Wildfire Insurance in High Fire Risk Areas| Frontline

How to Get Private Wildfire Insurance

Insurance in high fire risk areas

Discover your insurance options in California and elsewhere.

Living in a high fire risk area, you’re likely to have concerns about wildfire insurance coverage. What are your options? What are the costs? You might worry about whether you can even get home insurance with wildfire coverage in states such as California. Let’s take a deep dive into these issues.

Can you get insurance for wildfire damage?

While you cannot buy stand-alone “wildfire insurance,” several types of policies may provide coverage against wildfire damage.

Stand-alone insurance refers to coverage for a single, specific risk. Wildfire protection usually isn’t sold that way because it’s bundled into those broader policies. In high-risk areas where coverage is harder to find, state-backed programs like the FAIR Plan offer basic wildfire protection as a fallback.

If you own your home, you can get homeowners insurance. If you rent, renters insurance covers your belongings. Auto insurance can cover damage to or destruction of your car in a wildfire. Your policy coverage may include flames, heat, and smoke, along with the water and chemicals used to fight the fire.

Types of insurance that provide coverage against wildfire damage.

Homeowners insurance: This kind of insurance typically covers wildfire damage to your home, other structures like a detached garage or a shed, and improvements such as fences and landscaping. It may also reimburse you for the costs of evacuating or temporarily relocating after a fire.
Renters insurance: This kind of insurance applies to those who rent their home and covers damage to or loss of personal belongings in the case of a wildfire. Evacuation and relocation costs may also be included in the coverage.
Auto insurance: If you have comprehensive coverage on your policy, your vehicle will be covered in the event of a wildfire that damages or destroys it.
Business owners insurance: Homeowners insurance usually limits business property coverage for a home-based business. This means you may benefit from a business owner’s policy that includes wildfire coverage. If your business is at a separate location, you will need this kind of coverage. Be sure to include debris removal, relocation costs, and business continuation coverage in case a wildfire disrupts your operations.

Wildfire insurance coverage in California.

California has more homes at extreme wildfire risk than anywhere else in the country. According to the latest statistics, over one million homes are in high-danger zones.

Insurers are refusing to cover high-risk properties in wildfire-prone areas. In 2018, they refused to cover 180,000 homes in California. The next year, that number jumped to over 235,000 properties. Some insurers are reducing coverage. Others, like Allstate and State Farm, are refusing to write new ones. State Farm canceled 72,000 residential and commercial policies in the state last year.

If you are able to get homeowners insurance in a fire-prone area, you can likely expect a higher premium and possibly carve-outs, exclusions, limits, or a higher deductible.

A combination of factors, including more destructive wildfires, a challenging regulatory framework, inefficient and ineffective fire risk management, and an expanding wildfire season, has created an insurance crisis in California, leaving residents with increasingly poor options.
Shopping carefully for policies, leveraging the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan, and investigating other options for protecting your property are all ways of dealing with the new normal of living with wildfire risk.

How did the recent California fires affect the insurance industry?

Disruption is rippling through the California insurance market. Massive insurers, like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive, that issue tens of millions of auto, home, renter, and commercial policies, have changed their coverage.

When these massive insurers change their underwriting guidelines, pull back coverage, or pull out of high-risk markets, it affects smaller companies. Smaller insurance carriers and potential new entrants to the market follow the lead of the big names. The result amplifies disruptions across the whole insurance market.

Here are some of the factors that are reshaping wildfire insurance options:

Massive insurer losses: Wildfire claims reaching into the billions are threatening the financial stability and profits of the nation’s largest carriers.
Increases in premiums: Companies are getting approval to hike up their premium rates, leading to higher costs for many Californians.
Non-renewing or refusing to write new policies: Many large insurers have stopped writing new policies. Others, like State Farm, have canceled tens of thousands of existing policies.
Surge in FAIR Plan enrollments: As private wildfire insurance options have dwindled, more people have turned to the government-backed insurer of last resort.
Antitrust lawsuits: Twenty-five major insurance companies are being sued by California homeowners and renters who accuse them of unfair practices limiting private wildfire coverage and forcing more risk onto the state-backed FAIR Plan.
Rising and confusing wildfire-specific deductibles: In another move to limit payouts on wildfire claims, insurers are replacing standard flat-rate deductibles with wildfire-specific deductibles. Instead of a fixed dollar amount, deductibles are now calculated as a percentage of the home’s value (typically between 2% and 5%). This shift makes it harder for homeowners to predict their out-of-pocket costs. If your home is damaged and you file a claim, that deductible could add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
Tighter underwriting standards and rewards for proactive homeowners: Insurance companies are being urged to adopt stricter criteria when evaluating wildfire risk. The California State Commission on Catastrophic Wildfire Cost and Recovery recommends insurers tighten their standards.

At the same time, it recommends rewarding homeowners who take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risks, such as creating defensible space, using fire-resistant materials and investing in active defense systems. This approach encourages safer properties and helps communities become more resilient, while giving responsible homeowners a chance for better insurance terms.

How expensive is fire insurance coverage in California?

Fire insurance coverage in California is getting more expensive every year. For example, Allstate recently got permission to increase rates by 34%. In 2020, the average premium for homeowners insurance was about $1,300 per year. In 2025, Californians face a projected average annual premium of almost $3,000.

In fire-prone areas, those who can get insurance will pay much more, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars per year. The number of homeowners relying on the FAIR Plan is increasing as a result, even as the public insurance pool struggles financially.

The cost of homeowners insurance that covers wildfires in California is ultimately affected by several factors, including:

Location
Home replacement cost
Home value
Coverage limits
Claims history
Home safety features
Age and construction of home
Estimated wildfire exposure risk

As wildfires become more frequent and regulators continue to struggle to create a well-functioning insurance market, the cost of insurance in fire-prone areas is expected to continue rising, leaving many homeowners unable to adequately insure their homes. However, there are positive signs for homeowners who take active steps to reduce their wildfire risk.

What should be included in home insurance protection for wildfires?

Standard homeowners insurance in California covers wildfires, but what that specifically means can vary. When shopping for insurance that covers wildfire damage in California, find out what’s covered and for how much.

If fire doesn’t damage your home, will the policy cover smoke or water damage? How much financial help will you get to rebuild or repair your home? It’s important to know what you’ll get before you even ask about wildfire insurance coverage monthly costs. Here’s what coverage you should look for:

1. The structure of your home and detached buildings.

Wildfires can destroy more than just your house. To fully cover your property, know the replacement cost of your home and other structures and fixtures, including sheds, garages, barns, fences, and decks. Your replacement cost is the money it would take to rebuild these structures to their original size and quality, should they be destroyed in a wildfire.

2. Coverage for your personal belongings.

Covering your personal property includes the replacement value of your furniture, appliances, electronics, clothes, and valuables. If you own expensive jewelry, art, wine, or other collectibles, you may purchase a rider: an optional add-on to a standard policy that lists these items and their appraised value. You might not think of it as personal property, but your landscaping can also be covered.

3. Your living expenses if your house was destroyed by fire.

If a wildfire forces you to evacuate and leave your home, “loss of use” coverage helps with temporary housing, meals, and other living expenses. This typically covers about 20% of your home’s insured value, but in fire-prone areas, it’s smart to consider more. As we saw during the LA fires, when many people are displaced, costs can rise quickly.

4. Liability coverage for others harmed on your property.

Liability coverage protects you from financial claims for medical expenses and damage to others who have been harmed on your property. In the chaos of a wildfire, it may be difficult for people to make such claims against you, but it doesn’t hurt to have the protection anyway.

What wildfire insurance options do you have in high fire risk areas?

Wildfire insurance options can be limited for people living in high-risk zones. For many homeowners, their only choice is the California FAIR Plan, which provides basic fire coverage when private insurers won’t offer a policy.

However, there are still paths to coverage. Some private insurers may be willing to offer a policy if you take steps to reduce wildfire risk, such as home hardening and active defense systems. These mitigation efforts can make your home more defensible in the event of a wildfire and may improve your chances of qualifying for broader insurance options.

How to get homeowner insurance in fire zones.

FAIR Plans

Insurance offered under California’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirements, called FAIR Plans, provides basic fire coverage when traditional insurance isn’t available. Many states created these public pools as a temporary safety net for people who cannot get traditional insurance.

In California, however, so many private insurers are declining to renew policies, refusing to write new policies, and canceling policies altogether, that these plans are often the only option. Because the wildfire season is now year-round and major destructive fires are no longer rare, fire coverage is a necessity. As a result, the FAIR Plan has become much more than a temporary safety net — it’s an essential and possibly long-term solution for mitigating the risk of loss due to wildfire.

While FAIR Plans provide basic fire coverage, they come with significant downsides, especially for homeowners with high-value properties. While these plans provide basic coverage, they don’t cover essentials like liability, medical payments, and loss of use. They often include a policy cap of $3 million and are very expensive. For homes with a higher market value, that amount often isn’t enough to fully rebuild or replace everything lost.

Excess and surplus lines carriers (E&S)

To fill gaps in coverage with both traditional insurers and California FAIR Plan coverage, homeowners are turning to excess and surplus (E&S) carriers.

If you can’t find home insurance through the private market due to your fire risk, this kind of coverage may be an option, though it’s an expensive one. Between 2021 and 2022, E&S premiums rose by 20%, marking the fourth straight year of rate hikes. As of 2025, the average E&S premium in California stands at around $5,500, up another 20% from the year before. While regular homeowners insurance has deductibles around $10,000, E&S policy deductibles often start at $100,000 and go up from there.

Despite these costs, this option may be better than nothing for those who cannot get traditional California home insurance in high fire risk areas.

Premier Carriers.

Premier carriers offer home insurance for high-value and high-risk properties. They may also provide additional benefits like fire prevention and firefighting services. To qualify, your home generally needs to be valued at $1 million or more. However, depending on the carrier and your location, the minimum home value requirement can be significantly higher. If you own a higher-end home and want broader protection and hands-on support, this kind of coverage may be worth exploring.

What if your California homeowner insurance is canceled or non-renewed?

While wildfire insurance coverage options exist in California, availability and terms vary widely depending on where you live and your home’s wildfire risk. Insurance companies in California are canceling policies or declining to renew them at higher rates than in the past. Finding yourself suddenly without coverage can be frightening and frustrating. In the case of a canceled or non-renewed policy, here’s what you need to know.

Can California home insurance policies be dropped or refused due to wildfires?

Yes, if you live in an area with high wildfire risk, your homeowners policy can be canceled or non-renewed. And finding a new policy with a private insurer isn’t always possible. The state government has issued temporary moratoriums that prevent companies from canceling or non-renewing policies. These moratoriums are meant to protect at-risk policyholders in specified ZIP codes in the state from losing their coverage.

If you’re in an area that a moratorium covers, the measure only buys you time. You should start researching alternative insurance providers in case your policy ends when the moratorium expires. Taking action early can help you avoid a gap in coverage and keep your home protected.

What to do if you lost your California home insurance coverage

If you’ve lost your California home insurance policy and you live in a high fire risk area, you can contact your insurer and look into other options. We recommend taking these steps:

Contact your insurer immediately. Your insurer or agent may suggest steps you can take to reduce your wildfire risk. If you complete and document recommended home hardening upgrades, you might be able to keep your coverage. These upgrades might include ember-resistant measures like pruning overhanging trees, covering vents, or installing rooftop sprinklers.
Look into alternative insurance carriers. You may be able to get a policy from a different carrier. Research your options in advance, to help you be prepared.
Make your house fire-resistant. Preventing a loss is better than being reimbursed for one. Start with proven home hardening strategies, like using fire-resistant building materials, sealing vents, and clearing defensible space. For homes in high fire-risk areas, a proactive fire protection system like Frontline Wildfire Defense can make a critical difference. Automated home sprinkler systems with fire fighting foam and backup power/connections safeguard your property during a wildfire, and they may also make it easier to secure insurance coverage. Some carriers even offer credits or discounts once your system is in place.
Consider the California FAIR Plan.This is a state-backed program for those who can’t get standard coverage. Premiums are often higher and coverage more limited, but it’s an option if all else fails.

What to do if you lost your California wildfire coverage.

How to make a wildfire insurance claim in California

Experiencing the chaos and shock of a wildfire can be overwhelming. If your home has been damaged or lost, knowing what steps to take can help you feel more in control during a difficult time.

Start by contacting your insurance company and reporting the damage. If it’s safe to do so, document everything you can with photos or video. From there, follow these recommended steps to navigate the claims process and begin your path to normalcy:

Contact your insurer as soon as possible. The sooner you file your California wildfire insurance claim, the sooner you can start rebuilding.
Take photos and videos of the damage. Describe damaged items and, if possible, list their original purchase price. You can prepare in advance by documenting your home with “before” photographs and saving receipts and appraisals in a safe place off-premises. As soon as it’s safe to enter your home, take photos and videos of the damage to your home and belongings. Submit these to your insurer as proof of damage.
Keep records of all communication. In the stress of the moment, you might not remember important details. Keep detailed written records of all communications and agreements with your insurer, contractors, and other relevant parties.
Track your living expenses. If you have to temporarily relocate after a wildfire, track your living expenses and keep all of your receipts so that you can be fully reimbursed.
Keep your damaged items for the time being. You may be eager to start cleaning up, but your insurance adjuster may need more detailed proof of damage to document your losses.
Know your responsibilities and the particulars of your policy. Your insurer may require you to get repair estimates and file claims documents. Most companies have time limits on filing claims, generally 60 days.
Don’t take no for an answer. If a claim is denied, you can and should appeal. You might not get as much money as you want, but you can often get some.

Tips when filing a home insurance claim after a wildfire.

Wildfire insurance coverage FAQ.

What does my home insurance cover in a wildfire?

If you’re wondering what your homeowners or renters insurance covers in a wildfire, you can find the answer in your policy documents. They provide all the details and explain what kinds of damage or events are covered.

Take a close look at the details. The section typically labeled “property coverages” describes the structures and belongings the policy covers. Another section to examine is often labeled “perils insured against.” Make sure that wildfire is specifically included. Take a look at the section called “exclusions and limitations” for what isn’t included and what circumstances might be cause to deny a claim.

Be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions, read your policy carefully, and get answers and clarifications in writing.

What should I consider when purchasing insurance for wildfire coverage?

Carefully consider your risks, the value of your property, and your budget to buy the right insurance policies for your situation. What a given policy covers, what exclusions apply, your deductible amount, and what limits may be in place will vary greatly from company to company.

Some policies include loss of use, which covers some of the costs of evacuating or temporarily relocating after a fire as you repair or rebuild. Your policy may be “all-risk,” which typically includes wildfire coverage, or it may list fire as a specific “named peril”.

Watch out for coverage limits, exclusions, high deductibles, and overarching policy limits. Calculate your worst-case scenario before you buy. Decide how much you can afford in out-of-pocket losses versus the amount of your premium. That way, you will be prepared with the best policy for your situation.

Does hazard insurance cover wildfires?

Yes, “hazard insurance” covers wildfires. An important part of your homeowners insurance is a section called “named perils” or “hazards.” Fire is often listed along with lightning, windstorms, and theft. This part of your homeowners policy is often called “hazard insurance” and may make you think that you need a separate policy, but that’s not the case. It’s simply a part of your main homeowners insurance policy.

What is a high fire risk home?

Several factors influence what may place your home at high risk. The insurance industry doesn’t have a single definition of a high fire risk home. When determining your premium or if they want to cover your home at all, they’ll ask questions such as:

Location: Is your home at the edge of urban development? The Wildland Urban Interface, where neighborhoods meet wildlands, has a higher risk of wildfire.
Topography: What is the local topography? Steep slopes make it harder for firefighters to reach you and help fires spread faster due to wind-borne embers.
Vegetation: What kind of vegetation is present around your property? Dense plants, like thick brush or forests around your property, increase the risk of wildfires.
Building materials: What kinds of building materials are used in your home? Homes with wooden shingles are more vulnerable to embers than those with metal or concrete roofs.
Proximity to emergency services: How close is your home to emergency services and water? If it takes a long time for firefighters to arrive and there is no fire hydrant or water source, your home is particularly vulnerable.
Fire history: What is the fire history of your area? If your home stands on land that recently burned or frequently burns, your home has a higher fire risk.

If your home is made of wood, sits in a forested area with a history of wildfires, and is located on the edge of town far from emergency services, insurers will likely see it as high fire risk. In this case, you may have trouble finding affordable coverage or any coverage at all. But by taking proactive steps, like installing a preventative wildfire defense system, you can protect your home and still live where you love.

Proactive prevention may be the best way to protect your home from wildfires

As we saw in Los Angeles, no insurance policy can replace a lifetime of memories, personal history, or the place you call home. As wildfires grow more frequent and destructive, relying on luck, hope, or insurance alone is no longer enough. Being proactive is the most powerful step you can take.

That means hardening your home with fire-resistant materials, maintaining defensible space, and installing a wildfire defense system that activates when it matters most. These measures can mean the difference between total loss and a home that’s still standing.At Frontline, we believe living safely with fire is possible, and we are prepared for that future. Our automated wildfire defense system wets roofs, siding, vents, and landscaping to prevent ember ignition and reduce radiant heat. It’s one more critical layer of protection in a world where embers pose the greatest threat. It helps protect what matters most, supports your ability to stay insured, and brings peace of mind knowing your home is ready to defend itself.

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