When the California homeowners’ insurance market hit its roughest patch, a lot of well-known names scaled back or even stopped writing new policies altogether. That left many homeowners scrambling. But not every company walked away. Some insurers stood firm, adjusted, and kept serving Californians through the worst of it.
At CauseWell Insurance Services, we’re proud to work with companies like Bamboo Insurance, Aegis Insurance, and Cabrillo Coastal. These are the carriers that stayed in the fight and gave homeowners real options when many of the biggest brands stepped aside.
Bamboo Insurance
Bamboo is a California-based company that built its model around flexibility. When other insurers shut their doors to new business, Bamboo kept writing policies and finding ways to cover homes—even those in higher wildfire-risk areas. They combine standard homeowners’ insurance with more creative solutions when needed, and they’ve recently expanded through new partnerships. In short: Bamboo is local, nimble, and committed to California homeowners.
Aegis Insurance
Aegis takes a dual approach. They offer traditional homeowners’ coverage for standard properties, but they also provide specialty programs for homes that don’t fit into the typical mold—whether because of location, age, or risk profile. Aegis works closely with reinsurers (the companies that back up insurers) to spread risk and keep policies available in California. Through all the upheaval in the market, Aegis continued writing here, and that consistency matters.
Cabrillo Coastal
Cabrillo has deep experience with catastrophe-prone areas—hurricanes in Florida, coastal exposures, and now wildfires in California. Through their California partner, Pacific Coastal Property & Casualty, they’ve positioned themselves as a strong option for homes in tough ZIP codes. Their focus is simple: if you live in an area where it’s harder to find coverage, Cabrillo may be one of the few carriers willing to step up.
The California FAIR Plan
We also want to give credit to the California FAIR Plan. It’s the “insurer of last resort,” designed to make sure every homeowner has access to coverage. In 2022, when so many large insurers left, the FAIR Plan was overwhelmed and earned a reputation for slow service. But that’s changed. They’ve hired more staff, revamped their computer systems, and dramatically improved customer service. In some cases, their prices are even more competitive than regular insurers. For many of our clients, the FAIR Plan—sometimes combined with what’s called a “difference in conditions” policy—has been a smart, reliable solution.
And What About the Big Three?
Of course, the names you hear most often in insurance—State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers—are part of the story too. But here’s the reality: during the hardest years, they pulled back from writing new homeowners’ policies. Recently, they’ve begun to test the waters again. Farmers is gradually re-entering the market, Allstate says it will expand as soon as rates reflect wildfire and rebuilding costs, and State Farm is working under regulatory supervision to stabilize its California operations. These moves are worth noting, but they’re not much help to consumers today if you can’t actually get a policy through them—especially since they don’t work with independent brokers.
That’s why our focus at CauseWell Insurance Services is on the companies that never stopped showing up: Bamboo, Aegis, Cabrillo, and the FAIR Plan. These are the carriers that homeowners can count on right now, and they’re the ones we can place you with directly.
Practical Advice for Homebuyers and Homeowners Needing Insurance
Start early. Give yourself at least 30–45 days before closing or renewing to explore your options.
Consider both paths. Ask us for quotes from our partner carriers and also compare with the FAIR Plan—it’s often better than people expect.
Mitigation matters. Clearing brush, upgrading your roof, or installing ember-resistant vents can lower your risk and sometimes your cost.
Don’t be surprised by inspections. Many insurers now want a close look before they commit to writing coverage.
California’s homeowners’ insurance market isn’t easy—but it is improving. And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone. At CauseWell Insurance Services, we partner with the insurers that actually stuck it out during the hard times and are still here to protect your home today.
👉 Ready to see your options? Use our Free Quote button to get started today and find coverage that fits your needs and your budget.
