Most personal lines quotes (home, auto, umbrella) come back within 24–48 hours of our initial conversation. Commercial policies can take a few extra days depending on the business type and coverage needed. I'll always give you a realistic timeline upfront. I want to research the best companies to offer.

The most important number is your dwelling replacement cost — what it would cost to rebuild your home from the ground up at today's construction prices. This is often higher than market value, especially in California. I use carrier-specific replacement cost estimators to make sure you're not underinsured, which is one of the most common and costly mistakes homeowners make.

No — standard homeowners policies exclude both earthquake and flood damage. These require separate policies. In California, earthquake coverage is available through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and select private carriers. Flood coverage typically goes through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurers. I can help you evaluate whether either makes sense for your location.

California requires a minimum of $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $5,000 for property damage. However, these minimums are quite low — a single serious accident can easily exceed them, leaving you personally on the hook. I typically recommend higher limits, especially if you have assets worth protecting.

Most people with assets, a home, or significant income benefit from an umbrella. It's especially worth considering if you have a pool or trampoline, a teenage driver, a dog, or if you host guests regularly. A serious car accident or injury on your property can easily exceed standard policy limits — umbrella coverage fills that gap for typically $150–$300/year for $1M in additional coverage.