The Problem Facing Property Owners
In recent years, more and more California property owners—especially those with multi-unit apartment buildings—have been hit with an unexpected notice from their insurance company: Replace your electrical panel, or your policy won’t be renewed.
The panels most often flagged?
- Zinsco
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE)
- Stab-Lok breaker systems
While these panels may have been standard decades ago, they are now considered unsafe, unreliable, and uninsurable.
Why Insurers Are Taking Action
Insurance companies have a vested interest in minimizing fire risk and electrical failures. Outdated panels like Zinsco, FPE, and Stab-Lok have a documented history of:
- Failing to trip during overloads – leading to overheating wires and fire hazards.
- Loose or corroded connections – causing arcing inside the panel.
- Non-compliance with modern electrical codes – leaving the building exposed to liability.
For insurers, these risks are simply too high to underwrite. Many carriers have added these panels to their “Do Not Insure” lists.
The Multifamily Impact
If you own or manage a multi-unit property, the stakes are even higher:
- Policy non-renewal or cancellation can jeopardize financing, especially if your lender requires proof of insurance.
- Tenant safety is a legal responsibility—ignoring outdated electrical systems could expose you to lawsuits.
- Higher premiums for those who delay upgrades, as insurers classify the property as “high risk.”
What This Means for You as a Property Owner
If your building still has a Zinsco, FPE, or Stab-Lok panel, it’s not a matter of if you’ll need to replace it—it’s when. Proactive replacement puts you in control of the process, rather than scrambling under an insurance deadline.
Benefits of acting now:
- Maintain uninterrupted insurance coverage.
- Improve electrical reliability for all units.
- Increase property value and appeal to future buyers.
- Avoid emergency replacement costs and delays.
Our Expertise in Multi-Unit Panel Upgrades
At Branover Contractors, Inc., we specialize in panel upgrades for multifamily buildings across Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Orange County.
Our team handles the entire process:
- Code-compliant design and installation
- Utility coordination to minimize tenant disruption
- Permit handling and inspections
- Bulk project pricing for multi-panel replacements
We’ve helped dozens of property owners bring their electrical systems up to current standards, keeping their insurance intact and their tenants safe.
How to Get Started
- Schedule a free on-site assessment – We’ll inspect your current panel and provide a written report for you and your insurer.
- Get a detailed proposal – Including timelines, costs, and options for phased replacements if needed.
- Upgrade with confidence – Our licensed electricians will complete the work to the highest standards, ensuring compliance and safety.
Don’t Wait Until the Letter Arrives
Insurance-driven panel replacement is becoming the norm in California. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have—and the less you’ll spend under pressure.
Call Branover Contractors today at 323-467-6661 or request your free quote online to protect your property, your tenants, and your insurance coverage.
