Insurance Letters About Unsafe Panels: What LA Landlords Should Do in 30 Days

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Don’t Lose Coverage—Resolve Your Unsafe Panel Notice in 30 Days

A cancellation or non‑renewal letter from your insurer is stressful, but it doesn’t have to mean lost tenants or skyrocketing premiums. Our licensed team inspects, documents, and replaces hazardous panels—fast—so you can satisfy underwriters and keep your building protected.

  • 72‑Hour Site Inspection—full photo report for your adjuster.
  • Clear, Written Scope & Quote within 48 hours.
  • Permit & Utility Coordination built into every project plan.

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Why You Got the Letter

Common TriggerTypical Language in the LetterImpact if Ignored
Presence of Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels“Stab‑Lok‑type load centers present an unacceptably high risk of electrical fire.”Coverage cancelled in 30 days; lender may place costly force‑placed insurance.
Challenger / Sylvania / Pushmatic breakers“Obsolete or recalled circuit breakers reduce efficacy of overcurrent protection.”Premium increase or non‑renewal at policy anniversary.
Lack of documented panel inspection“Provide evidence of licensed electrician’s inspection and remediation plan.”File remains open; policy flagged for manual underwriting.

Source: Composite of actual carrier letters (State Farm, Farmers, Travelers) received by LA apartment owners 2023‑2025.


The 30‑Day Action Plan

Day 0–3: Schedule a Licensed Inspection
– We perform a load‑center audit, IR scan, and photo documentation.
– Receive a PDF report formatted for underwriter submission.

Day 4–10: Submit Remediation Plan to Carrier
– We draft a formal scope with material specs, permit numbers, and work schedule.
– Underwriter usually pauses cancellation once a plan is on file.

Day 11–25: Permit, Materials & Crew Mobilisation
– Branover handles LADBS permit pull and pre‑orders UL‑listed gear.
– Tenant notices posted in multiple languages; cut‑over scheduled during weekday business hours to minimise disruption.

Day 26–30: Panel Replacement & Compliance Letter
– Old panel removed, new load centre installed and inspected.
– We issue a signed “Certificate of Completion & Compliance” for your insurer; policy reinstatement or premium reduction follows.


Identify the High‑Risk Panel Brands

Federal Pacific (Stab‑Lok)

Breakers documented to fail up to 1 in 4 overload events; most insurers decline coverage outright.

Zinsco / GTE‑Sylvania

Aluminium bus bars lose grip, causing arcing and heat; breakers can weld in the ON position.

Challenger / Eaton‑Challenger

Subject of 1988 CPSC breaker recall; stabs overheat under modern appliance load.

Sylvania “Zinsco‑Type”

Shares Zinsco bus design; often mis‑labelled. Look for blue, green, or red breaker handles.

Pushmatic / I‑T‑E

Mechanical trip mechanism fatigues over time; replacements have been off the market since 1983.

Quick check: If your panel label predates 1990 or breakers feel warm to the touch, schedule an inspection today.


What Branover Contractors Delivers

Service ElementYour Benefit
Insurance‑Ready DocumentationWe know the exact phrases underwriters look for, reducing back‑and‑forth emails.
All‑In‑House CrewNo subcontractor delays—licensed electricians, foreman, and permit runner on payroll.
Tight SchedulingWork planned during weekday business hours (typically 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) so tenants experience only brief, staged outages.
Load Capacity Right‑SizingWe upsise feeders & mains to support EV chargers or heat‑pump retrofits, future‑proofing your asset.

Frequently Asked Questions


Ready to Keep Your Coverage?

Book a 72‑Hour Inspection & Report

📞 (323) 467-6661 | ✉️ info@branovercontractors.com

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