Living in Burbank means you're at the heart of the entertainment industry, surrounded by studios and creative talent. But it also means you're dealing with California's unique insurance landscape—earthquake risk, wildfire exposure, and some of the most complex insurance regulations in the country. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out what coverage you actually need, you're not alone. This guide breaks down everything Burbank residents need to know about protecting themselves, their homes, and their careers.
Understanding California's Auto Insurance Requirements
Here's something that changed on January 1, 2025: California's minimum auto insurance requirements doubled. For over 50 years, drivers could get by with 15/30/5 coverage—that's $15,000 per person for injuries, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Now you need 30/60/15 coverage. If you're wondering why the increase, it's simple: medical costs and vehicle repair expenses have skyrocketed since the 1970s, and those old minimums just weren't cutting it anymore.
But here's the catch: even these new minimums might not be enough. If you cause an accident on the 134 during rush hour and total someone's Tesla, that $15,000 property damage limit won't come close to covering it. Most insurance experts recommend at least 100/300/100 coverage, especially in Burbank where luxury vehicles are common and medical costs are high. The good news? California's Proposition 103 requires insurers to get state approval before raising rates, which helps keep premium increases in check.
Home Insurance and the Fire Risk Reality
The January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires served as a stark reminder that wildfire isn't just a problem for mountain communities anymore. While Burbank itself wasn't directly impacted, these fires destroyed thousands of structures across Los Angeles County, and the California FAIR Plan—the state's insurer of last resort—covered around 22% of structures destroyed in the Palisades Fire alone.
If you're having trouble getting homeowners insurance through traditional companies, the California FAIR Plan offers basic fire coverage. It's not ideal—coverage is more limited and often more expensive than regular policies—but it's there when you need it. As of March 2025, more than 555,000 California homeowners have FAIR Plan policies, up 23% from just six months earlier. That tells you something about how challenging the insurance market has become.
One critical thing to know: standard homeowners policies don't cover smoke damage from distant wildfires as comprehensively as you might think. Commissioner Lara actually took legal action against the FAIR Plan in 2025 for systematically denying smoke damage claims. Make sure you understand exactly what your policy covers, and consider additional coverage if you're in an area prone to smoke intrusion.
Earthquake Insurance: The Coverage Most People Skip
Only 10% of California residents carry earthquake insurance. That's a shockingly low number for a state sitting on major fault lines. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) provides about two-thirds of the earthquake policies sold in California, and here's what you need to know: it's not cheap, and it comes with high deductibles.
California homeowners pay an average of $739 per year for earthquake coverage, though costs can range from $1,248 to $2,744 annually depending on your home's value and location. The CEA implemented a 6.8% rate increase in January 2025, adding about $70 per year to most policies. Deductibles are typically 15% of your home's value—meaning if your home is worth $800,000, you're paying the first $120,000 of damage out of pocket.
The CEA also made significant changes to coverage in 2024. Personal property coverage dropped from a maximum of $200,000 to just $25,000. If you have a home valued over $1 million or built before 1980 without verified seismic retrofitting, your minimum deductible is now 15%—no option to choose lower deductibles. These changes make earthquake insurance less attractive, but if a major quake hits, having even limited coverage could be the difference between rebuilding and financial ruin.
Special Considerations for Entertainment Industry Professionals
Burbank isn't called the "Media Capital of the World" for nothing. If you work for Disney, Warner Bros., or any of the other entertainment giants headquartered here—or if you're one of the thousands of freelancers supporting the industry—you need insurance coverage that regular homeowners and auto policies don't provide.
Professional liability insurance (also called errors and omissions insurance) is essential if you provide creative or advisory services. Major broadcasters increasingly require freelancers to carry professional indemnity insurance before they'll hire you. Equipment coverage is another must-have—whether you own expensive cameras and lighting or regularly rent gear, you need protection against damage or theft. General liability insurance protects you if someone gets injured on a set or during a production.
Don't overlook cyber liability insurance if you handle sensitive client information or work with digital assets. Data breaches and online threats are increasingly common, and clients expect you to protect their intellectual property. Having proper insurance isn't just about protecting yourself—it's often a requirement for landing gigs with major studios and production companies.
How Proposition 103 Protects You
California's Proposition 103, passed by voters in 1988, gives you protections that residents of other states don't have. Insurance companies must get approval from the state's Department of Insurance before implementing rate increases for property and casualty insurance. They can't just raise your premiums whenever they feel like it.
Here's what Prop 103 means for you practically: Your auto insurance company can't charge you more just because you had a gap in coverage. If you're forming a group with neighbors or colleagues, you can negotiate group insurance policies. And according to a 2019 study, Prop 103 has saved California drivers $154 billion on auto insurance premiums since 1988—making it the only state where auto insurance premiums actually decreased during that period.
Getting the Right Coverage for Your Situation
The biggest mistake Burbank residents make is assuming their basic insurance policies cover everything they need. Between earthquake exclusions, fire coverage limitations, and entertainment industry requirements, you likely need a combination of policies tailored to your specific situation.
Start by reviewing what you already have. Check your auto insurance limits—do they meet the new 30/60/15 minimums? Better yet, do they provide adequate protection given Burbank's traffic and vehicle values? Look at your homeowners policy and understand what's excluded. If you're in an area where traditional insurers are pulling back, research the FAIR Plan before you're forced to use it. Consider whether earthquake insurance makes sense for your financial situation—can you afford to rebuild without it?
For entertainment industry professionals, talk to a broker who specializes in production and freelancer coverage. Your needs are different from someone working a traditional 9-to-5 job, and you need someone who understands the specific requirements studios and production companies impose. Don't wait until you're about to start a job to realize you're missing essential coverage—getting these policies in place takes time.
