Insurance Agent & Broker · Pleasant Hill, CA
Home insurance with real choices
We start with our main company, and shop others when it isn't the right fit. From Pleasant Hill to the Sierra foothills, Darlene Baxter and her team handle home, auto, life, earthquake, flood and business insurance, including homes in high fire areas.
Why choices matter right now
One company's "no" isn't the last word
California homeowners are getting canceled, non-renewed and quoted prices that make no sense. When that happens, most people call one company, hear one answer, and stop there.
We start with our main company. If it isn't the right fit for your home, we look at other companies through our brokerage, and in high fire areas we pair the California FAIR Plan with a wrap policy to fill the gaps. You see real options and choose.
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How it works
Three steps, and we do the shopping
- 01
Tell us what you need covered
Home, auto, life, business or all of the above. A short call or the quote form. If you've been canceled or non-renewed, tell us that too. It changes where we look.
- 02
We shop more than one company
We start with our main company. If it isn't the right fit, we look further. For homes in high fire areas, that can mean the FAIR Plan plus a wrap policy.
- 03
You choose, we handle the paperwork
We explain the options in plain English, you pick, and we take it from there. We're still here when you have a question or a claim.
What our clients say
In their words
★★★★★
“Darlene and team do an excellent job! We are in the mountains and she was so helpful at helping us get insurance after being canceled by another company.”
★★★★★
“Darlene is prompt, professional, knowledgeable, friendly and fun to work with. Her quick work takes the worry out of finding homeowners insurance in the rural areas of California. We will move our business and loyalty to Darlene and the Baxter Insurance Agency.”
★★★★★
“I have used Darlene's services on many occasions. She helped me to insure multiple properties for myself and also helped at least a dozen of my clients to get fire and insurance including in some high fire hazard areas. Whether it is an owner occupied, 2nd home or an investment property she can do it all. Darlene is quick to respond to calls and messages, is straight forward and easy to communicate with.”
★★★★★
“Darlene was an absolute lifesaver when my client needed insurance for a high-value home purchased with cash. We ran into several roadblocks with other providers due to the property's high rebuild cost, and time was of the essence. Darlene stepped in right away, explained exactly what was needed, and guided us through the process with clarity and confidence. ... Thanks to her, my client now has the proper coverage and peace of mind.”
★★★★★
“Darlene and Michelle are THE BEST by far! They are very responsive, efficient and always friendly. ... Would definitely recommend Darlene Baxter and team.”
What we cover
Home, auto, life and business
Start with the one you need today. We'll look at the rest together.
01 / HOMEOWNERS
Homeowners Insurance
Coverage for your home, starting with our main company and shopping others when it isn't the right fit.
02 / FIRE, FAIR PLAN & WRAP
Fire Insurance, FAIR Plan and Wrap Policies
For homes in high fire areas: the California FAIR Plan paired with a wrap policy that fills the gaps it leaves.
03 / EARTHQUAKE
Earthquake Insurance
Earthquake coverage for California homes, which a standard homeowners policy does not include.
04 / FLOOD
Flood Insurance
Flood coverage, which a standard homeowners policy does not include.
05 / AUTO
Auto Insurance
Auto insurance quoted with more than one company, and shown next to your home policy so you can compare.
06 / CONDO
Condo Insurance
Coverage for the inside of your condo and what your HOA policy leaves to you.
07 / RENTERS
Renters Insurance
Coverage for your belongings and liability when you rent.
08 / LANDLORD
Landlord Insurance
Coverage for homes you rent out, including second homes and investment properties.
09 / UMBRELLA
Umbrella Insurance
Extra liability protection above your home and auto policies.
10 / LIFE
Life Insurance
Term, whole life and IUL insurance to protect the people who depend on you.
11 / PET
Pet Insurance
Coverage that helps with vet bills for your dog or cat.
12 / MOTORCYCLE, BOAT & RV
Motorcycle, Boat and RV Insurance
Coverage for your motorcycle, boat or RV.
Where we work
From Pleasant Hill to the Sierra foothills
Contra Costa County
- Pleasant Hill
- Walnut Creek
- Concord
- Lafayette
- Martinez
- San Ramon
- Alamo
- Danville
Alameda County
- Oakland
- Berkeley
- Livermore
- Pleasanton
- Alameda
- Dublin
Tuolumne County
- Sonora
- Groveland
Calaveras County
- Angels Camp
El Dorado County
- Placerville
- El Dorado Hills
- Cameron Park
Nevada County
- Soda Springs
From the blog
Insurance, explained
2026-10-10 · 5 min read
Why Does the FAIR Plan Plus a Wrap Cost More Than My Old Policy?
If your bill doubled when you moved to the FAIR Plan and a wrap, you're not imagining it. Here's why two policies cost more than one, and what you can do about it.
2026-10-08 · 4 min read
Does My Landlord's Insurance Cover My Belongings in California?
Your landlord has insurance on the building. It doesn't cover anything of yours. Here's what a renters policy does, and why the liability part matters more than most people think.
2026-10-08 · 5 min read
Does My HOA's Insurance Cover My Condo in California?
A lot of condo owners think the HOA's insurance covers them. It covers the building and the shared areas. What's inside your walls, and your share of a big HOA claim, are yours.
2026-10-07 · 5 min read
Renting Out Your House in California? Your Homeowners Policy Probably Won't Follow
A homeowners policy is written for a home you live in. Once a tenant moves in, it usually isn't the right policy anymore. Here's what to change, and when.
2026-10-07 · 4 min read
Can I Get Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam in California?
A lot of people put off life insurance because they picture needles and a long appointment. Right now, if you're under 65, there's often no medical exam at all. Here's how it works.
2026-10-06 · 5 min read
Do I Need Life Insurance If I Have a Mortgage?
A mortgage is the biggest debt most families carry. If you died, could the people you love keep the house? Here's how life insurance fits, with no pressure and no scare tactics.
2026-10-05 · 6 min read
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Earthquakes in California? No, and Here's What Does
A standard California homeowners policy leaves out earthquake damage. Here's what that means for your home, how the deductible works, and why you can't add coverage after the ground shakes.
2026-10-05 · 5 min read
Do I Need Umbrella Insurance in California? How It Works, in Plain Words
Umbrella insurance confuses almost everyone. It's extra liability coverage that sits on top of your home and auto policies. Here's how it works and who should take a serious look.
2026-10-04 · 6 min read
What Is a Wrap Policy, and Why Does the California FAIR Plan Need One?
The California FAIR Plan covers fire and not much else. A wrap policy covers the rest. Here's what a wrap is, what it adds, and how the two policies work together.
2026-10-03 · 7 min read
Homeowners Insurance Canceled or Non-Renewed in California? What to Do This Week
A canceled or non-renewed letter feels final. It usually isn't. Here's what the letter means and what to do this week, from a California insurance agent who handles these calls every day.
2026-10-03 · 6 min read
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage in California? Sudden Yes, Slow No
Water is the most common claim our office sees, and the most misunderstood. Sudden damage is usually covered. Slow leaks and maintenance never are. Here's how to tell the difference before you file.
A Pleasant Hill Insurance Agency With More Than One Answer
Darlene Baxter Insurance Agency is a local insurance agency in Pleasant Hill, California. Darlene Baxter has been helping people protect their homes, autos, families and businesses since 2009.
The agency includes a brokerage. That means we can offer you more than one option instead of a single quote.
When you call, you reach a person in our office, not a call center. Darlene and Michelle work with homeowners and families. Sarah works with business owners. Taylor helps with policy changes, paperwork and billing questions. You can meet the team here.
The office is at 2216 Morello Ave in Pleasant Hill. We're open Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, and on weekends by appointment.
Real Choices, Not One Answer
Most people call one insurance company and take whatever answer they get. One company's answer isn't the only answer.
We start with our main company. If it isn't the right fit, we look at other companies available through our brokerage. For a home in a high fire area, that can mean the California FAIR Plan paired with a wrap policy. A wrap policy is also called a difference in conditions policy. It covers what the FAIR Plan leaves out, such as theft, liability and water from a burst pipe. Our FAIR Plan and wrap policy page shows how the two fit together.
We go through the coverages with you before you sign anything, not after. You don't have to decide on the spot. As Darlene tells her clients, "I'm not going anywhere."
We can't promise approval or a price, because those decisions belong to the insurance companies. You'll always know where things stand. The How We Work page lays out each step.
What We Insure
Most people start with one policy, and we look at the rest together.
- Your home. Homeowners insurance, plus condo, renters, landlord and mobile home coverage.
- What a home policy leaves out. A standard homeowners policy does not include earthquake or flood. Earthquake insurance and flood insurance are separate policies.
- Your autos and more. Auto insurance, and coverage for motorcycles, boats and RVs.
- Your family. Life insurance, and umbrella insurance for extra liability protection above your home and auto policies.
- Your pets. A quick quote for pet insurance.
- Your business. Sarah handles business insurance. Call the office and ask for her.
Every coverage is listed on the personal insurance page.
Where We Work
Our office is in Pleasant Hill, and we work with clients all over California. Most of it can be done by phone, text and email.
Close to home, our service area includes Contra Costa County: Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, San Ramon, Alamo and Danville. It also includes Alameda County: Oakland, Berkeley, Livermore, Pleasanton, Alameda and Dublin.
In the foothills and mountains, it includes Tuolumne County (Sonora and Groveland), Calaveras County (Angels Camp), El Dorado County (Placerville, El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park) and Nevada County (Soda Springs).
Darlene grew up in Groveland, so the mountain side of this work is personal.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients have given the agency 4.9 stars across 51 Google reviews. A few of them are higher up on this page. You can read the rest on Google.
Start Here
Call the office at (925) 940-6970, or send us a message and tell us what you're trying to protect. The form asks whether you'd like a call, a text or an email back, and that's how we'll answer.
If you've been canceled or non-renewed, tell us the date on the letter so we know how much time we have. Our post on what to do when you're canceled or non-renewed walks through the first week.
Frequently Asked Questions
My homeowners insurance was canceled or non-renewed. Can you help?
Call us and tell us the date on the letter. We start with our main company. If it isn't the right fit, we look at other companies available through our brokerage. For a home in a high fire area, that can mean the California FAIR Plan paired with a wrap policy. We can't promise approval, because that decision belongs to the insurance companies.
Do I have to live near Pleasant Hill to work with you?
No. The office is in Pleasant Hill, and we work with clients all over California. Most of it can be done by phone, text and email.
What kinds of insurance do you offer?
Home, auto, life, earthquake, flood, umbrella, condo, renters, landlord, mobile home, motorcycle, boat, RV, pet and business insurance.
Canceled, non-renewed, or paying too much?
Let's see what your options really are. No pressure.