Now that Northridge earthquake is several years behind us, the California homeowners insurance market has blossomed again, with insurance companies eagerly offering quotes on the World Wide Web and agent contact by E-mail. But insurance rates can vary dramatically. The Insurance Information Institute recommends that homeowners shop around, ask for discounts, pay a higher deductible to lower premiums, and buy home and auto insurance from the same company to get better rates. Re-examine your policies each year to make sure that you're neither underinsured nor overinsured. The Insurance Information Institute also warns homeowners not to judge an insurance company by price alone.
Quality service is important and it can cost more.
One recommended approach is to narrow your field to three reputable companies and then seek quotes to help you choose. Insurance shoppers can start their search at two informative Web sites. Those include helpful statistics in Data Center, a comprehensive list of insurance company links in InfoSources, and credit ratings, claims-paying reports and California earthquake rates in INN Resources. Some insurance companies allow homeowners to request quotes online. Countrywide, the home loan company, also offers homeowners insurance.