Lots of homeowners landed on the Fair Plan, the insurer of last resort.
Now more companies are coming back.
If you're on the Fair Plan, it's worth getting a new quote.

**2. Inspections are stricter**
Insurers look at your roof by drone and satellite.
They want trees and brush off the roof and away from the house.
Older electrical panels (Zinsco and Federal Pacific are two) can disqualify a home.
Catch it in your home inspection, before you fall in love.

**3. Water coverage is tighter**
Coverage is for sudden damage, not slow leaks.
Some carriers want a water leak detector on older homes.
Listen for drips. Check behind your appliances.

**4. Raise your deductible**
Two claims in five years can make you very hard to insure.
Darlene recommends a higher deductible so you're not filing small claims.
It also lowers your premium, and that can help you qualify for your loan.

**5. Call your broker first**
Before you file any claim, call your agent.
A $900 claim can cost you more than it pays.

Watch the full video here >>> YouTube Insurance Video 👇🏻

The takeaway:
You need a broker who knows what insurers want today, not last year.

Thinking about buying or selling? Let's talk through your numbers and your insurance before you write an offer.

Patti Gregory, Realtor
Haven Realty Group
Your Partner in Success
☎️ 714.398.1998
REAL Brokerage
DRE 01182154