Our Top 5 Tips for 2026

Tip #1: The Coverage Gap Most Homeowners Miss

One of the questions we hear most often from clients is, “Do I need earthquake coverage?” And right behind it: “Is it expensive?” 

It’s a savvy question, and we’re glad you asked! 

Experts agree it’s not a question of if another quake will hit—it’s when.

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: standard homeowners and landlord insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Unless you’ve added optional earthquake coverage, quake-related losses are excluded from your policy.

The good news? Our QUAKE SELECT program through GeoVera offers flexible coverage limits for personal contents and loss of use, along with customizable deductible options to fit your budget.

Find out more: We can look at your coverage needs together—no obligation required. We’ll answer your questions, walk you through your options, and provide a cost estimate.

Give us a call today. We look forward to helping you protect what matters most. 

Tip #2: A Home Inventory Now Can Save You Time (and Stress) Later

Take a few minutes to walk through your home with your phone or a camera. Take photos of each room, closet, and storage area. Alternatively, take a video of each room. Store the footage safely off-site, or in the cloud.

If you ever need to file a claim, your photos will make the process faster and more accurate—and help support your claim.

Tip #3: How Raising Your Deductible Could Lower Your Premium

If you’re still carrying a low deductible on your policy, your instincts are good—but it might be costing you more than you realize. The higher your deductible, the more risk you take on, but the lower your premium tends to be.

Before making a change, consider:

1. Your claims history. Rarely filed a claim? A higher deductible may make sense.
2. Your emergency savings. Make sure you’re comfortable covering the higher out-of-pocket cost if needed.
3. The actual savings. Ask us to quote a few deductible levels ($1,000, $2,500, $5,000) so you can compare.
4. Percentage-based deductibles. Some policies—especially those covering wildfire, wind, or hail—use a percentage of your dwelling limit instead of a flat dollar amount. Know which type applies to you.

Raising your deductible isn’t right for everyone, but for many homeowners, it’s an easy way to reduce premium costs without losing meaningful coverage.

Let’s run the numbers together and find the deductible that fits your budget. Give us a call today. 

Tip #4: Consider excess personal liability (“umbrella”) coverage…

If your home and auto are already bundled with CIG, you might be thinking about “umbrella” coverage.  Personal excess liability coverage (also known as an “umbrella” policy) creates an extra layer of liability protection above your homeowners and vehicle policy coverage limits.  The umbrella kicks in when a serious claim or accident goes beyond your home or auto policy liability limits.  It’s designed to help safeguard savings, income, and give you peace of mind.

Here are some common situations where umbrella coverage gives you that added protection:

• You’re found at-fault for a serious auto accident with bodily injuries
• There’s been an accident on your property resulting in a legal claim
• Personal liability lawsuits that exceed standard policy limits

A quick review can help confirm whether umbrella protection is a fit for you and your family. 

As an example, for an eligible homeowner with no claims, two vehicles and two good drivers, the annual premium could be under $200 for $1,000,000 in coverage.  Additional eligibility guidelines may apply.   

Feel free to reach out and we can have a quick call about umbrella coverage.

Tip #5:  Summer Travel Home Safety Tips

• Lock every entry point. Before leaving, do a quick walk around your home and check every possible entry point: side doors, garage entrances, gates, and first-floor windows. According to home security experts, these are often the areas people forget when they are rushing out the door.
• Turn off the water main. Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues that can affect an empty home. If you will be gone for more than a few days, shut off the main water valve. At minimum, turn off supply lines to the washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker before you head out.
• Set timers on your lights. A dark, still house can be a signal that no one is home. A few inexpensive plug-in timers on indoor lamps and porch lights can create a natural, lived-in look from the outside.
• Let a trusted neighbor know your plans.  A neighbor who knows you’re away can collect packages, bring trash bins back from the curb, and notice anything that looks off, like a storm-damaged branch, a flickering light or an open gate.
• Hold your mail, and arrange for package collection. An overflowing mailbox and packages sitting on the porch are two of the clearest signs that nobody is around. Use the USPS free hold mail service online, and have a trusted neighbor or friend collect anything that arrives during your trip.
• Central monitored security services.  Did you know that your homeowner’s policy may offer discounts for central monitored security systems that alert a security service provider of a breach in the system?  Give us a call to discuss and see how much you could save on your annual premium!
• Unplug non-essential appliances. Countertop appliances, hair tools, chargers, and space heaters should all be turned off and unplugged before you go. This reduces the risk of electrical issues while you are away and gives you one less thing to worry about.

A few minutes of preparation before you leave can go a long way toward preserving your peace of mind. If you have questions about your current coverage, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help!

 matters most.