How much notice must a California insurer give before non-renewing my home policy?

At least 75 days' written notice before the policy ends, and the notice must state the reason. If you got less, call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357.

Can my insurer cancel my homeowners policy in the middle of the term?

After a policy has been in force 60 days, only for limited reasons, such as non-payment, fraud or misrepresentation, or a substantial change in the risk. Otherwise it has to wait until renewal.

What's the difference between a non-renewal and a cancellation?

A non-renewal means the insurer won't continue the policy when the term ends. A cancellation ends it before the term is up. Both have notice rules; a non-renewal needs 75 days.

Non-renewal vs. cancellation in California: the notice rules

Updated October 26, 2026 · From the California Department of Insurance, the California FAIR Plan Association and other public records · Our data

A non-renewal and a cancellation both end your coverage, but California treats them differently. Here are the notice rules and what to do with each.

Non-renewal

Your insurer won't offer a new policy when the current one ends. In California it must send written notice at least 75 days before the policy ends, with the reason. Your coverage continues until the end date.

If the notice came late or gives no reason, call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357.
If your ZIP code is under a wildfire moratorium, your insurer generally can't non-renew you for wildfire risk until it ends.
Ask the insurer what would change its mind; sometimes one fix (a roof, brush clearance) does.

Cancellation

The insurer ends the policy before the term is up. Once a policy has been in force 60 days, it can do that only for limited reasons, such as:

non-payment of premium,
fraud or material misrepresentation,
a substantial change in the risk after the policy started.

The notice must say why. If the reason doesn't fit, ask for it in writing and call the Department of Insurance.

What to do next

Note the end date and count the days.
Start shopping now: see who's writing, or have an independent broker quote several insurers.
Don't let coverage lapse. If time runs short, bind the FAIR Plan and keep shopping.

Have the letter? Snap a photo and we'll pull out the dates and the reason. The full step-by-step plan: Got a non-renewal?

Common questions

How much notice must a California insurer give before non-renewing my home policy?: At least 75 days' written notice before the policy ends, and the notice must state the reason. If you got less, call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357.
Can my insurer cancel my homeowners policy in the middle of the term?: After a policy has been in force 60 days, only for limited reasons, such as non-payment, fraud or misrepresentation, or a substantial change in the risk. Otherwise it has to wait until renewal.
What's the difference between a non-renewal and a cancellation?: A non-renewal means the insurer won't continue the policy when the term ends. A cancellation ends it before the term is up. Both have notice rules; a non-renewal needs 75 days.

Check a specific home. Type any California address for its fire and flood zones, who's writing there and what to do next: free home report. Questions? Ask Shirley.

More guides

Who's still writing home insurance in California (October 2026)Which big insurers are taking new customers, which are closed, and who's about to reopen.
California FAIR Plan (October 2026): what it covers, what it costs, how to get off itThe state's insurer of last resort, in plain English, with current costs by area.
Why California home insurance went up, and how to lower yoursWhat's driving premiums, the rate increases the state approved, and what actually lowers the price.
Safer from Wildfires: the discounts California insurers must giveThe home-hardening steps every insurer must credit, and the FAIR Plan's own list.

Insureability is not an insurance company, agency or broker and doesn't recommend insurers. This guide is general information from public records, not insurance or legal advice; your policy and the Department of Insurance are the authority.