With the California Great ShakeOut approaching, earthquake readiness is top of mind. In this episode of Speaking of Insurance, Aaron Bollinger breaks down whether earthquake insurance is actually worth the cost in California and highlights the key questions homeowners must ask before buying a policy.

We cover:

• Current Coverage Check: Why standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake, flood, and water damage, and how to identify what you already have.
• Understanding Deductibles: How percentage-based deductibles (typically 5% to 15%) work and why paying $50,000 to $100,000+ out of pocket can impact your financial readiness.
• Key Policy Exclusions & Extras: Why temporary living coverage (Loss of Use) isn't always included by default and why you need it if your home becomes uninhabitable.
• Underwriting & Retrofitting: How older home construction, foundation types (slab vs. raised/crawlspace), and zip code location affect pricing and eligibility.
• Carrier Options: Comparing private insurers (like GeoVera or Palomar) against the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and the benefits of bundling coverage where available.
• Financial Decision-Making: How to perform a practical pros-and-cons analysis based on your household's emergency funds and overall risk tolerance.

The bottom line: Earthquake insurance can be a critical safety net, but only if you clearly understand your policy exclusions, ensure your deductible is manageable, and verify that temporary living costs are covered before a disaster strikes.

Speaking of Insurance is hosted by Aaron Bollinger and Brian Bollinger of Bollinsure Insurance Services.

Learn more or request an insurance review:

Bollinsure Insurance Services

562-268-9355

quotes@bollinsure.com

California Insurance License #6013787

Speaking of Insurance dives into one of California homeowners’ biggest concerns: water damage, flooding, and what El Niño weather could mean for your insurance coverage.

In this episode, Aaron Bollinger explains why not all “flooding” is treated the same by insurers, and why the source of the water can make all the difference in a claim.

We cover:

• The difference between flood damage, plumbing failures, sewer backups, and gradual leaks
• Why sudden and accidental water damage may be covered, while maintenance-related damage often is not
• How flood insurance works and why homeowners outside high-risk flood zones may still face exposure
• Common warning signs of hidden water damage, including ceiling stains, warped baseboards, bubbling paint, and unexpected water-bill increases
• The role of plumbing maintenance and water-leak detectors in preventing expensive losses
• How a water claim can affect future insurance options and coverage limits
• What to do after a water event to help protect your home and support a potential claim

Insurance coverage depends on the details of your policy, the cause of the damage, and the steps taken after a loss. Aaron breaks down the questions homeowners should ask before a storm, or a plumbing problem, turns into a major expense.

Speaking of Insurance is hosted by Aaron Bollinger of Bollinsure Insurance Services.

Learn more or request an insurance review:
Bollinsure Insurance Services
562-268-9355
quotes@bollinsure.com

California Insurance License #6013787

California’s property insurance market is changing fast, especially for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas.

In this episode of Speaking of Insurance, Aaron and Brian Bollinger discuss what they’re seeing in California right now: rising California FAIR Plan premiums, limited carrier availability, underwriting restrictions, older roofs, brush exposure, and why it pays to start shopping well before your renewal date.

We cover:

• Why the California FAIR Plan is becoming more expensive
• When a standard homeowners policy may still be possible
• How roof age, home updates, brush exposure, and documentation affect eligibility
• Why home and auto bundles can create more options
• What homeowners can do mid-policy - and why they shouldn’t cancel coverage before a replacement is secured
• How claims history affects future insurance costs
• Practical risk-reduction steps for mountain, seasonal, and high-fire-risk homes
• What could help stabilize California’s insurance market over time

The bottom line: insurance companies need enough information to assess risk, but homeowners need access to coverage that is practical, coordinated, and reliable when they need it most.

Speaking of Insurance is hosted by Aaron Bollinger and Brian Bollinger of Bollinsure Insurance Services.

Learn more or request an insurance review:
Bollinsure Insurance Services
562-268-9355
quotes@bollinsure.com
California Insurance License #6013787