Matthew Ticknor, Co-Founder of Junction Properties, highlighted the increasing complexity faced by homeowners and real estate professionals in securing coverage for older homes. He emphasized the necessity of a clear insurability plan.
“It’s getting so hard to insure homes in California,” said Ticknor, according to LinkedIn. “If you’re in real estate, lending, or insurance, you’re feeling it: securing a homeowners policy in California has become a challenge. Strict new underwriting rules mean one hazard can trigger a denial or 30-day correction notice. For many properties, especially those built pre-1960, an Insurability Plan is now just as important as an inspection or appraisal.”
Reciprocal insurance exchanges provide an alternative to traditional carriers by allowing policyholders, referred to as subscribers, to insure each other’s properties. In these structures, members collectively own the exchange and share in its results. This model encourages conservative underwriting and long-term stability, aligning with the insurability plans Ticknor advocates for older housing stock in California.
According to recent research, reciprocal insurance exchanges have grown from a niche segment to hold a significant share of the U.S. property market. By the end of 2024, 72 pure reciprocal exchanges collectively wrote approximately $51 billion in direct premiums, accounting for about 5% of total U.S. property and casualty premiums. This growth is attributed to strong subscriber loyalty and efficient capital deployment that centers on members’ interests in pricing and claims decisions.
Ticknor is a multifamily real estate developer and Co-Founder of Junction Properties, an Oakland-based firm focusing on housing near major job centers. His career began in real estate private equity before he launched his own platform. He has been involved in over $2 billion worth of real estate transactions and contributed to projects like Telegraph Arts and Moran communities in Oakland.
Junction Properties specializes in residential communities near major employment centers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The firm emphasizes infill and transit-oriented projects that increase housing supply while maintaining thoughtful design and neighborhood compatibility. Projects such as the 97-unit Telegraph Arts and the 78-unit Moran exemplify their commitment to revitalizing urban corridors with modern homes.
