Oakland homeowners, renters, landlords, and small business owners face a coverage landscape that standard policies weren't designed for — Freeman Insurance Services helps you compare real options across multiple carriers so nothing important gets left out.

Oakland's Independent Insurance Agent for Home, Business, and Everything In Between

Oakland Hills Risk Deserves More Than a Standard Policy

The 1991 Tunnel Fire reshaped how Oakland Hills residents think about wildfire exposure — and that memory is still relevant every time fire season arrives. Earthquake risk adds another layer that a standard homeowners policy doesn't address on its own. We work with Oakland homeowners to review replacement cost coverage, identify gaps in their current policy, and add earthquake or wildfire-specific coverage through carriers that actively write in this market.

 

What that review typically covers:

 

  • Whether your dwelling coverage reflects current Oakland rebuilding costs, not original purchase price
  • Earthquake insurance options through admitted and surplus carriers writing in the Hills
  • Extended replacement cost endorsements that account for post-disaster construction demand
  • Flood coverage for properties in lower-lying Oakland neighborhoods near the estuary or creek corridors
  • Umbrella policies that extend your liability protection beyond what auto and home provide

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Oakland has one of the most active rental property markets in the Bay Area, and a standard homeowners policy doesn't cover a property you're renting to tenants. Landlord insurance — sometimes called a dwelling fire policy — is a distinct product that covers the structure, your liability as a property owner, and loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable. We help Oakland landlords and investors understand the difference, then compare landlord coverage across multiple carriers to find the right fit for their portfolio.

 

Whether you own a single-family rental in the Temescal or a multi-unit building near Fruitvale, the right policy starts with knowing what your current coverage actually includes.

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Oakland's small business community — from Jack London Square to the Laurel District — needs coverage that keeps pace with real operating risk. We offer the full range of commercial lines in a single conversation: Business Owners Policies, General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Auto, and Professional Liability for service-based businesses. Rather than sending you to a separate broker for each policy, we compare options across carriers and structure coverage around what your business actually does.

 

Core commercial coverages we place for Oakland businesses:

 

  • Business Owners Policy (BOP) combining property and liability for qualifying businesses
  • General Liability for contractors, retailers, and service providers
  • Workers' Compensation meeting California employer requirements
  • Commercial Auto for business-owned or regularly used vehicles
  • Professional Liability and Cyber Liability for consultants, tech firms, and professional service providers

Contact Information

Freeman Insurance Services, Inc.
Albany, California


Phone:  (510) 528-2700
Email:  bruce@freemaninscompany.com

Business Hours:
Monday – Friday: (to be inserted)
Saturday – Sunday: (to be inserted)

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Visit Our Albany Office

Freeman Insurance Services, Inc. serves clients throughout the East Bay with a local office in Albany. Whether you prefer to call, email, or meet in person, we’re here to help you move forward with clear, practical guidance.

  • Do I need a separate policy for my Oakland rental property?

    Yes. A standard homeowners policy covers an owner-occupied residence — it does not extend to a property you're renting to tenants. Landlord insurance is a separate product that covers the structure, your liability as a property owner, and lost rental income if the unit becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss. We help Oakland landlords compare landlord policies across multiple carriers.

  • Does homeowners insurance cover earthquake damage in Oakland?

    Standard homeowners policies do not include earthquake coverage. It must be added as a separate policy or endorsement. Given Oakland's proximity to the Hayward Fault — one of the most seismically active faults in California — earthquake insurance is worth evaluating seriously, particularly for Hills properties where soil conditions and slope can amplify shaking intensity.

  • What insurance does a small business in Oakland typically need?

    Most Oakland small businesses need at minimum a General Liability policy and, if they have employees, Workers' Compensation coverage as required by California law. Many also benefit from a Business Owners Policy, which bundles property and liability coverage into a single policy at a lower combined cost. Depending on your industry, Professional Liability or Cyber Liability coverage may also apply. We can walk through the full picture in one conversation.

  • How is Freeman Insurance different from using an online quote aggregator?

    Aggregators collect your information and pass it to agents or carriers — the comparison work is still left to you. As an independent broker, we do the comparison on your behalf, explain the differences between what each carrier is offering, and make a recommendation based on your specific property, business, or risk profile. You get a clearer picture and a single point of contact for questions after the policy is in place.