Wildfire risk is the biggest factor behind California’s home insurance challenges, and it affects pricing even for homes on the valley floor in Mission Viejo, Turlock, and Ceres. The good news is that California requires insurers to reward homeowners for reducing wildfire risk. If you’ve made upgrades to your home and your insurer doesn’t know about them, you may be paying more than you need to.
What does California require insurers to do?
Under the state’s Safer from Wildfires regulation, insurers must offer discounts for qualifying wildfire mitigation at both the property level and the community level. Insurers must also give you your home’s wildfire risk score on request and let you appeal it if you think it’s wrong.
What upgrades can count?
- Class A fire-rated roof: the most important single item for most homes.
- Ember-resistant vents: vents fitted with fine (1/16 to 1/8 inch) mesh to keep embers out of attics and crawl spaces.
- Five-foot ember-resistant zone: no mulch, wood piles, or flammable plants within five feet of the house.
- Six inches of noncombustible clearance at the base of exterior walls.
- Enclosed eaves and upgraded multi-pane windows.
- Noncombustible fencing or gates within five feet of the home.
- Defensible space that meets state and local requirements.
What about community discounts?
If your neighborhood is a recognized Firewise USA site or part of another qualifying community wildfire program, you may qualify for an additional discount. That’s most relevant for homes in the foothills east of Mission Viejo, such as Knights Ferry, La Grange, and the Sonora and Twain Harte area, but it’s worth asking about anywhere.
How much can it save?
It depends on the home, the carrier, and your risk score. Savings aren’t automatic. Your insurer has to know about the work, so keep photos, receipts, and any inspection reports, and send them to your agent.
Is there help paying for upgrades?
Programs come and go, but CAL FIRE, local fire safe councils, and California’s wildfire mitigation grant programs have offered help with home hardening and defensible space in eligible areas. Check current programs before you plan a big project.
The Central California takeaway
Even if you’re not in a high fire area, insurers are pricing wildfire risk across the state. Documenting the work you’ve done is one of the few ways to push your premium in the right direction.
Not sure whether you’re getting wildfire mitigation credits? Send us your current declarations page and we’ll check whether you’re getting every discount you qualify for.
This article is for general educational purposes only. Coverage, eligibility, discounts and pricing vary by carrier and policy. Talk with a licensed California insurance agent about your specific situation.
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