Starboard International Consulting
1710 South Amphlett Blvd, Suite 310, San Mateo, CA 94402
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San Mateo households and business owners trust local agents to navigate carrier appetite shifts, underwriting requirements, and the claims process.
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1710 South Amphlett Blvd, Suite 310, San Mateo, CA 94402
View this agency's profile to learn more about their services.
Learn about insurance coverage options specific to San Mateo residents.
San Mateo home insurance costs vary widely based on your home's value, age, and location, but expect to pay $2,000 to $4,000+ annually for standard homeowners coverage on a typical single-family home. High property values on the Peninsula drive costs up significantly compared to other parts of California. Add earthquake coverage through the CEA, and you could pay another $800 to $3,000+ depending on your deductible and home value.
No, earthquake insurance is not legally required in San Mateo, even though the city sits in a very high earthquake risk zone. However, your mortgage lender may require it as a condition of your loan. Even if it's not required, most financial advisors strongly recommend it given San Mateo's proximity to major fault lines and the high cost of homes in the area.
CEA earthquake insurance covers damage to your dwelling, personal property (with a lower limit), and loss of use if your home becomes uninhabitable after a quake. It does not cover your land, swimming pools, fences, or detached structures like garages unless you add additional coverage. The deductibles are high—typically 5% to 25% of your dwelling coverage—so you'll pay a substantial amount out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
Most of San Mateo proper is not in a high-risk flood zone, but some areas closer to the Bay or near creeks may have flood exposure. Check FEMA's flood maps for your specific address. Even if you're not in a high-risk zone, flood insurance is relatively inexpensive in low-risk areas and provides valuable protection, especially with climate change increasing extreme weather events.
No, standard homeowners insurance excludes earth movement, which includes landslides and mudslides. This is a significant concern for hillside properties in San Mateo. Some insurers offer separate landslide coverage or endorsements, but they can be expensive and difficult to obtain in high-risk areas. Ask your insurance agent specifically about earth movement coverage if your home is on or near a slope.
Several major insurers have stopped writing new homeowners policies in California or pulled out entirely due to increasing wildfire risk, expensive claims, and California's regulatory restrictions on rate increases. This makes it harder for California homeowners to find affordable coverage. If you can't get coverage in the standard market, you may need to use the California FAIR Plan, which is more expensive and offers more limited coverage but ensures you're not left uninsured.
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