Nikki Farag Agency
Call Anytime 310-390-4500
Nikki Farag Agency
Call Anytime 310-390-4500
Homeowners insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home and replacing personal belongings after sudden, unexpected events like a fire or burglary. It can also provide protection if you’re held responsible for accidental property damage or bodily injury to others.
A standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers damage to your home and personal property caused by a variety of risks outlined in your policy. Common covered events include:
Home insurance isn’t legally required, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require coverage until the loan is fully paid off.
Beyond that, protecting your home just makes sense. In 2024, the average cost to repair damage from a kitchen fire was $12,900—and it can be even higher if the fire spreads. If a guest is injured on your property, you could also face costly medical, legal, and lost wage expenses. Home insurance can help cover these unexpected costs and give you peace of mind.
A good starting point for estimating your home insurance needs is to multiply your home’s total square footage by the average building cost per square foot in your area. (You can usually get a ballpark figure from a local real estate agent, contractor, or builders’ association.)
Along with estimating the cost to rebuild your home, be sure to also consider:
The cost to replace your personal belongings
Expenses for temporary living arrangements if your home becomes unlivable
Protection for your financial assets in case you’re sued
Flood damage from rain, overflowing rivers and other water that enters your home from outside typically is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, a separate flood insurance policy can help you get the coverage you want. Your home insurance policy typically does cover water damage from a pipe breaking or an appliance springing a leak inside your home.
If the value of your assets—such as property, investments, and savings—exceeds the liability limits of your homeowners insurance, adding umbrella insurance could be a smart move. Umbrella coverage provides additional protection beyond your home policy, helping safeguard your finances if you’re sued for causing injury or property damage.
No — standard homeowners insurance policies in California do not cover earthquake damage. This means if your home, belongings, or foundation are damaged in an earthquake, you could be left paying out of pocket unless you’ve added separate earthquake insurance. At Nikki Farag Insurance Agency, we offer earthquake coverage through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), which can be added as a mini-policy to your existing Farmers® homeowners insurance.
The cost of earthquake insurance in California depends on several factors, including:
The age and construction of your home
Your home’s location and proximity to known fault lines
The value of your home and personal belongings
The deductible you choose (CEA policies offer options like 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%)
In general, premiums can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year, depending on your risk profile. We can provide a free, no-obligation quote so you understand exactly what you’d pay based on your location and coverage needs.
A CEA-backed earthquake policy provides financial protection for:
Structural damage to your home and attached structures (like your garage)
Personal property damaged during an earthquake (furniture, electronics, etc.)
Loss of use, which covers temporary housing and additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable
Emergency repairs needed immediately after an earthquake
Optional coverage for breakables like dishes or electronics and exterior masonry such as chimneys or brick walls
We’ll walk you through available coverage options so you can choose what’s right for your home.
Yes. While newer homes in California are designed to better withstand earthquakes, no home is completely earthquake-proof. Even homes built after California’s seismic building codes were updated may suffer damage during strong ground shaking — especially to items like drywall, foundations, chimneys, and personal belongings. Earthquake insurance offers a financial safety net to help you recover and rebuild without depleting your savings or going into debt.
Earthquake insurance deductibles are percentage-based, not flat dollar amounts like in standard homeowners insurance. For example, if you choose a 15% deductible and your home is insured for $500,000, you would be responsible for the first $75,000 in damages. The deductible only applies to covered losses and varies by policy type (dwelling, personal property, loss of use, etc.).
Choosing a higher deductible typically lowers your premium, while a lower deductible increases your premium but reduces your out-of-pocket cost after a quake. We can help you evaluate what deductible works best for your financial situation and risk tolerance.
Mudslides are generally excluded under standard flood policies but mudflows (a flood-related event) may be covered. We’ll help you understand the distinction and explore options for broader protection.
If your home is located in a high-risk flood zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) and your mortgage is backed by a federal lender (like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac), flood insurance is usually required by law. Your lender will require you to maintain coverage for the life of the loan.
Even if you’re not in a high-risk zone, your lender may still encourage you to get coverage. And if you own your home outright, flood insurance is entirely optional — but still highly recommended if you live near hillsides, rivers, drainage basins, or recently burned areas.
If you rent in a flood-prone area, you can and should purchase a renters flood insurance policy. This type of policy covers:
Your personal belongings (furniture, electronics, clothes, etc.)
Storage contents (depending on policy terms)
It does not cover the building itself — that’s your landlord’s responsibility. Many renters mistakenly assume they’re protected by their landlord’s insurance, but in a flood, your personal items are not covered unless you have your own renters flood insurance policy.
No — flood insurance only covers damage from rising water that affects two or more properties (or two or more acres), as defined by FEMA.
If water enters your home because of a leaking roof, broken window, or poor maintenance, the damage would be considered water damage, not flood damage, and typically would be handled by your homeowners insurance — if it’s covered at all. It’s important to understand how these policies work together, and we’ll help you sort that out.
Condo insurance isn’t required by state law, but most mortgage lenders require it as part of your loan agreement. Additionally, even if your homeowners association (HOA) has a master insurance policy, it likely only covers the building’s exterior and common areas — not your personal property or interior fixtures. Having your own HO-6 policy helps fill the gaps in protection and keeps you financially secure.
Townhomes and townhouses typically are covered with a condo insurance policy if they are part of a condo association or HOA. A townhome that isn’t a part of an HOA can be covered by a homeowners or renters insurance policy.
Your HOA’s master policy typically covers the building’s structure, shared amenities, and common areas (like hallways, lobbies, and pools). However, it does not cover the inside of your unit or your personal belongings. Your personal condo policy covers the “walls-in” — including improvements like built-in cabinets, flooring, appliances, and contents inside your home. It also includes personal liability coverage and, optionally, loss of use if your unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
A Farmers condo insurance policy, also known as an HO-6 policy, typically helps protect the interior of your unit and personal belongings. It can cover damage from events like fire, theft, vandalism, or certain water-related incidents. Coverage typically includes walls, ceilings, floors, cabinetry, furniture, electronics, clothing, and more. It also provides liability protection in case someone is injured inside your condo and you’re found legally responsible.
No — a standard condo insurance (HO-6) policy does not cover damage caused by earthquakes. In California, earthquake coverage must be purchased as a separate policy. At Nikki Farag Insurance Agency, we can help you add earthquake protection through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), so your condo and personal belongings are covered in the event of seismic activity.
If you rent out your condo, you’ll likely need a landlord insurance policy rather than a standard condo policy. This type of coverage protects the unit and may offer liability protection in case a tenant is injured. If you occasionally rent it out (like short-term via Airbnb), additional coverage may be required. Farmers offers policies tailored to rental and investment properties — we’ll help you choose the right one based on how your condo is used.
Yes! Farmers Insurance offers multi-policy discounts when you bundle condo insurance with other products like:
Auto insurance
Umbrella insurance
Earthquake or flood policies
Life insurance
Bundling not only helps simplify your coverage, it can also save you money and streamline the claims process. We’ll review your current policies and look for ways to help you maximize value.
At Nikki Farag Insurance Agency, our clients are at the heart of everything we do. From personalized guidance to reliable coverage, we’re proud to earn the trust of families and business owners across Greater Los Angeles. Here’s what some of our customers have shared about their experience working with us.
Reviews
Nikki and her team are absolutely fantastic. I’ve been with them for both my auto and home insurance for years, and they’ve always been incredibly responsive and helpful. Whether I need an extra copy of an insurance card, or just have a quick question, they’re always patient and easy to reach. I can’t recommend Nikki enough!
Reviews
I was referred to Nikki by a coworker who’s one of her clients, and I’m so glad I made the switch. I moved all of my policies over from State Farm because I really value the personalized service Nikki and her team provide. It’s refreshing to work with someone who takes the time to explain everything and is genuinely invested in helping you. I also love that she’s local—there’s a real sense of connection and trust.
Reviews
Nikki has been our insurance agent for just about a year now and we love the personal service we get with her. We have our home, autos and our landlord policies all with her through Farmers and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for insurance!
Reviews
Amazing service! Got my five work trucks covered and got me a policy for my home insurance. Thank you Nikki you are a pleasure to work with 10/10 would recommend to anyone!!!
Yes. Liability protection is a key part of most landlord insurance policies. If someone is injured on your property — such as slipping on a broken stair or tripping on a sidewalk — your policy can help cover medical bills, legal fees, and settlements.
Farmers offers policies for multiple rental units. We’ll help you consolidate coverage and make it manageable.
No. Landlord policies only cover your property. Encourage tenants to get renters insurance for their personal items.
Yes! Bundling can lead to savings and easier management of your insurance.
Not by default. Earthquake insurance is available as a separate policy — essential for properties in LA.
Landlord insurance typically covers accidental damage caused by tenants, but it doesn’t cover intentional or negligent damage. You may be able to recover costs through the tenant’s security deposit or legal action. Having a solid lease agreement and requiring renters insurance can help protect you even further.
To figure out how much renters insurance you may need, start by creating an inventory of your personal belongings — including electronics, furniture, appliances, jewelry, artwork, and other valuables — along with their estimated value. It’s also important to consider the amount of financial protection you’d want in case of a liability claim, and whether you might need extra coverage for any high-value items.
If your name is on the lease or you have your own living space, it’s a smart move — especially for protecting personal items and providing liability coverage.
No, renters insurance is not legally required in California. However, many landlords in Los Angeles and surrounding areas do require it as a condition of the lease. Even if it’s not mandatory, renters insurance is highly recommended to protect your personal belongings, provide liability coverage, and ensure temporary housing if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event like fire or smoke damage.
A standard renters insurance policy usually includes three main types of coverage:
Personal property coverage protects items like furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances from damage or theft.
Liability coverage helps if you’re found legally responsible for injury to someone else or damage to their property.
Loss of use (or additional living expenses) covers the cost of temporary housing, meals, and more if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril.
You can also add optional coverage for high-value items such as jewelry, collectibles, or musical instruments.
No, standard renters insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. In California, you need to purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy if you want coverage for belongings lost or damaged due to seismic activity. Given the high earthquake risk in Los Angeles, this is something we strongly recommend discussing with us at Nikki Farag Insurance Agency.
Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured in your home or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. For example, if a guest trips on your stairs in your Downtown LA loft or your child breaks a neighbor’s window, liability coverage helps pay for medical bills or repair costs — and can cover legal expenses if you’re sued. Most policies include $100,000 in liability coverage, but you can increase that limit for added peace of mind.
Typically, renters insurance only covers the policyholder, not roommates. While some insurers may allow multiple names on a single policy, it’s often better for each roommate to carry their own coverage. This helps ensure there are no disputes over claims and that everyone’s belongings are fully protected. If you live with a partner or friend in Los Angeles, we can advise you on the best setup.
No, California doesn’t require mobile home insurance by law. However, if you have a mortgage or your home is in a mobile home park, insurance is often required. Even if it’s not mandated, it’s strongly recommended to protect against fire, theft, weather damage, and liability claims.
Mobile home insurance policies are specially designed to account for the construction and structure of manufactured homes. Unlike traditional homes, mobile homes can be more susceptible to wind and fire damage, and their coverage reflects those risks.
Most policies cover damage caused by fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, theft, and vandalism. Depending on the carrier, you may be able to add coverage for earthquakes or floods, which are especially important for homes in Los Angeles.
Yes, you can add coverage for detached structures like carports, sheds, decks, and awnings. This is especially useful for mobile homeowners with add-ons or outdoor living spaces common in Southern California.
You can still get a full mobile home insurance policy, even if your home is in a park. Your policy will cover your unit, personal belongings, and liability — but you’ll want to make sure your park doesn’t provide limited coverage as part of your lease agreement.
No — vacation home insurance is a separate policy with terms tailored to a home that is not your primary residence. Because vacation homes are often vacant for long periods, they carry more risk and need coverage that reflects those risks, including vandalism, theft, and weather-related events.
Yes. Your primary homeowners policy typically does not extend full coverage to additional properties. You’ll need a separate vacation home policy to ensure proper protection against property damage, liability, and loss of use at your second residence.
Yes — but you need to disclose rental activity. If you rent your property through Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms, you may need short-term rental insurance or a landlord endorsement. We’ll help make sure you’re covered whether you rent occasionally or year-round.
Yes. Most policies include personal liability coverage, which protects you if a guest is injured on your property or if you’re held responsible for property damage. This is critical for homes with pools, hot tubs, or other potential hazards.
Yes! Bundling your vacation home insurance with your primary residence, auto, or umbrella policy through Farmers® can save you money and simplify policy management. It also ensures you’re not overpaying for overlapping coverage.