"Does my homeowners' insurance cover wildfire?"
This is a question we hear often, especially after high-profile fires like those in Los Angeles earlier this year. The short answer? Yes. In most cases, home insurance does cover damage caused by wildfires.
That said, coverage can vary based on where you live. Homeowners in California, for example, may face exclusions depending on the insurance company. While wildfire exclusions aren’t yet the norm, some carriers in high-risk areas have started implementing them. For now, though, most policies do still include wildfire damage, including smoke damage, which is great news if a fire gets close to your home but doesn’t destroy it.
As with any policy, it’s smart to read the fine print. Check your exclusions. Not sure what something means? Ask your advisor. Each insurance carrier has the freedom to write its own policy language, and as wildfire losses grow, we may see more companies move toward exclusions. If that happens, we may see a new specialty market emerge, much like the one for flood insurance.
No matter what the future holds, there are some important steps homeowners can take today to protect their homes. Start by creating defensible space - clear brush and trees from around structures. Have an evacuation plan, including supplies and temporary housing, ready to go. Some insurance companies even partner with wildfire defense services like Chloeta, which will come to homes near a fire to set up temporary sprinklers and apply fire-blocking agents.
Want to know if your insurance company offers this? Reach out to your advisor…they’ll know.
Have questions regarding your current coverage? We got you. Reach us anytime at service@glidewell.pro