Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires?
Homeowners insurance will typically cover damage from wildfire to your home, personal belongings, and additional living expenses, though some high-risk areas may face exclusions. Always review your policy details to be sure.
Wildfires can cause devastating damage to homes, leaving homeowners wondering if their insurance will provide any protection. With the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in many areas, it’s important to understand how homeowners insurance applies to such disasters. Does your policy cover the destruction of your home by fire? And if so, what aspects of the damage are covered?
With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, I’ll help you take a closer look at how homeowners insurance works when it comes to wildfires and what you need to know to be fully prepared.
Key Takeaways
Homeowners insurance usually provides coverage for damage to your home and belongings caused by a wildfire.
The Office of Insurance Commissioner in Washington State states that homeowners insurance should cover all types of fires, including wildfires, unless the policyholder deliberately causes the fire.
Both homeowners and renters insurance policies also protect your personal belongings from loss or damage. Additionally, these policies can cover theft or vandalism, such as looting that may happen after a wildfire.
If your insurance policy is canceled or not renewed due to wildfire risks, you have the option to shop around for different coverage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires?
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage caused by wildfires, including your house, personal belongings, and other structures on your property like a detached garage or shed. Some policies also cover improvements such as fences and landscaping.
A few years ago, most homeowners insurance policies included wildfire coverage. However, due to rising risks and increasing damage costs, many insurance companies have started excluding wildfire coverage from their standard policies.
If you’re unsure whether your policy covers wildfires, you can find the answer in your policy documents. These documents outline what perils are covered. Be sure to review the details carefully, and check what natural disasters are covered or excluded in your homeowners insurance
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires?
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage caused by wildfires, but there are a few key types of coverage and limitations you should be aware of:
Damage To Your Home & Structures
If a wildfire damages your house, garage, or other structures on your property, your homeowners insurance should help pay for repairs or rebuilding.
Personal Belongings
Your personal items, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, may also be covered if they are damaged or destroyed by a wildfire.
Loss Of Use
If your home is uninhabitable due to wildfire damage, homeowners insurance may help with temporary living expenses, such as hotel bills or rent.
Other Structures
In addition to your home, coverage can extend to other structures on your property like a shed, fence, or detached garage.
Note: It’s important to know that some homeowners insurance policies include deductibles, and may include a wildfire-specific clause, or in areas with high wildfire risk, insurers may increase your deductible for fire-related claims. Make sure to check your policy’s specific terms to understand how deductibles work for wildfire damage
When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Wildfires?
While homeowners insurance often covers wildfire damage, there are some important exceptions to be aware of. These range from policy exclusions to coverage limits and cases of negligence. Keep reading to find out the specific exclusions:
Policy Exclusions
Some homeowners insurance policies may exclude wildfire coverage, especially if the property is in an area with a high wildfire risk. Always check your policy to see if wildfire damage is covered.
Intentional Fire
Homeowners insurance will not cover wildfire damage if the policyholder intentionally started the fire. Insurance only covers accidental fires.
Negligence
If damage occurs because of your own negligence, like not maintaining fire breaks or clearing dry brush around your home in a wildfire-prone area, your insurance may not cover the damage.
Lack of Adequate Coverage
Some policies may limit the amount of coverage for wildfire damage. If you don’t have enough coverage, you may not be fully compensated for the damage.
How To File A Wildfire Claim For Your Home
Filing a wildfire claim for your home can seem overwhelming, especially after a disaster. However, knowing the right steps can make the process smoother and help you get the compensation you need. Here’s what you should do:
Contact Your Insurance Agent: Reach out to your insurance professional as soon as possible. An insurance adjuster will likely need to visit your home to evaluate the damage. You’ll also need to fill out a “proof of loss” form, which requires you to describe the damaged items, their purchase date, and the cost to repair or replace them.
Don’t Throw Anything Away: If it’s safe to do so, try to keep all damaged items until an insurance representative has assessed them. This helps ensure the adjuster can evaluate the full extent of the damage and support your claim.
Understand What’s Required from You: Make sure you understand what your insurer needs from you. They may ask for repair estimates or other documents. Contact your insurance agent to confirm the specific requirements for filing your claim.
Be Aware of Claim Deadlines: Most insurance policies have a time limit for filing claims, and these limits can vary depending on the state and the insurance company. It’s important to check with your insurer to find out the deadlines, so you don’t miss the chance to file your claim.
Note: Before a disaster strikes, it’s a good idea to create a detailed inventory of your personal belongings. List major items, take photos or videos, and keep receipts if possible. Having a home inventory can make the claims process faster and easier after a wildfire.
How To Protect Your Home From Wildfires
Wildfires can significantly change the landscape, damaging homes, businesses, infrastructure, natural resources, and crops. Although it’s impossible to prevent all wildfires, there are steps you can take to protect your property and reduce potential damage.
Strengthen Your Roof
How well your home can survive a wildfire depends a lot on its construction and the materials used. Consider installing or replacing your roof with a Class A-rated one that has fire-resistant, noncombustible materials. Insurance will typically cover damage to your roof, however it’s better to be protected.
Create A Defensible Space
Clear away dead plants, leaves, and debris around your home, especially within 30 feet. Trim trees and bushes to stop fire from spreading to your house.
Maintain Gutters & Roof
Clean your roof and gutters regularly to remove leaves and other debris that can catch fire. Add a spark arrestor to your chimney to keep sparks from escaping.
Install A Fire-Resistant Fence
Use fire-resistant materials to build your fence. This creates an extra barrier to protect your home from wildfires.
Protect Large Windows From Heat
Install multi-pane windows, tempered safety glass, or fire-resistant shutters to protect your large windows from the intense heat of a wildfire.
FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover damage from wildfires?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by wildfires. This includes damage to your home, personal belongings, and other structures on your property. Be sure to check your specific policy to confirm wildfire coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage to personal property from a wildfire?
Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers personal property, like furniture, electronics, and clothing, if they are damaged or destroyed by a wildfire. Again, check your policy for any specific limits or exclusions.
Will homeowners insurance cover temporary living expenses if my home is damaged by a wildfire?
Yes, many homeowners insurance policies include “loss of use” coverage. This helps pay for temporary living expenses, such as hotel bills or rent, if your home is uninhabitable due to wildfire damage. Be sure to confirm this coverage with your insurer.
Sources
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- Insurance Information Institute – Understanding The Insurance Claims Payment Process
- Insurance Information Institute – Insurance For Wildfires
- Insurance Information Institute – Your Renters Insurance Guide
- FEMA – Protect Your Property From Wildfires
