Bamboo Insurance
Carrier website links, underwriting access points, mapped product lines, and appetite notes in one place.
This appetite summary is only a guide. Confirm eligibility, submission requirements, restrictions, and binding authority directly with the carrier or underwriter before relying on it.
Carrier appetite summary
Program focus: California Homeowners (HO-3) written via Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services as MGA/program administrator. Policies historically issued on Catlin/XL Catlin and, more recently, other partner paper; capacity and terms remain subject to carrier and reinsurance arrangements. Preferred/target business - Owner-occupied 1–4 family dwellings in California, Protection Class 1–8. - Dwelling Coverage limits from $70,000 up to $2,000,000 (risks at $1,300,000+ must be submitted for underwriting review and approval; not straight-through bound). - Year built 1900 or newer; no automatic update requirements for plumbing, heating, or electrical. - Roofs: composition, flat, and tar-and-gravel roofs acceptable; tar-and-gravel typically written with fire and lightning only coverage for the roof surface. - Trusts and LLCs acceptable when the trustee/beneficiary (trust) or managing member (LLC) is added as an insured. - Townhomes/rowhouses acceptable. - Swimming pools including unfenced pools may be acceptable if located in a gated community and unfenced due to HOA/local restrictions. - Fireline score 3 or lower generally acceptable; Fireline 4+ may be acceptable if Difference in Conditions (DIC) wildfire solution is used in conjunction with FAIR Plan or equivalent. - Up to one prior theft loss, or up to two non-theft property/liability losses within the prior 36 months may be acceptable, subject to review. - Broad set of optional coverages (Extended or Premier extended replacement cost, equipment breakdown, service line, sewer/drain backup, animal liability, personal injury, increased ordinance or law) to support mid-to-better risks. Restricted/heightened underwriting - Fireline 4+ and/or elevated wildfire exposure require DIC structure and concurrent FAIR Plan (or equivalent) policy for the same premises; such risks are subject to underwriter judgment for acceptability and pricing. - High TIV homes ($1.3M+ Coverage A) require underwriter submission and approval before binding. - Tar-and-gravel or other nonstandard roofs are limited to narrower roof peril coverage, and roof age/condition may be scrutinized using aerial imagery; agents should be prepared to reconcile roof age/condition disagreements. - Prior loss activity beyond the basic thresholds or any pattern of severity/frequency will require individual underwriting; agents should submit full loss details and mitigation actions. Declined/unacceptable risks (representative) - Properties with Fireline score higher than 3 that are not paired with DIC plus FAIR Plan/equivalent, or that still present excessive wildfire risk in the underwriter’s judgment. - Properties isolated or inaccessible to fire/emergency services. - Properties in known or historical landslide/mudslide areas. - Properties in neighborhoods lacking "pride of ownership" (e.g., multiple boarded-up, condemned, visibly unoccupied or severely distressed homes on the same block), based on inspection or aerial review. - Any property that, after visual or aerial inspection, appears in significant disrepair or presents unacceptable liability/hazard conditions. Geographic notes - Appetite and guidelines are centered on California homeowners business, including some wildfire-exposed areas when appropriately structured with FAIR Plan/DIC. ZIP-level availability and carrier-paper options may change frequently with capacity; treat any appetite as subject to current system eligibility and underwriter review. Submission and binding expectations - Producers may generally bind acceptable risks when: (1) all application questions are fully answered, with explanations where required; (2) the application is signed by both applicant and producer; and (3) down payment is collected and all binding requirements are met. Mortgagee-billed policies can be submitted without upfront payment. - Effective date cannot be earlier than the date/time the application is completed, signed, payment collected (if applicable), and binding conditions satisfied. - For risks at higher TIVs, in higher wildfire exposure, or outside standard appetite, agents should submit for underwriter review rather than binding, including details on construction, protection, wildfire mitigation, and loss history. - Book transfers or mass rewrites from another carrier may be handled under modified guidelines at Bamboo’s discretion; some rules can be waived for approved block transfers. Broker/producer notes - Position the program as relatively flexible: accepts older homes (1900+), flat roofs, trusts/LLCs, and many dog breeds (with limited animal liability options subject to breed limitations). Emphasize that final acceptability always follows underwriting review and current capacity. - Use discounts to improve competitiveness (multi-policy, companion auto through same producer, higher deductibles, gated community, new home, preferred partner, age-of-home, central alarm) but do not present them as guaranteed; all discounts are subject to system rating and program rules. - Highlight the ability to offer enhanced coverage bundles (Premier Package, extended replacement cost, equipment breakdown, service line) to differentiate against basic FAIR Plan-only placements, particularly in wildfire-impacted areas. - For any borderline risk (wildfire, roof condition, neighborhood condition), agents should expect use of inspections and aerial imagery and be prepared to provide clarifications or additional documentation. - Always reference current Bamboo policy forms and the most recent underwriting guide in force for the specific program/paper, as capacity providers and detailed rules may change year to year.