Buying insurance for California buildings is hard. And it’s getting harder every year.

Fires are burning more homes and businesses. Earthquakes can strike anytime. Insurance companies don’t want to take the risk anymore.

If you own a building in California, you need to know what to do.

Why Insurance Costs So Much

Insurance companies are leaving. Big fires have cost them billions. Many won’t sell policies here anymore.

You need two policies. Regular insurance doesn’t cover earthquakes. You have to buy that separately. It’s expensive.

The state controls prices. California law says insurance companies can’t raise prices without permission. So they leave instead.

Fixing buildings costs more. Materials cost more. Workers cost more. Lawsuits cost more. Everything costs more.

Keep Your Building Safe from Fire

Make your building harder to burn. Then insurance companies might cover you.

Clear Space Around Your Building

Keep 100 feet clear around your building.

First 5 feet:

• No plants
• No mulch
• Nothing that can burn

5 to 30 feet:

• Few plants
• Water them often
• Clean up dead leaves

Make Your Building Stronger

Simple fixes help a lot:

• Put on a fireproof roof
• Cover air vents with metal screens
• Get windows with thick glass
• Use siding that won’t burn

Make Your Building Earthquake-Safe

Old buildings need upgrades. Especially buildings with:

• Parking on the ground floor
• Big open spaces on the first floor
• Built before 1978

Fix these weak spots with:

• Steel frames
• Concrete walls
• Strong panels

Here’s why it matters: Spend $1 now. Save $7 when the earthquake hits.

Other Ways to Get Coverage

Can’t get regular insurance? Try these options.

Quick-Pay Insurance

This type pays you fast when bad things happen:

• Big earthquake? You get paid.
• Fire nearby? You get paid.
• High winds? You get paid.

No waiting. No arguing. Money in weeks, not months.

Make Your Own Insurance Company

Big property owners can start their own insurance. You:

• Keep the profits
• Make the rules
• Cover what you want

But you need lots of money to start.

Keep Good Records

Write down everything you do to make your building safer:

• What you fixed
• When you fixed it
• How much you spent
• Who did the work

Show insurance companies you’re serious. They like that.

Check Your Insurance Every Year

Things change fast. Every year:

• Look for gaps in coverage
• Find new insurance companies
• Check if you need more coverage
• Look for better deals

More Than Just Insurance

Safe buildings are worth more. They:

• Get better tenants
• Charge more rent
• Get better loans
• Sell for more money

Safety isn’t just about avoiding disasters. It’s about making money.

We Can Help

Insurance in California is complicated. We know how to:

• Check your risks
• Make your building safer
• Find insurance
• Save you money

Williams Capital Advisors knows California insurance.

(213) 880-8107 | francisco.williams@williamscap.ai | williamscapitaladvisors.com