Your home is likely your biggest investment. When something happens—fire, theft, liability claim, natural disaster—you need coverage that pays out, not excuses.
California homeowners are dealing with rate increases between 9% and 21% this year alone. Some families in Pico-Lowell have seen their premiums jump from $2,200 to over $6,000. Major carriers like State Farm and Allstate have pulled back or stopped writing new policies entirely in high-risk areas.
That’s where an independent insurance agent makes the difference. We work with over 40 carriers, which means when one says no or prices you out, we have options. You’re not stuck with whatever one company offers. You get access to the majority of the marketplace, and we help you compare coverage and cost side by side.
Whether you’re looking for a standard homeowners policy, earthquake coverage, wildfire protection, or help navigating the FAIR Plan, we’ll walk you through what’s available and what actually makes sense for your home and budget.
Shieldly Insurance Agency is an independent insurance broker, which means we’re not tied to a single carrier. We represent you, not them.
We’ve built relationships with more than 40 insurance companies so we can offer you real choices. That matters in a market like Pico-Lowell, where nearly 91% of residents are part of tight-knit Hispanic communities with median household incomes around $87,000. Families here are looking for value, clarity, and someone who speaks their language—literally and figuratively.
We know what it’s like trying to get a straight answer about what’s covered and what’s not. We know how frustrating it is when your premium doubles and no one explains why. That’s why we take the time to walk through your options, answer your questions in plain English or Spanish, and help you make a decision that protects your family without breaking your budget.
Getting a home insurance quote through Shieldly is straightforward. You reach out—by phone, email, or through our website—and we start with a conversation about your home, your current coverage (if you have any), and what you’re concerned about.
We ask questions like: How old is your roof? Do you have a security system? Are you in a flood zone or wildfire risk area? These details matter because they affect what coverage you need and what discounts you might qualify for.
Once we understand your situation, we shop your policy across multiple carriers. We’re looking at coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and price. Then we bring you a few options that make sense and explain the differences. No jargon. No pressure.
If you decide to move forward, we handle the paperwork and make sure everything is set up correctly. And if you ever need to file a claim or adjust your coverage, you call us—not an 800 number. We’re here to help you through it.
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A standard homeowners insurance policy in California typically covers your dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses if your home becomes unlivable. But here’s what most people don’t realize: standard policies don’t cover earthquake damage or flooding. You need separate policies for those.
In Pico-Lowell and the surrounding areas, wildfire risk is real. Fifteen of the twenty most destructive wildfires in California have happened since 2015. If you’re in or near a high-risk zone, some carriers won’t cover you at all. Others will, but only if you meet certain requirements—like ember-resistant vents, Class A roofing, or defensible space around your property.
We help you understand what’s covered under a standard policy, what requires an endorsement or separate coverage, and where the gaps are. If you can’t get coverage through a traditional carrier, we’ll walk you through the FAIR Plan, which is California’s insurer of last resort. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than going uninsured.
We also look at bundling your home and auto insurance, which can save you a significant amount. And if you’re renting out part of your property or run a business from home, we’ll make sure you have the right liability protection in place.
It depends on your home’s age, size, location, and the coverage limits you choose. In California, the average homeowners insurance premium has been climbing fast—some areas are seeing increases between 9% and 21% in 2025 alone.
If your home is older, has an outdated roof, or sits in a higher-risk area for wildfires or earthquakes, expect to pay more. On the flip side, you can lower your premium by increasing your deductible, bundling with auto insurance, or making improvements like upgrading your roof or installing a security system.
As an independent insurance broker, we can pull quotes from over 40 carriers to find you the most competitive rate for the coverage you actually need. One carrier might quote you $4,500 while another comes in at $2,800 for similar coverage. That’s why shopping around matters.
No. Standard homeowners insurance policies in California do not cover earthquake or flood damage. You need separate policies for both.
Only about 10% of California residents currently have earthquake insurance, but it’s worth considering if you’re in Pico-Lowell. The cost varies based on your home’s age, construction type, and proximity to fault lines. Deductibles are usually high—often 10% to 25% of your dwelling coverage—but it can protect you from catastrophic loss.
Flood insurance is typically purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers. Even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, heavy rain and poor drainage can cause damage. We can help you evaluate whether you need it and get you a quote.
The FAIR Plan is California’s insurance program for homeowners who can’t get coverage through traditional carriers, usually because they’re in high-risk wildfire areas. It’s bare-bones coverage—it protects your dwelling and sometimes personal property, but it doesn’t include liability or additional living expenses.
FAIR Plan policies have increased by 123% since 2020 as major insurers have pulled back from high-risk areas. If you’re stuck with the FAIR Plan, you’ll likely need to buy a separate liability policy (called a “wrap” policy) to fill in the gaps.
We help clients navigate the FAIR Plan when it’s their only option, and we work to find additional coverage that rounds out their protection. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than being uninsured. And if the market shifts or you make home improvements that lower your risk, we’ll help you transition back to a traditional policy.
Yes, and you should. Bundling your homeowners insurance and auto insurance with the same carrier almost always gets you a discount—sometimes 10% to 25% off your total premium.
Beyond the savings, bundling simplifies your life. You have one renewal date, one point of contact, and often one deductible if a single event damages both your home and your car (like a hailstorm or fire).
As an independent agent, we can bundle your policies across multiple carriers and show you the total cost versus keeping them separate. Sometimes bundling with Carrier A saves you more than bundling with Carrier B, even if Carrier B has a lower home insurance rate. We run the numbers so you can see exactly what makes sense.
There are several ways to lower your homeowners insurance premium. Most carriers offer discounts for bundling home and auto, installing a security or fire alarm system, having a newer roof, being claim-free for a certain number of years, or being a long-term customer.
In California, you can also get credits for wildfire mitigation efforts—things like ember-resistant vents, Class A roofing, and maintaining defensible space around your property. These aren’t just good for discounts; they genuinely reduce your risk and make your home safer.
We review every available discount when we quote your policy. Some carriers are more generous than others, and some discounts require documentation or inspections. We’ll walk you through what applies to your situation and help you take advantage of everything you’re eligible for.
If something happens to your home, contact us right away. We’ll walk you through the claims process and help you get it filed correctly with your carrier.
First, document the damage. Take photos and videos of everything before you start cleaning up or making temporary repairs (though do make temporary repairs to prevent further damage—that’s usually covered). Then call us. We’ll contact your insurance company, open the claim, and make sure you understand what happens next.
An adjuster will come out to assess the damage and determine what’s covered. We stay involved throughout the process to answer your questions and advocate for you if there are any issues. Our job is to make sure you get what you’re owed under your policy, without the runaround.
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