Short answer: Once a California homeowners policy has been in effect 60 days (or immediately on a renewal), the insurer can cancel only for reasons listed in Insurance Code §676, such as nonpayment, fraud or a physical change that makes the property uninsurable. It must give at least 20 days' written notice, or 10 days for nonpayment or fraud (§677.4). To non-renew, it must send notice at least 75 days before the policy expires (§678(c)).
Notice deadlines
| Situation | Minimum notice | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-term cancellation for nonpayment or fraud | 10 calendar days | Insurance Code §677.4 |
| Mid-term cancellation for any other permitted reason | 20 calendar days | §677.4 |
| Non-renewal | 75 days before expiration | §678(c)(1) |
| Insurer misses the non-renewal deadline | Existing policy stays in effect, unchanged, for 75 days from the date notice is delivered or mailed | §678(c)(2) |
| Renewal offer that reduces limits or removes coverage | At least 45 days before expiration, identifying each change | §678(a)(1)(A) |
These rules apply to policies covering homes of up to four units, residents' personal property and personal liability (§675). When a notice is mailed, the mailing-time rules of Code of Civil Procedure §1013(a) apply.
The only reasons for mid-term cancellation (§676)
After the first 60 days, a cancellation must be based on something that happened after the policy started:
- Nonpayment of premium
- Conviction of the named insured for a crime that increases a hazard insured against
- Fraud or material misrepresentation in getting the policy or pursuing a claim
- Grossly negligent acts that substantially increase a hazard
- Physical changes that make the property uninsurable
Source: Insurance Code §676.
What the notice must say
- Cancellation notices must be in writing, state which §676 ground applies and include the Department of Insurance's website, phone number (800) 927-4357 and Consumer Services address (§677).
- Non-renewal notices must give the specific reason, the insurer's consumer phone number and the Department's contact details, and include the statutory notice about the California Home Insurance Finder and the FAIR Plan (§678(e)).
- A pending claim alone is not a lawful reason to non-renew (§675(c)), except for earthquake claims.
If you get a notice
- Read the reason and call the insurer if it looks wrong.
- Start shopping right away with an independent broker; 75 days goes fast.
- Ask the Department of Insurance to review it if you remain unsatisfied.
Related: the California wildfire non-renewal moratorium, what to do after a non-renewal and non-renewal notice rules by state.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice must a California home insurer give before non-renewing?
At least 75 days before the policy expires, under Insurance Code §678(c). If it misses that deadline, the existing policy stays in effect for 75 days from when the notice is delivered or mailed.
Can my homeowners insurance be canceled mid-term in California?
After 60 days, only for the reasons in Insurance Code §676: nonpayment, certain crimes, fraud or misrepresentation, gross negligence or physical changes making the property uninsurable.
How much notice is required for a cancellation?
At least 20 calendar days, or 10 days for nonpayment or fraud (Insurance Code §677.4).
Can my insurer non-renew me because I filed a claim?
Not solely because a claim is pending (Insurance Code §675(c)), with an exception for earthquake claims.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.