If you are having difficulty finding homeowner insurance coverage:

• Always strive to be “insured to value” which is full replacement cost.  Get full coverage on your house by multiplying your house square footage PLUS any attached garage, decks, porches and patios times the construction cost for each element.
• Offer to increase your deductible to the maximum the insurance company or your mortgage company will allow.  Knowing that you will not likely file a minor claim makes you a better customer to them and helps you avoid those pesky premium increases if you do file a small claim.
• Call an agent or broker farther from your house.  Insurance agents and brokers appreciate the opportunity to market beyond their usual concentration of local homeowners.
• Check the Department of Insurance for companies selling insurance in your zip code, http://interactive.web.insurance.ca.gov/survey/survey?type=homeownerSurvey&event=homeownerSearch
• Avoid “non-admitted” carriers and FAIR Plan.  If the agent says you must get FAIR Plan, talk to the agent or broker about a supplemental “Wrap-around” policy where FAIR Plan and another insurance company share full risk of any fire or other peril loss.
• Avoid especially a “difference in condition” (DIC) supplemental homeowner policy which actually takes away important coverages, like fire coverage.  Ouch!