Homeowners Insurance FAQs – JSSR Insurance Agency
Protect your home, family, and finances with the right coverage. Below are answers to the most common questions homeowners in California (and nearby states like Arizona, Washington, and Oregon) ask us every day.
1) What is homeowners insurance and why do I need it? ›
Homeowners insurance protects your house, belongings, and personal liability when covered losses occur—think fire, theft, burst pipes, or injuries on your property. Lenders typically require it, and even if your home is paid off, coverage helps safeguard your biggest investment.
2) What does a standard home insurance policy cover? ›
- Dwelling – Repairs or rebuilds your home after a covered loss.
- Other Structures – Fences, sheds, and detached garages.
- Personal Property – Furniture, clothing, electronics (on & off premises, subject to limits).
- Personal Liability – Legal costs if someone is hurt on your property.
- Loss of Use – Extra living expenses if you can’t live at home during repairs.
3) Is homeowners insurance required in California? ›
California doesn’t require home insurance by law, but lenders usually do. Even without a mortgage, coverage is strongly recommended to protect against costly repairs, lawsuits, and temporary housing.
4) What factors influence my homeowners premium? ›
- Replacement cost of your home (size, materials, upgrades)
- Home age and roof condition
- Location (wildfire, theft, wind, and water risk)
- Security features (monitored alarms, sprinklers, smart locks)
- Claims history and selected deductibles/limits
5) What isn’t covered by a standard policy? ›
- Floods and earthquakes (separate policies available)
- Maintenance and wear-and-tear
- High-value items beyond sub-limits without endorsements (e.g., jewelry, art)
- Business property or short-term rental exposures without proper endorsements
We can add endorsements (water backup, service line, equipment breakdown, scheduled personal property) for broader protection.
6) How much coverage do I need? (Replacement cost vs. market value) ›
Aim for enough replacement cost coverage to rebuild at today’s construction prices—including debris removal, code upgrades (Ordinance or Law), and specialty finishes. We’ll run a replacement cost estimate tailored to your home’s square footage, materials, roof, kitchen/bath updates, and more.
7) Can I save money on homeowners insurance? ›
- Bundle home + auto (and umbrella) for multi-policy discounts.
- Choose a deductible you can afford; higher deductibles reduce premium.
- Add protective devices (central alarm, water shutoff valves, leak sensors).
- Maintain roof, wiring, plumbing, and HVAC to reduce loss risk.
- Ask about new-home, claims-free, loyalty, and pay-in-full discounts.
8) Does a standard policy cover earthquakes and floods in California? ›
No. Earthquake and flood are excluded from standard policies. We can help you add a California earthquake policy and a separate flood policy for comprehensive protection.
9) What optional endorsements should I consider? ›
- Water Backup (sump/sewer/drain)
- Service Line (underground pipes/wires to your home)
- Equipment Breakdown (HVAC, appliances, smart home systems)
- Ordinance or Law (code upgrade costs after a loss)
- Scheduled Personal Property (jewelry, watches, collectibles)
- Personal Injury (libel/slander) and Home Sharing if applicable
10) Why choose JSSR Insurance Agency for homeowners insurance? ›
We’re an independent agency serving Lathrop, Tracy, Santa Clara County, and beyond. We compare multiple carriers, tailor coverage to your home, and provide fast, local support—so you’re protected when it matters most.
11) How do I get a free homeowners insurance quote today? ›
Call (209) 701-6900, email
Protect your home with the right coverage—at the right price.
We’ll estimate your replacement cost, compare carriers, and tailor a policy to your needs.
Serving homeowners in Lathrop, Tracy, Santa Clara County, and across CA, AZ, WA, and OR.
