David Flaig, with a plane that he regularly flies, a Rockwell Commander 112.
From the Skies to the Neighborhood
When David Flaig isn’t helping Bay Area homeowners navigate the complexities of insurance, he’s often above it all. Literally. A licensed FAA pilot since 1980 with both commercial and instrument ratings, David currently flies a Commander 112 based out of Hayward Airport. “I’ve been very fortunate to fly to many airports all over California,” he shares. That joy of exploration carries through into his grounded work in the insurance industry, where he’s built a reputation for clarity, advocacy, and service.
An Interview with Home Insurance Expert David Flaig
In 2001, David launched his own agency, Flaig Insurance Services, rooted in San Mateo County. Since then, he’s helped countless families in cities like San Carlos protect what matters most. But the landscape is shifting. “The California insurance industry has been changing quite a lot,” David notes, citing state-imposed moratoriums and increasing wildfire risk. “It’s caused a tremendous amount of turmoil for all California customers.”
What San Carlos Homeowners Should Know
For those buying or selling homes in San Carlos, David offers clear and practical advice. First, always ask for a CLUE Report (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) before making an offer. “Today, prior claims can make choosing an insurance company very difficult.”
When asked about the most common mistake homeowners make with their insurance, David pointed to a lack of regular reassessment. He urges homeowners to review their coverage frequently, especially in light of the sharp increase in reconstruction costs in recent years. “Self-insuring for a total loss is not a bad thing,” he explains, “unless the homeowner thought they had enough coverage but then after a claim, determine that the coverage in place is NOT enough to rebuild.”
Fire danger is another growing concern. “Most areas south of Ralston and east of Highway 280 are in a high or VERY high fire hazard severity zone,” David warns. He recommends using the Cal Fire map to assess your property and implementing defensible space standards: clearing all sorts of vegetation within 3 feet (zone 0), 30 feet (zone 1), and 100 feet (zone 2) of your home. “It can make the difference between a fire team being able to save your home or moving on.”
Especially for those living on the hills of San Carlos, flood insurance is essential. As David Flaig explains, “All basic homeowner insurance policies in California EXCLUDE two perils or ‘causes of loss’; losses due to earthquake and flooding are EXCLUDED from all homeowners insurance.” This includes land movement such as mudslides or landslides, which are not covered unless a separate flood insurance policy is in place. If there’s any concern about ground shifting—whether from above or below your home—it’s wise to research the cost and availability of flood insurance for peace of mind.
Avoiding Home Insurance Mistakes Before It’s Too Late
David stresses that too many people only learn what their policy doesn’t cover after a loss. “Customers need an advocate on their side… The time to ask questions is before a loss. Many times they don’t know what they don’t know until it’s too late.”
When it comes to home remodels, David has seen homeowners run into trouble by hiring uninsured or unqualified contractors: decisions that often lead to complications with insurance claims down the line. His advice: call your agent before you begin. “Ask: will my current policy provide coverage for this project? What other types of insurance should I consider?” Hiring unlicensed workers, he says, shifts all liability to the homeowner “and attorneys will go after the deepest pockets available.”
Another overlooked issue? Water damage. “Between 75%–90% of all claims in California are water-related; not fire.” He recommends installing automatic water shutoff or leak-detection devices, which typically cost under $1,000 but can prevent catastrophic losses. And while wood shake roofs and knob-and-tube wiring have long been problematic for insurers, galvanized plumbing is now joining the list. “A good home inspection can alert homeowners to these immediate concerns,” he adds.
Home Materials & Conditions That Can Raise Insurance Issues:
- Galvanized plumbing is increasingly flagged due to high water damage risk.
- Wood shake roofs have little to no insurable value—consider replacing with safer, modern alternatives.
- Knob & tube wiring signals outdated electrical systems and can disqualify a home from coverage.
- Faulty electrical components, including ungrounded wiring, screw-in fuses, defective circuit breakers or panels.
- Homes without water shutoff/monitoring devices may be harder to insure; these devices (often costing less than $1,000) are now recommended or required by many insurers.
- Older, uninspected systems in general may delay or block insurance approval—a home inspection is highly recommended before applying for coverage.
Galvanized Plumbing
Wood Shake Roofs
Knob & Tube Wiring
Water Shutoff Device
Planning with Intention and Choosing the Best Home Insurance
There’s a quiet urgency to David’s message: prepare now, ask questions early, and understand that every home and family is different. “The time to ask questions about your policy is before a loss… It’s always surprising to ask a homeowner if they have ‘full coverage’ and they reply ‘yes’ without even understanding the limits and coverages on their policies.”
Bundling policies, meaning purchasing two or more types of insurance from the same company to receive the maximum available discounts, may help save money, but David advises weighing each line individually. “Sometimes it makes more sense to have different lines with different companies depending on premiums, deductibles, and coverage.”
For those in San Carlos looking to remodel, move, or simply protect their hillside homes, David Flaig is a steady guide. With over two decades of experience and a pilot’s knack for planning ahead, his approach is clear-eyed, intentional, and deeply rooted in service.
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About San Carlos Life
Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are the co-owners of Vabrato, a real estate brokerage with over 30 years of combined experience, serving the City of Good Living and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
With expert negotiation skills, in-depth local market knowledge, precise pricing strategies, and the latest technology paired with innovative marketing tactics, they consistently deliver exceptional results. Their proven track record includes helping sellers obtain offers above the asking price and guiding buyers to successfully secure their dream home.
Vabrato offers home sellers a comprehensive, one-stop solution that sets them apart from most traditional agents. Through their Design-to-Sell Service Package, they provide strategic property upgrades, cover upfront improvement costs, and manage the entire process from start to finish to maximize the net proceeds for the seller.
Mark is a Real Estate Broker and General Contractor, with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Law. He is also a long-time resident of Redwood City and San Carlos. Viv is also a Broker, respected Interior Designer, seasoned Marketing Expert, and trusted San Carlos business community leader, as well as a long-time San Carlos resident.
Thinking about buying or selling in San Carlos?
Mark and Viv know every street, school, and market shift, so you get strategic pricing, standout marketing, and negotiations that deliver. Get a complimentary market snapshot or home valuation and a no-pressure plan tailored to your goals. Contact us today: your next move starts here.
Phone: +1 650 291 7241
Email: hello@sancarloslife.com
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Flaig Insurance Services
About
Flaig Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency located in San Mateo that has provided auto, life, homeowner’s, and several other types of coverage to residents of San Mateo County and the rest of California since 2002. An award winning agency, Flaig Insurance has proven to be a great asset in the community for more than two decades.
Contact
Email: flaiginsurance(@)gmail.com
Address: 1900 Norfolk Ave Suite 350 San Mateo, CA 94403
Website: davidflaig.com
