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At a time when Californians face increasing risks from wildfires, rising medical costs, and ongoing litigation, the state’s largest insurer, State Farm, is now withdrawing critical protections—leaving policyholders exposed when they need coverage most.

In a recent move, State Farm has announced a sweeping list of disqualifying traits and activities that make policyholders ineligible for its California Personal Liability Umbrella Program, a type of policy that offers at least $1 million in extra protection. The exclusions now include everyday situations, such as homeowners who have filed just two claims in five years. So, filing for smoke, water, or storm damage, risks that are increasingly common in California due to extreme weather and wildfires, can now put ordinary homeowners at risk of losing essential coverage for routine events.

For many, these umbrella policies are not luxuries, they serve as a lifeline and essential safeguard. Removing access to this level of protection leaves countless individuals and families at risk of financial devastation.

Homeowner’s insurance is a vital safety net for Californians, especially in areas prone to natural disasters such as wildfires. Yet, recent trends indicate that obtaining adequate coverage has become increasingly harder. Premiums are escalating, coverage options are diminishing, and insurance companies, such as State Farm, are dropping policyholders and non-renewing policies at an alarming rate.

If you are a homeowner who’s insurer cancelled or non-renewed your policy and you subsequently experienced fire damage in California, you may be eligible to file a claim against the insurance company. Losing your home in a wildfire is devastating, you should not have to deal with the unjust practices of insurance companies on your own. Contact Singleton Schreiber to learn more about how we may be able to help you.

Oftentimes, purchasing an insurance policy gives you peace of mind and provides some protection should the worst-case scenario become a reality. This gives you a sense of safety should you get into a car accident or your home get damaged, and your policy will cover your losses. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When insurance companies do not uphold the terms of their policy and breach their contract, it is known as bad faith. If this has happened to you, you may have an insurance bad faith claim.