My California home insurer is not renewing. What should I do first?

Illustrative scenario: a notice arrives before renewal

A homeowner opens a letter saying the insurer will not renew the policy at expiration. The homeowner's mortgage payment has been paying insurance through escrow, so they assumed the servicer would find replacement coverage. This is a hypothetical learning example, not a description of a named homeowner.

The homeowner saves the notice, confirms the expiration date with the insurer and asks a licensed agent to start a market search. They send the notice to the servicer and ask how to provide replacement policy evidence and billing instructions. They do not wait for the next mortgage statement to act.

Clarify the notice before choosing a response

Nonrenewal at expiration is different from cancellation during a policy term. Ask the insurer to explain which action it is taking and whether there is information you can provide for reconsideration. Keep the envelope or delivery record and a dated log of conversations. A request for review is not confirmation that coverage has been extended.

The Department of Insurance publishes notice guidance and information about wildfire-related protections. Whether a protection applies depends on the notice, location, timing and current rules. Use the department's resources or consumer assistance rather than relying on a neighbor's situation. This guide does not determine the legality of an individual notice.

Shop without creating a coverage gap

Give the agent accurate property and occupancy information. Compare proposed coverage, exclusions, deductibles and binding conditions, not just the premium. If a regular-market search fails, discuss FAIR Plan and supplemental options. Confirm the new policy's effective date before treating the problem as resolved.

Ask the servicer how the change affects escrow payments and where proof of coverage must go. Servicer-arranged force-placed insurance is not a substitute for shopping for suitable household protection. If you receive a force-placed insurance notice while you already have coverage, promptly provide the requested evidence and ask the servicer to review it.

What to check next

Make a calendar reminder before the current coverage ends. Keep the notice, replacement documents, payment receipt and servicer confirmation in one place. If shopping stalls or the notice is unclear, contact the Department of Insurance. Confirm both the insurer's coverage status and the servicer's records instead of assuming one party has updated the other.