Dropped by Your Home Insurance in Ventura or Santa Barbara County? You’re Not Alone
If you recently got a non-renewal notice from your home insurance company, you’re not imagining it — this is happening across California in 2026. From for all of California, from San Diego County to Santa Barbara County, to Sacramento and beyond, insurers are tightening up, especially in wildland-urban interface areas and higher-risk zones.
For many homeowners, losing insurance isn’t just paperwork — it’s a mortgage compliance issue, a financial strain, and for some, a tipping point toward selling. This guide walks you through exactly what’s going on and what to do next.
What “Non-Renewal” Means (and Doesn’t Mean)
Non-renewal means your insurer won’t continue your policy after the current term ends. It’s not the same as cancellation (which ends coverage mid-term). In California, companies must give at least 75 days’ notice before a non-renewal.
This notice doesn’t always explain why — but common reasons include wildfire risk models, rising rebuild costs, and carriers pulling back in certain zip codes.
If you let your policy lapse, your lender may force-place insurance — costly and often with poor coverage — and you could be violating your mortgage agreement. That’s why acting quickly matters.
Why California Insurers Are Withdrawing
Insurers nationwide are re-evaluating risk, but California is at the forefront because:
- Expanded wildfire exposure models flag more homes as high risk
- Higher rebuild and claims costs make profitability harder
- Profit-driven market pullbacks reduce competition
- More stringent regulations reduce incentive for carriers to do business in CA.
This means many otherwise well-maintained homes are being dropped simply due to location-based risk scores — not because of claims history.
Your Options After a Non-Renewal Notice
1. Shop Around Immediately
Don’t wait until your current policy expires. Talk to multiple insurance companies or an independent broker who can access different carriers. More competition means better odds of replacement coverage.
2. Look Into the California FAIR Plan
If private insurers won’t cover you, the California FAIR Plan can be a safety net. It provides basic fire and smoke protection — better than nothing — but it doesn’t include liability, theft, or water damage coverage.
You can often add a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy to fill gaps, but that’s still limited compared to standard homeowner policies.
3. Ask for a Written Explanation or Appeal
You can request a full explanation for the non-renewal and appeal through the insurer or even involve the California Department of Insurance if something looks unfair.
When Selling Might Make Sense
If you’re struggling to find affordable coverage — or your premiums keep climbing year after year — it might be time to evaluate whether holding onto the home still makes sense.
Here are a few scenarios where selling could be the least stressful and most financially sane option:
- You can’t get a replacement policy before your current one expires
- Coverage is available but unaffordably expensive
- Your lender threatens force-placed insurance
- You don’t plan to stay long-term anyway If you’ve been dropped
In these cases, selling your home as-is to a cash buyer could help you avoid insurance gaps, costly premiums, and potential mortgage issues.
Quick Checklist: What to Do First
- Act as soon as you get the notice
- Compare multiple insurance quotes
- Contact an independent broker
- Explore FAIR Plan + DIC options
- Speak with a real estate professional if insurance options are limited