California home insurance non-renewal: notice rules and what to do

California rule · Notice of non-renewal

California's published rule requires a notice of non-renewal to be delivered or mailed at least 75 days before the policy expires. When the notice is mailed, California's mailing rule adds 5 days (10 if mailed from or to an address outside California).

Because of the mailing extension, a notice dated 75–84 days before expiration may or may not meet the rule depending on how and from where it was mailed.

Cal. Ins. Code § 678Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1013(a)CDI Annual Notice (Jan. 9, 2026)

California rule · What a non-renewal notice must include

California's published rule says a non-renewal notice must state the specific reason or reasons, give the insurer's phone number for consumer questions, explain that you may have the matter reviewed by the California Department of Insurance, and include information about the California Home Insurance Finder and the FAIR Plan.

Cal. Ins. Code § 678

California rule · Requesting the information behind the decision

California's published rule gives a way to ask for more detail: a written request made within 90 business days of the notice asks the insurer to provide, within 21 business days, the specific information that supports its reasons and where that information came from.

Cal. Ins. Code § 791.10

California rule · What the rule says about late non-renewal notices

California's published rule describes what happens when a non-renewal notice is not given at least 75 days before expiration: the existing policy remains in effect, unchanged, for 75 days from the date the notice is delivered or mailed. Your Department of Insurance can answer questions about how this applies.

Cal. Ins. Code § 678

California rule · Pending claims

California's published rule says an insurer may not refuse to renew solely because a claim is pending under the policy (earthquake claims are treated differently).

Cal. Ins. Code § 675

California rule · Protections after a total loss

After a total loss of the home, California's published rule limits cancellation while the home is being rebuilt, and — for total losses caused by a declared disaster — requires the insurer to offer renewal for at least the next two annual renewal periods (no less than 24 months from the loss), subject to listed exceptions.

Cal. Ins. Code § 675.1