---
title: "Is Bamboo Insurance Legit? [Updated 2026]"
description: "Bamboo is a real company that can sell you homeowners insurance in California and Arizona. They focus on coverage for properties that traditional insurers sometimes refuse to underwrite."
canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/bamboo"
last-updated: "2026-08-13"
---

# Is Bamboo Insurance Legit? [Updated 2026]

1. [Introduction to Bamboo Insurance](#introduction)
2. [What Kinds of Insurance Does Bamboo Offer?](#kindsofinsurance)
3. [Does Bamboo Sell Homeowners Insurance?](#sellprimary)
4. [Does Bamboo Sell Liability Insurance? ](#sellsecondary)
5. [How Does Bamboo Insurance Work?](#howdoesitwork)
6. [Pros and Cons of Bamboo Insurance](#proscons)
7. [Ratings and Customer Feedback for Bamboo Insurance](#ratings)
8. [Get Customer Support Or File A Claim For Bamboo Insurance](#customersupport)
9. [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq)

### <a id="introduction"></a>Introduction to Bamboo Insurance

**Bamboo Insurance** is a Utah-based managing general agent (MGA) founded in 2018 that serves customers primarily in **California** and Arizona ([PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bamboo-insurance-launches-homeowners-coverage-in-arizona-301736261.html)). The company specializes in **homeowners insurance**, particularly in areas where traditional insurers have reduced coverage due to wildfire or climate-related risks. For some homeowners, Bamboo offers alternatives to traditional carriers unwilling to write new policies, or better rates for high-risk properties.

Founded by CEO John Chu—who spent nearly two decades in the industry at companies like The Hartford and Pacific Specialty Insurance—Bamboo collects more than 200 attributes for underwriting decisions compared to roughly 50 at many traditional insurers ([Insurance Innovation Reporter, "Bamboo Insurance Builds for Speed, Discipline, and Data-Driven Growth", 2026)](https://iireporter.com/bamboo-insurance-builds-for-speed-discipline-and-data-driven-growth/). This technology-driven approach supports the company's focus on disciplined underwriting and rapid iteration.

In late 2025, CVC Capital Partners acquired Bamboo in a transaction valuing the company at $1.75 billion ([CVC Capital Partners, "White Mountains to Sell Bamboo to CVC", 2025)](https://www.cvc.com/media/news/2025/white-mountains-to-sell-bamboo-to-cvc/). White Mountains retained a 15% stake in the business ([Reinsurance News, "White Mountains completes sale of insurance distribution platform Bamboo", 2025)](https://www.reinsurancene.ws/white-mountains-completes-sale-of-insurance-distribution-platform-bamboo/). The deal underscores investor confidence in Bamboo's growth trajectory and market position, particularly in states where traditional carriers have retreated.

While praised for competitive pricing, Bamboo has drawn mixed customer feedback—especially around claims and support.

### <a id="kindsofinsurance"></a>What Kinds of Insurance Does Bamboo Offer?

Bamboo specializes in:

* Standard homeowners insurance for primary residences
* Dwelling fire insurance for:
  * Rental properties
  * Seasonal/vacation homes
  * Vacant properties
  * Older or secondary homes

Though their website mentions **auto** and **renters insurance**, these are provided via partnerships with other carriers and accessed through agents and not directly underwritten by Bamboo ([Bloomberg, "Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services LLC - Company Profile and News", 2026)](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/1896773D:US). Bloomberg notes the company also offers business property, flood, earthquake, family liability, professional liability, and commercial vehicle insurance products through its distribution network.

### <a id="sellprimary"></a>Does Bamboo Sell Homeowners Insurance?

Yes, Bamboo offers [standard homeowners insurance policies](/homeowners-insurance) for both primary and non-primary residences like vacation homes and investment properties.

* **Standard policies** cover:
  * Dwelling
  * Other structures
  * Personal property
  * Personal liability
  * Loss of use
* **Dwelling fire policies** offer:
  * Dwelling & other structures coverage
  * Optional personal property coverage
  * Optional liability protection
  * **Fair rental value** coverage for landlords

Learn more or get quotes at [Coverage Cat](https://coveragecat.com).

### <a id="sellsecondary"></a>Does Bamboo Sell Liability Insurance?

Yes, but only within Bamboo's homeowners or dwelling fire policies. Standalone liability insurance is not offered.

### <a id="howdoesitwork"></a>How Does Bamboo Insurance Work?

Bamboo operates as a Managing General Agent or MGA. An MGA acts like a specialist insurance firm: they design, price, and underwrite insurance policies, and often manage claims. However, they work with fronting carriers that actually issue the policies and hold capital.

According to White Mountains Insurance Group's 2024 SEC filings, Bamboo is licensed in all 50 U.S. states as an insurance producer and is registered as an MGA in California ([White Mountains Insurance Group, "2024 Annual Report (Form 10-K)", 2025)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/776867/000077686725000003/wtm-20241231.htm). The company writes policies through:

* Sutton National (admitted), Rated AM Best A- (Excellent)
* Sutton Specialty E&S (non-admitted), Rated AM Best A- (Excellent)
* Incline P&C (admitted & non-admitted), Rated AM Best A- (Excellent)

You can purchase a policy through:

* A Bamboo sales agent
* A marketplace like [Coverage Cat](https://coveragecat.com), which lets you compare Bamboo to other insurers **without a sales call**

Once you buy a policy, you manage claims, renewals, and coverage adjustments either through Bamboo directly or your agent.

### <a id="proscons"></a>Pros and Cons of Bamboo Insurance

| Feature | Details |
|---------|---------|
| **Pros** | Competitive rates in high-risk areas; Coverage available where others decline; Strong financial backing (A- AM Best ratings for all carriers); Admitted and non-admitted product options; Extensive data-driven underwriting (200+ attributes) |
| **Cons** | Limited to California and Arizona; No coverage for condo or condo-style townhomes (HO6 policies); Customer reports of frustrating support and claims experiences; Mixed ratings on third-party review platforms |

<div class="grid">
  <div class="column">
    <p><b>Pros</b></p>
    <ul>
      <li>Competitive rates in high-risk areas</li>
      <li>Coverage available where others decline</li>
      <li>Strong financial backing, including Excellent (A-) AM Best ratings for all carriers</li>
      <li>Admitted and non-admitted product options</li>
      <li>Technology-driven underwriting with extensive data collection</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p><b>Cons</b></p>
    <ul>
      <li>Limited to California and Arizona</li>
      <li>No coverage for condo, or condo-style townhomes (HO6 policies)</li>
      <li>Customers report that support and claims can be frustrating to deal with</li>
      <li>No standalone AM Best rating for Bamboo itself</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
</div>

## <a id="ratings"></a>Ratings and Customer Feedback for Bamboo Insurance

Here's the updated table with the most recent review ratings and review counts for Bamboo Insurance (mid-2025), with direct links to each review platform:

| Platform               | Rating                 | Review Count | Link                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Trustpilot**         | 4.0 / 5                | 59 reviews   | [Trustpilot – Bamboo Insurance](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bambooinsurance.com) ([Trustpilot, "Bamboo Insurance Reviews 59 - Trustpilot", 2026](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bambooinsurance.com))                                                                                                                        |
| **Yelp** (Midvale, UT) | ~3.0 / 5               | 46 reviews   | [Yelp – Bamboo Insurance](https://www.yelp.com/biz/bamboo-insurance-midvale-2) ([Yelp, "BAMBOO INSURANCE - Updated 2025 - 46 Reviews", 2026](https://www.yelp.com/biz/bamboo-insurance-midvale-2))                                                                                                                   |

| **BBB**                | Accredited (as of Dec 2025) | —            | [BBB – Bamboo Insurance UT](https://www.bbb.org/us/ut/midvale/profile/insurance-agency/bamboo-insurance-1166-90034054) ([Better Business Bureau, "Bamboo Insurance Business Profile", 2026](https://www.bbb.org/us/ut/midvale/profile/insurance-agency/bamboo-insurance-1166-90034054)) |
| **SiteJabber**         | 4.2 / 5                | 129 reviews  | [SiteJabber – Bamboo Insurance](https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/bambooinsurance.com) |
| **Bamboo's own site**  | 4.8 / 5                | 117 reviews  | [Bamboo Insurance Reviews](https://bambooinsurance.com/reviews2/) |

### Key Insights on Bamboo Insurance Ratings

* **Trustpilot** shows a strong improvement—4.0/5 over 59 reviews—which suggests better recent experiences, though negative claims persist ([Trustpilot, "Bamboo Insurance Reviews 59 - Trustpilot", 2026](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bambooinsurance.com)).
* **Yelp** reviews vary: positive service feedback contrasts with complaints of slow claims processing. The overall average is roughly 3.0 based on sentiment, and some recent reviews note delays while others praise agent responsiveness ([Yelp, "BAMBOO INSURANCE - Updated 2025 - 46 Reviews", 2026](https://www.yelp.com/biz/bamboo-insurance-midvale-2)).

* **BBB** recently granted accreditation (December 28, 2025), a change from the previous F rating ([Better Business Bureau, "Bamboo Insurance Business Profile", 2026](https://www.bbb.org/us/ut/midvale/profile/insurance-agency/bamboo-insurance-1166-90034054)). The company is now listed as an accredited business.
* **Company site** reviews are strong (4.8/5, 117 reviews), which reflects more curated or solicited testimonials ([Bamboo, "Reviews - Bamboo Insurance", 2026](https://bambooinsurance.com/reviews2/)).

Customers most often complain about challenges in the claims process, and Bamboo often replies that they are have gone through a period of explosive growth during which they have worked to adjust the claims process to better meet users' needs. A smaller group of users also complain about having to purchase through agents, but as a counterpoint some also praise the ease of signing up for coverage. According to PitchBook, Bamboo has raised $78 million in funding and employs approximately 180 people ([PitchBook, "Bamboo (Insurance Brokers) 2026 Company Profile", 2026](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/432830-53)).

### Real reviews for Bamboo Insurance

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>5 ★</p>
    <p><b>Syed Khalid, January 2024</b></p>
    <p><a href=
    "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bambooinsurance.com"><span class="text-muted">
    via Trustpilot</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>Quick and easy process- gave us different options
    based on my insurance budget. The agent was great and was able
    to help me with a policy.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>4 ★</p>
    <p><b>Vic Manuelli, February 2024</b></p>
    <p><a href=
    "https://maps.app.goo.gl/3URoukfLrhpKqRq5A"><span class=
    "text-muted">via Google Maps Reviews</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>Was a bit confusing as had agents from 2 or 3
    different offices contact me regarding same issue. Finally got
    it, but with different offices.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>3 ★</p>
    <p><b>Isabel Kirschner, January 2024</b></p>
    <p><a href=
    "https://maps.app.goo.gl/U1SjDtfn7wxjCHHu5"><span class=
    "text-muted">via Google Maps Reviews</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>This was an insurance that took the longest to get.
    Not completely satisfied. Can't blame the holidays either
    because it was initiated before the holidays. Coverages were
    however better than previous insurance.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>1 ★</p>
    <p><b>Ben, September 2020</b></p>
    <p><a href=
    "https://maps.app.goo.gl/ezqyRRd2jLmz7RBo7">via Google Maps
    Reviews</a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>This is one of the worse companies I ever had to
    deal with just trying to talk to anyone!!!! I've called three
    times in the past two weeks and every time I've waited over an
    hour with no luck!</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>1 ★</p>
    <p><b>Joe E., San Diego CA, December 2023</b></p>
    <p><a href=
    "https://www.yelp.com/biz/bamboo-insurance-midvale"><span class="text-muted">
    via Yelp</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>You get what you pay for with this company. From
    day one it has been a nightmare. My home flooded when the city
    turned my water back on when I wasn't home, causing me to file
    a claim very early into my policy. It's been a month and a half
    since I filed my claim, and there is still no authorization of
    coverage. My claims adjuster Chelsea always has an excuse for
    why we can't move forward. It seems like they are trying to
    find any way to not pay me my benefit. It's clear that Bamboo
    is not here to help</p>
  </div>
</div>

### <a id="customersupport"></a>Get Customer Support For Or File A Claim With Bamboo Insurance

Customer support for Bamboo Insurance is available through a [contact form](https://bambooinsurance.com/contact/) on their website. Contact can be made via phone, or email. Customer support can be reached at (833)-922-6266 and the email [customerervice@bambooinsurance.com](mailto:customerervice@bambooinsurance.com) while claims can be reached at the number (877)-333-6938, and the email address, [claims@bambooinsurance.com](mailto:claims@bambooinsurance.com).

If you are a Coverage Cat customer we can help with insurance support (troubleshooting, claims, etc.) and can often contact Bamboo on your behalf.

**How to Cancel Bamboo Insurance**

You can cancel by contacting:

* Bamboo's customer service
* Your licensed agent
* Or [Coverage Cat](https://coveragecat.com), who will handle cancellation for their users


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  Get CA Home Quotes
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### <a id="faq"></a>Frequently Asked Questions

**Should I Buy Bamboo Insurance?**
It depends. Bamboo is **often a good fit for California and Arizona homeowners**, especially if:

* You live in a wildfire-prone zone
* You're having trouble finding FAIR Plan alternatives
* You need higher-than-average coverage limits

Use a tool like [Coverage Cat](https://coveragecat.com) to compare Bamboo's pricing and eligibility with other carriers.

**Is Bamboo Insurance a Real Insurance Company?**

Yes, Bamboo Insurance is a legitimate insurer. It is backed by reputable carriers in the industry and offers a range of products that help thousands of homeowners every year. The company's fronting carriers hold an A- "Excellent" rating from AM Best, a company that rates the financial stability of insurance companies.

In 2023 Bamboo was acquired by White Mountains ([PR Newswire, "White Mountains to acquire a majority stake in Bamboo", 2023)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/white-mountains-to-acquire-a-majority-stake-in-bamboo-301962884.html), a holding company that [owns a number of insurance companies across the United States](https://www.whitemountains.com/companies/). In late 2025, CVC Capital Partners acquired Bamboo in a transaction valuing the company at $1.75 billion ([CVC Capital Partners, "White Mountains to Sell Bamboo to CVC", 2025)](https://www.cvc.com/media/news/2025/white-mountains-to-sell-bamboo-to-cvc/).

**Is Bamboo Insurance an Admitted Carrier?**

Bamboo Insurance is a managing general agency (MGA), which means they are licensed to sell specialized insurance coverage for a carrier. Bamboo works with some admitted carriers, such as Sutton National, but can also sell excess and surplus lines through carriers like Sutton Specialty Excess and Surplus. Whether you buy Bamboo Insurance through an admitted carrier or an excess and surplus line depends on the product you're buying, and your property's risk level. To learn what options are available to you, get a quote through [Coverage Cat](https://www.coveragecat.com/intake).

**How Does Bamboo Insurance Make Money?**

Bamboo Insurance earns revenue through the premiums paid by its policyholders for the insurance coverage provided. The company focuses on offering competitive pricing and various insurance types to attract a wide range of customers. As an MGA, they also earn **commissions and fees**.

**Is Using Bamboo Worth It?**

Bamboo Insurance can be a good fit for homeowners in California or Arizona who need competitively priced insurance for their properties. Bamboo's excess & surplus lines can also make it a good fit for homeowners who have had difficulty finding coverage through a traditional company. If you're looking for an alternative to the FAIR plan, but can't find coverage because your risks are too high or you need higher coverage limits, Bamboo can often find alternative insurance products. The only way to know if they are the best fit for you is to shop across the marketplace for all homeowners insurance options before you make a decision. Coverage Cat can do this for you with our commission-blind search and evaluation tools that put your needs before our commission.

**What is Bamboo Insurance's AM Best rating?**

Bamboo Insurance itself does not hold a standalone AM Best rating. However, the fronting carriers Bamboo partners with—Sutton National, Sutton Specialty E&S, and Incline P&C—all hold an A- "Excellent" rating from AM Best ([Braham, "Bamboo Insurance: What's Their AM Best Rating?", 2025)](https://tonpulse.com/blog/bamboo-insurance-whats-their-am-1763392764027). This provides financial strength backing for policies issued through Bamboo.

## Bamboo Insurance Alternatives

If Bamboo isn't the right fit, compare options from:

* Mercury
* Homesite
* Stillwater
* CA FAIR Plan (as a last resort)

Use [Coverage Cat](https://coveragecat.com) to see your full range of options, including non-admitted options, real pricing, and policy matching.


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</a>
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**Sagnik** in **CA** saved thousands a year on property insurance

<div class="grid customer-review">
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    <p>Principal @ Esseltek</p>
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    <p><b>Literally the most seamless experience ever. No
    agent could get a homeowners insurance policy in the time frame
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    <p></p>
    <p><b>Efficient and responsive. I will be using them
    again for the rest of my assets.</b></p>
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