What Is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance protects your home and belongings from damage, theft, and liability claims. When fire, theft, vandalism, or weather damage strikes your San Bernardino property, your policy helps cover repair costs and replacement expenses. FOCO Insurance Services' insurance agents help you find the right coverage for your home and family.

A standard policy covers your dwelling, other structures like garages and sheds, personal belongings, and liability protection if someone gets injured on your property. It also includes additional living expenses if damage forces you to temporarily live elsewhere during repairs. Most mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance before approving your loan, and it remains a requirement until you pay off your mortgage.

California homeowners face unique risks including earthquakes, wildfires, and mudslides. Standard policies typically exclude earthquake and flood damage, so you'll need separate coverage for these perils. Our team understands the specific challenges San Bernardino homeowners face and helps you build comprehensive protection

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Your homeowners insurance policy includes several distinct coverage sections that work together to protect your property and finances. Understanding each component helps you choose appropriate limits and avoid coverage gaps.

Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home's structure after covered damage. This includes walls, roof, floors, built-in appliances, and attached structures. You'll choose between replacement cost coverage, which pays to rebuild at current construction prices, or actual cash value, which factors in depreciation. Most San Bernardino homeowners benefit from replacement cost coverage given rising construction expenses.

Other Structures Coverage

This section covers detached structures on your property like garages, sheds, fences, and guesthouses. Standard policies typically provide coverage equal to 10% of your dwelling limit, though you can increase this if needed. If you have valuable detached structures, review these limits carefully.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property protection covers your belongings including furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances. Standard policies cover personal property at 50–70% of your dwelling coverage amount. You can select replacement cost coverage for belongings rather than actual cash value to receive full replacement value without depreciation deductions.

Standard policies include sub-limits for certain valuable items:

• Jewelry and watches (typically $1,000–$2,500 limit)


• Electronics and computer equipment


• Cash and collectibles


• Firearms and sports equipment


• Art and antiques

If you own valuable items exceeding these limits, consider adding scheduled personal property endorsements for full coverage.

Liability Protection

Liability coverage protects you if someone gets injured on your property or you accidentally damage someone else's property. Standard policies provide $100,000 to $500,000 in liability coverage, though many homeowners choose higher limits for better protection. This coverage also pays legal defense costs if someone sues you for covered incidents.

Additional Living Expenses

If covered damage makes your home unlivable, this coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and other necessary expenses while your home gets repaired. Most policies cover these expenses for 12–24 months or up to a percentage of your dwelling coverage.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage pays small medical bills for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault. This typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 and helps you avoid liability claims for minor injuries.

How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cost?

Your homeowners insurance premium depends on multiple factors specific to your property and situation. Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions about coverage and find ways to potentially reduce your costs.

Property Characteristics

Your home's value and rebuilding cost significantly impact your premium. Larger homes with premium materials cost more to insure than smaller, standard construction homes. The age and condition of your home matters too—older homes with outdated electrical, plumbing, or roofing systems typically face higher premiums due to increased risk.

Construction type affects pricing as well. Brick and stone homes often cost less to insure than wood-frame homes because they're more resistant to fire and wind damage. Your roof's age and material also influence rates, with newer roofs in good condition earning lower premiums.

Location and Regional Risks

San Bernardino's location affects your insurance costs. Proximity to fire hazards, flood zones, and earthquake fault lines influences pricing. Homes in areas with higher crime rates typically face increased premiums due to theft and vandalism risk. Your distance from fire stations and fire hydrants can also impact rates.

California's wildfire risk has significantly impacted homeowners insurance availability and pricing in recent years. Some carriers have reduced coverage in high-risk areas, making it essential to work with an independent agent who can access multiple insurance companies.

Coverage Choices

Your coverage selections directly affect your premium. Higher dwelling coverage limits increase your cost but provide better protection. Choosing replacement cost coverage for your dwelling and belongings costs more than actual cash value but provides superior coverage.

Your deductible choice significantly impacts pricing. Selecting a higher deductible reduces your premium but means you'll pay more out-of-pocket when filing a claim. Many San Bernardino homeowners balance affordable premiums with manageable deductibles by choosing amounts between $1,000 and $2,500.

Personal Factors

Your claims history influences your rates. Filing multiple claims within a few years can increase premiums or make coverage harder to obtain. Your credit score also affects pricing in California, as insurers use credit-based insurance scores to help determine risk.

Ways to Potentially Lower Your Premium

Several strategies can help reduce your homeowners insurance costs. Bundling your home and auto insurance with the same carrier typically earns multi-policy discounts. Installing security systems, smoke detectors, and fire alarms can qualify you for safety discounts. Making home improvements like updating your roof, electrical system, or plumbing may also lower premiums.

Maintaining continuous coverage without lapses helps you qualify for better rates. Some insurers also offer discounts for being claims-free for several years. Our team shops multiple carriers to find competitive rates and available discounts for your situation.

Do I Need Homeowners Insurance?

If you have a mortgage on your San Bernardino home, your lender requires homeowners insurance to protect their investment. This requirement continues until you fully pay off your loan. Even after paying off your mortgage, maintaining coverage protects your largest financial asset from devastating losses.

Consider the cost of rebuilding your home after a total loss. Most homeowners can't afford to rebuild from savings alone. Without insurance, you'd face financial ruin if fire, severe storms, or other disasters destroy your property. Homeowners insurance transfers this financial risk to the insurance company.

Liability protection provides another crucial reason to maintain coverage. If someone gets injured on your property and sues you for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, you could face a judgment exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. Your homeowners liability coverage protects your savings, assets, and future earnings from such claims.

San Bernardino homeowners face specific risks including wildfires, earthquakes, and property crime. While standard policies exclude earthquake coverage, you should consider purchasing separate earthquake insurance given California's seismic activity. The risk of losing your home and belongings without adequate protection far outweighs the cost of comprehensive coverage.

Even if you own your home outright and have substantial savings, insurance provides financial efficiency. Paying relatively small premiums protects you from catastrophic losses that could deplete your savings or retirement funds. Insurance allows you to maintain your financial security and peace of mind.

How to Get Homeowners Insurance in San Bernardino

California homeowners must understand state-specific requirements and options when purchasing coverage. While California doesn't legally require homeowners insurance for those without mortgages, practical and financial considerations make it essential for protecting your property.

Start by determining your home's replacement cost—the amount needed to rebuild your home at current construction prices. This differs from your home's market value or tax assessment. An insurance agent can help you calculate accurate replacement cost coverage to avoid being underinsured.

Review California's unique insurance landscape. The state's FAIR Plan provides basic fire coverage for homeowners who can't obtain standard coverage due to wildfire risk. While FAIR Plan coverage costs more and provides limited protection, it ensures you can meet mortgage requirements and then supplement with additional coverage options.

Consider earthquake insurance through the California Earthquake Authority or private carriers. Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, leaving you vulnerable to significant losses. Given San Bernardino's location, earthquake coverage deserves serious consideration.

Working with an independent insurance agency provides significant advantages. Independent agents represent multiple insurance companies, allowing them to shop your coverage across numerous carriers to find the best combination of coverage and pricing. This matters especially in California's challenging insurance market where carrier availability and pricing vary significantly.

Gather necessary information before requesting quotes including your home's age, square footage, construction type, roof age, and any recent updates or improvements. Having this information ready streamlines the quote process and ensures accurate pricing.

Our local team understands San Bernardino's specific insurance challenges and maintains relationships with carriers actively writing coverage in the Inland Empire. We help you navigate California's complex insurance market and build comprehensive protection for your home and family.

Get Your Free Homeowners Insurance Quote

Protecting your San Bernardino home starts with finding the right coverage at a competitive price. Our team makes the process simple by shopping multiple top-rated carriers on your behalf and presenting your best options.

We take time to understand your home's unique characteristics and your coverage needs. Whether you're purchasing your first home, refinancing, or reviewing your current coverage, we provide personalized recommendations that fit your situation and budget.

Ready to get started? Contact our team for a free quote today. You can call us, fill out our online form, or visit our San Bernardino office. We'll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you secure comprehensive protection for your home and belongings. Get covered in just minutes with FOCO Insurance Services.