Unickel & Associates Insurance Agency
1906 Commercenter East, Ste 116, San Bernardino, CA 92408
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1906 Commercenter East, Ste 116, San Bernardino, CA 92408
View this agency's profile to learn more about their services.
1906 Commercenter East, Ste. 116, San Bernardino, CA 92408
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2999 Kendall Dr Suite 204-1066, San Bernardino, CA 92407
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Learn about insurance coverage options specific to San Bernardino residents.
San Bernardino home insurance averages $2,161/year. Learn about wildfire risks, Santa Ana winds, FAIR Plan options, and ways to lower your premiums in 2025.
Car InsuranceSan Bernardino auto insurance averages $161/month. Learn about CA's new 30/60/15 minimums, at-fault laws, and how to save on the I-10/I-215 corridor.
Car InsuranceSan Bernardino drivers pay $161-$175/month for car insurance. Learn how Inland Empire commutes, warehouse traffic, and uninsured drivers affect your rate.
General Insurance EducationComplete insurance guide for San Bernardino residents covering 2025 auto insurance changes, wildfire home coverage challenges, and earthquake protection.
San Bernardino faces multiple risk factors that drive up premiums: extreme wildfire danger from its location at the wildland-urban interface, intense Santa Ana winds through the Cajon Pass that can exceed hurricane force, and recent major fire events like the 2024 Line and Bridge fires. Additionally, major insurers have left the California market, reducing competition and allowing remaining carriers to charge higher rates.
The California FAIR Plan is the state's insurer of last resort for homeowners who can't get coverage from traditional carriers. It provides basic fire coverage but is typically more expensive and offers limited protection compared to standard policies. You'll likely need a separate policy to cover theft, liability, and other non-fire perils. Many San Bernardino County residents, especially in mountain communities like Big Bear and Cedarpines Park, rely on the FAIR Plan because traditional insurers won't cover them.
Create defensible space by clearing brush and vegetation within 100 feet of your home, replace wood shake roofs with fire-resistant materials, and install ember-resistant vents. Shop multiple carriers since rates vary significantly—Allstate may charge $1,449 annually while others charge much more. Consider raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 or higher, and ask about discounts for fire mitigation improvements.
First, confirm you're not protected by the state's one-year moratorium on cancellations, which applies to areas affected by recent wildfires. If you're not protected, immediately shop multiple carriers using an independent agent who can access multiple companies. If traditional insurers decline coverage, apply for the California FAIR Plan before your current policy expires to avoid a coverage gap, which could jeopardize your mortgage.
Yes, San Bernardino County's 2024 Fire Risk Reduction Community designation can help. This recognition shows the county actively works to reduce fire danger through prevention programs, which may lead to more favorable insurance rates over time. Document your participation in local fire safety programs and mitigation efforts when applying for coverage or negotiating rates.
There's cautious optimism. California implemented new catastrophe modeling technology in late 2024 that allows insurers to price risk more accurately. Allstate and Farmers have signaled they may return to the California market under the new framework. While this could increase competition and stabilize prices over time, significant improvement likely won't happen overnight, and much depends on future wildfire seasons.
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