Brentwood has grown from a small agricultural town into one of East Contra Costa County's most vibrant family communities. With a population of over 64,000 and a median household income of nearly $140,000, this fast-growing city attracts families looking for good schools, safe neighborhoods, and that perfect balance between suburban comfort and Bay Area opportunity. But here's what often catches new residents off guard: insurance in California works differently than most other states, and understanding those differences can save you thousands of dollars.
Whether you're moving to Brentwood or have lived here for years, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and finding the right local agent to protect what matters most.
Auto Insurance in Brentwood: What You Need to Know
If you bought car insurance in California before 2025, you need to pay attention. The state just implemented its first minimum coverage increase in 58 years. Under Senate Bill 1107, California now requires all drivers to carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. That's double the previous minimums that had been in place since 1967.
For Brentwood drivers, the good news is that auto insurance rates here are relatively reasonable. The average Brentwood driver pays around $60 per month for coverage, which is about $4 more than the rest of California but roughly $21 less than the national average. Your actual rate will depend on your driving record, the type of car you drive, and whether you're married. Single drivers typically pay about $17 more per month than married couples with similar driving profiles.
Here's the thing most people miss: those new minimum requirements still might not be enough. If you cause an accident that seriously injures someone, medical bills can easily exceed $30,000. That's where your personal assets come into play. In a community like Brentwood where the median home value and household incomes are well above state averages, you're at greater risk of being sued for damages beyond your policy limits. Consider carrying at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, or look into umbrella coverage for additional protection.
Homeowners Insurance: Protecting Your Investment
Brentwood's housing market has exploded in recent decades, transforming former agricultural land into thriving neighborhoods. If you own a home here, you're likely sitting on a significant investment that needs proper protection. The average homeowner in Contra Costa County pays around $1,492 per year for homeowners insurance, though rates in Brentwood specifically can vary based on your home's age, construction, and proximity to fire stations.
There's actually some good news on the homeowners insurance front. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District recently earned an improved Class 2 rating from the Insurance Services Office, up from its previous classification. This rating measures how well equipped the fire department is to protect homes in their jurisdiction. A better rating often translates to lower insurance premiums because insurers view your home as less risky. If you haven't reviewed your homeowners policy recently, now would be a good time to ask your agent if this improvement affects your rates.
When shopping for homeowners insurance in Brentwood, don't just focus on the premium. Look closely at your dwelling coverage limits. With construction costs and labor shortages, rebuilding your home after a total loss could cost significantly more than its market value. Make sure your policy includes guaranteed replacement cost coverage or at least extended replacement cost that goes 25-50% above your dwelling limit. Also consider earthquake coverage, which is typically sold as a separate policy in California. While Brentwood isn't right on a major fault line, you're close enough to feel significant shaking from a major Bay Area earthquake.
Health Insurance and Other Coverage
Brentwood residents are well-covered when it comes to health insurance, with 98% having some form of coverage. Most people get insurance through their employer (61.4%), while others use Medicare (10.7%), Medicaid (13.3%), or individual plans (12.1%). If you're shopping for individual health insurance through Covered California, be prepared for some sticker shock. Premiums have increased dramatically for 2026, with some residents seeing increases of up to 150% compared to 2025 rates. This affects about 54,000 Contra Costa County residents who could see average premium increases of 97% if federal tax credits aren't extended.
Beyond the basics of auto, home, and health insurance, consider these additional protections relevant to Brentwood families. Umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of liability coverage above your auto and home policies, typically starting at $1 million for around $200-300 per year. Given Brentwood's relatively affluent community, this is cheap protection against lawsuits that could threaten your savings. If you have teenagers learning to drive, your auto insurance premiums will increase significantly, but you can offset some of that cost with good student discounts and driver training credits.
Finding the Right Insurance Agent in Brentwood
Brentwood has four local insurance agencies plus offices of major national carriers like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, and Nationwide. The advantage of working with a local agent is that they understand Brentwood-specific issues, like which neighborhoods have higher theft rates, how fire protection varies across different parts of the city, and which carriers are currently offering the most competitive rates for East Contra Costa County.
When choosing an agent, look for someone who can bundle your policies. Combining your home and auto insurance with the same carrier typically saves 15-25% on both policies. Ask potential agents about their claims support process. When you actually need to file a claim, you want an agent who will advocate for you, not someone who just sold you a policy and disappeared. Check online reviews, but also ask neighbors and coworkers for recommendations. In a community like Brentwood, word-of-mouth referrals are often the best indicator of which agents provide great service.
Getting Started: Your Action Plan
Start by gathering your current insurance declarations pages for auto and home coverage. These one-page summaries show exactly what coverage you have and what you're paying. Then get quotes from at least three different agents or carriers. Don't just compare the bottom-line premium. Look at the coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples.
If you're moving to Brentwood, notify your insurance company immediately. Your rates will likely change based on your new address, and you need to make sure you're properly covered from day one. If you're already living here but haven't reviewed your coverage in a few years, schedule that review now. Your life has probably changed since you last looked at your policies, and your insurance should reflect those changes. Whether it's that new home office, the college-age driver you just added, or the jewelry you inherited, these life changes affect your insurance needs.
Insurance isn't the most exciting topic, but it's the financial foundation that protects everything you've worked to build. In a growing community like Brentwood where families are putting down roots and building equity, having the right coverage means you can focus on enjoying this great city instead of worrying about what-if scenarios. Take an hour this week to review your coverage, get some quotes, and make sure you're properly protected. Your future self will thank you.
