Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way is to fill out our quick quote form at stonecrestinsurance.com/get-a-quote — it takes about 60 seconds. You can also call us directly at (800) 488-2789 or visit either of our offices in Citrus Heights or Fresno. One of our agents will reach out promptly to compare options and find the best fit for your situation.

None at all. Quotes are completely free and there is no obligation to purchase. We shop the market across 20+ carriers on your behalf and present your options — the decision is always yours.

Most quotes are ready the same day. For straightforward auto or renters insurance, we can often provide options within minutes. Home insurance and business insurance may take a little longer depending on the property and coverage details — but we keep you updated every step of the way.

To get started we just need your name, phone number, email, ZIP code, and the type of coverage you're interested in. Depending on the coverage type, we may follow up for additional details such as your vehicle information (for auto), property details (for home), or business description (for commercial). We make the process as painless as possible.

An independent agency works with multiple insurance carriers — not just one. That means we can compare rates and coverage options across 20+ top-rated companies to find the best fit for your situation. A captive agent (like a State Farm or Allstate agent) can only offer policies from their one company, whether or not it's the best deal for you.

No. As an independent agency, we earn a commission from the insurance carrier when you bind a policy — at no additional cost to you. You get the same price (or better) as going directly to the carrier, plus a local agent who handles everything for you.

We work with more than 20 top-rated carriers across personal and commercial lines. Our carrier mix allows us to find competitive options for a wide range of situations — new drivers, new homeowners, small businesses, renters, and more. We match you to the carrier that fits your specific needs best.

We offer a full range of personal and small commercial insurance, including:

• Auto insurance — personal vehicles, multi-car households, young drivers
• Home insurance — owners, new construction, condos
• Renters insurance — personal property and liability for renters
• Umbrella insurance — extra liability protection above your existing policies
• Business insurance — general liability, commercial auto, and more for small businesses
• Surety bonds — contractor, notary, and license bonds

Bundling means combining two or more policies — typically auto and home — with the same carrier. Most carriers offer a significant multi-policy discount when you do this. Beyond the savings, bundling simplifies your insurance: one carrier, one agent, one renewal date. We specialize in finding the right bundle combination across our 20+ carriers to maximize your savings.

California law requires a minimum of 15/30/5 — $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage. However, minimum coverage often isn't enough to fully protect you financially. We typically recommend higher liability limits and will walk you through what makes sense for your situation and budget.

An umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage — typically $1 million or more — above and beyond your auto and home policies. It kicks in when the limits on your underlying policies are exhausted. Umbrella coverage is surprisingly affordable and is one of the best ways to protect your assets, especially if you own a home, have savings, or have a teen driver on your policy.

Yes. Your landlord's policy covers the building — not your personal belongings or your personal liability. If your laptop, furniture, or clothes are stolen or damaged, you'd be responsible for replacing them out of pocket without renters insurance. Renters insurance is one of the most affordable types of coverage and costs as little as $15–$25 per month.

Not with us. We handle the entire transition — new policy setup, cancellation of your old policy, and making sure there's no gap in coverage. Most clients are switched and covered with minimal effort on their part. The process typically takes one business day.

No. We coordinate the start date of your new policy to align exactly with (or slightly before) the cancellation of your old one. You are never left without coverage during the switch. We handle this for every client as a standard part of the process.

More than most people expect. Common discounts include:

• Bundle discount — combining auto and home with one carrier
• Professional discounts — nurses, teachers, engineers, public safety, and other professions
• Membership discounts — AAA, Costco, alumni associations, and more
• Multi-vehicle discount — insuring two or more cars
• Good driver discount — clean driving record
• New home discount — newer construction properties
• Loyalty and prior insurance discounts

We ask about all of these during the quoting process to make sure you get every discount you're entitled to.

Almost always yes — especially if you haven't shopped in 12 or more months. Insurance rates change constantly, and many people are paying more than necessary simply because they haven't compared recently. A free quote from us takes 60 seconds and costs nothing. Many clients are surprised by how much they save.

Rate increases at renewal are common and can happen for several reasons: statewide rate filings approved by the California Department of Insurance, increased claims costs, changes in your local area's risk profile, or changes to your own policy (a new vehicle, a driver added, a claim filed). If your renewal rate jumped significantly, it's a good signal to shop the market. We can usually find a better rate quickly.

Call us first. We'll walk you through your options and help you decide whether filing a claim makes sense for your situation (sometimes a small claim can affect your rates more than it's worth). If you do file, we'll guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf with the carrier. You're not alone — that's what a local agent is for.

Yes. We are a real local agency with real agents — not a call center or a chatbot. You can reach us by phone at (800) 488-2789, by email at service@stonecrestinsurance.com, or in person at our Citrus Heights or Fresno offices. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Yes, and we recommend it. Life changes — a new home, a new car, a marriage, kids, a raise — can all affect what coverage you need and what you should be paying. We proactively reach out to clients each year to make sure your coverage still fits your life and that you're not overpaying. It's one of the ways we earn the long-term relationships we have with our clients.