If you recently received a letter from your insurance company requiring you to replace your electrical panel to avoid cancellation or nonrenewal, you are not alone. Homeowners throughout Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, and surrounding areas are seeing an increase in these notices, especially in older homes.
These letters often come as a shock, particularly when the electrical system appears to be working fine. However, insurance companies are not evaluating convenience — they are evaluating fire risk.
Why Insurance Companies Are Flagging Electrical Panels in Older Sacramento Homes
Many homes in the Sacramento region were built decades ago and still contain original electrical panels. Certain panel types, including Zinsco and other legacy equipment, are associated with documented failure issues. In some cases, breakers may fail to trip during an overload, increasing the risk of overheating and fire.
Because of this risk data, many insurance carriers will no longer insure homes in the Sacramento area with these panels installed. This is not a recommendation or suggestion — it is an underwriting requirement tied directly to your insurance policy.
Does This Mean Your Home Is Unsafe?
Not necessarily. Many Sacramento area homes have operated for years without electrical incidents. However, insurance companies base decisions on probability and loss history, not past performance. Even if your panel has never caused a problem, your carrier may no longer be willing to accept the risk.
What Your Insurance Company Is Actually Requiring
Most insurance letters require replacement of the electrical panel by a licensed California electrician, proof of completion such as a paid invoice or completion letter, and submission of documentation by a specific deadline. Temporary repairs, inspections alone, or replacing individual breakers usually do not satisfy insurance requirements.
What To Do Next
If your letter includes a deadline, it is important to act quickly. Missing the deadline can result in policy cancellation, nonrenewal, or increased premiums. Scheduling an evaluation early gives Sacramento area homeowners time to understand their options and avoid rushed decisions.
RX Electric works with homeowners throughout Sacramento and nearby cities to complete insurance-required electrical panel replacements and provide the documentation insurers need to keep coverage in place.