Loading

  We're here to protect insurance consumers

• Home
• Consumers
• Agents/Brokers
• Companies
• Contact Us

Wildfires and homeowner's insurance

Rural homeowners, in particular need to be aware of potential wildfires. Many homes are isolated and surrounded by forests and brush-covered grasslands. When it's hot and dry, these areas can be a fire threat. Also, firefighters may have a hard time getting to these homes.

Homeowner's insurance should cover all fires, including wildfires, unless the policyholder intentionally sets the fire.

Make sure you have adequate insurance to cover your property and possessions.

Homeowner tips:

Review your policy – Check your coverage regularly to make sure it includes adequate replacement coverage, in the event you suffer a loss.

Make sure you have enough insurance coverage.

Buy special coverage - Protect specific valuables, such as: jewelry, fine art, and other items that may have limited coverage under your homeowner policy.

Prepare a household inventory (PDF).

Insurers may require your home to meet certain criteria - Insurers base homeowner coverage and rates on certain assumptions that include:

• Fire protection available to your home, such as fire hydrants and the fire department location.
• Whether your home has electricity and running water, etc.

Protect your rural home – You should do everything to limit your home's fire exposure, such as:

• Clear a natural firebreak between your home and outbuildings, trees, bushes, and uncut fields.
• Install a pump or have access to a nearby water source.
• Use fire-resistant roofing or building materials.

Get more information on how to protect yourself and your home from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Updated 12/23/2011