NEWS + INSIGHTS

Insurance can feel complex—especially in a changing California market. Our goal with this space is to provide clear, thoughtful explanations about topics that affect our community.

We use this page to share updates on market trends, coverage considerations, and common questions we hear from clients. From wildfire-related changes to everyday policy reviews, we aim to explain what is happening, why it matters, and how it may affect individuals and businesses in rural California.

You will also find occasional updates about our team and the work we are doing locally.

We encourage you to explore the articles below and return when new questions arise. Insurance works best when it is understood—and we are committed to helping create that clarity.

Ashlynne Vega Ashlynne Vega

Creating Your Outdoor Oasis: Fire-Resistant Plants and Landscaping

Some great options:

  • Succulents – Think aloe, sedum, echeveria. These are water-packed and low on flammable oils.

  • Perennials – Yarrow, daylilies, lavender, dusty miller, hostas, and even most bulb plants are solid picks.

  • Deciduous trees and shrubs – Maple, cherry, poplar, and hydrangeas are safer bets.

🚫 Skip the conifers. Most pine, spruce, and fir trees have flammable sap and seed cones. The one big exception? Redwoods—they’re surprisingly fire-resistant.

Read More
Ashlynne Vega Ashlynne Vega

Incase of Wildfire

There are 4.5 million U.S. homes at high or extreme risk for wildfire. More than two million are in California, the state with the highest number of at-risk properties. The others are in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho and Washington.

Read More
Ashlynne Vega Ashlynne Vega

Your Town’s Fire Rating Affects Your Home Insurance

The recent devastating fires in California have been a harsh reminder of how vulnerable our homes can be. That’s why I started this series on fire insurance—what it actually covers and how it protects you. Understanding your policy is crucial, but did you know that where you live plays a major role in how well your home is covered?

Read More
Matthew Ulery Matthew Ulery

What Does Fire Insurance Cover?

Home insurance policies cover several catastrophic risks, including fires and lightning. Most even cover wildfires. Yet you might wonder what to expect from your insurance company if your house is severely damaged, and whether your coverage is sufficient.

Read More
Ashlynne Vega Ashlynne Vega

8 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re on Vacation

A vacation offers a cherished opportunity to get away from it all and just unwind. You don't want to undo all that relaxation by coming home to discover a break-in, broken pipe or worse! Here are some simple yet important steps you can take to protect your home.

Read More
Ashlynne Vega Ashlynne Vega

Agency Management Systems

Agency Management Software has been a real life saver for agencies. It allows us to store more information for our clients needs, access information instantaneously and keep track of everything in between. When you call into your agency, they most likely have a management software that is helping them.

Read More
Ashlynne Vega Ashlynne Vega

Let’s talk about Homeowners Insurance

Each policy is of course different based on the home itself, the needs of the homeowner, and what coverages the carrier is providing. Each coverage on the policy is based on your unique home. Which is why you cannot compare your coverage to you neighbors. We all live a little differently and each house is slightly different.

Read More
Ashlynne Vega Ashlynne Vega

Flood: Am I covered?

A flood is defined in simple terms as an “excess of water on what is normally dry land,” (NFIP). There is of course a more complicated definition that you can check out at FEMA. FEMA’s NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) has a wealth of information on this subject.

Read More
Ashlynne Vega Ashlynne Vega

CLAIMS PROCESS

When anyone hears the word “claim” it instantly puts anxiety into the air. Society has put horror around the claims process and the what if’s.

Read More
Ashlynne Vega Ashlynne Vega

WHAT TO DO BEFORE THAT BIG STORM

Many of us can relate to the gut wrenching dread that happens when you feel a drop of water on your head in the living room or your storage room. Check out the full article to learn about what VP Custom Insurance recommends you check before the next big storm.

Read More

QUESTIONS?