SF Homeowners Insurance: How to Prepare Your Home

Home Insurance Is Getting Harder — Here’s What San Francisco Homeowners Can Do

Across California, homeowners are finding it more challenging to secure insurance coverage, and San Francisco is no exception. When a property changes hands, insurers often take a closer look at its systems and maintenance history. Older features like outdated electrical panels or plumbing can raise red flags, making it harder (and more expensive) to get insured.

If you’re preparing to sell your home (or want to protect your investment!), making a few key updates can make a huge difference.

What’s Making Insurance More Challenging

Insurance carriers have tightened requirements in recent years, especially for older homes. In San Francisco, many properties still have aging infrastructure that insurers flag as high risk. Among the most common issues:

• Outdated electrical panels or breakers such as Zinsco, Challenger, or Federal Pacific/Stab-Lok.

• Old plumbing systems (especially galvanized pipes) more than 25 years old.

• Roofs past their lifespan — even minor wear can raise rates or trigger policy denials.

• Knob-and-tube wiring is still present in some pre-1940s homes.

These aren’t just insurance headaches — they can also affect a buyer’s ability to close on time if coverage can’t be secured quickly.

Upgrades That Make a Difference

Taking care of these items before you list (or shortly after you buy) can save you stress and money. Insurers reward proactive maintenance, and buyers often pay a premium for homes that don’t require immediate upgrades.

✅ Replace outdated electrical panels and breakers
✅ Service plumbing systems or upgrade to copper or PEX
✅ Inspect and repair your roof to prevent leaks or age-related issues
✅ Install a water leak detection system — many carriers like Chubb and Farmers offer device programs
✅ Document your improvements — clear, dated receipts help carriers and buyers see the value

Erin’s Advice

“Taking care of these updates up front can save you stress and ultimately add value to your property. Buyers will pay a premium when they know they won’t need to tackle major systems right away. If you’d like referrals for trusted contractors or insurance professionals, my team and I are happy to connect you with the right people.”
— Erin Thompson

Need Guidance? We’re Here to Help.

If you’re planning to sell or want to make your home more insurable, reach out — we can help you prioritize what matters most for your property type, age, and neighborhood.

📩 Contact us: [email protected]