3 minute readCalifornia Insurance
Wildfire is a covered peril on standard homeowners policies, but availability in higher-risk areas has tightened. Homeowners in brush zones may need a FAIR Plan policy paired with a difference-in-conditions policy, and mitigation work around the structure increasingly affects both eligibility and price.
What you need to know
Eligibility and brush zones
Carriers score wildfire risk by address. Two neighbors can get different answers.
Mitigation that carriers recognize
Defensible space, ember-resistant vents, Class A roofing, and cleared gutters can help eligibility.
Structure your limits for a total loss
Rebuild costs and long displacement periods make dwelling and loss of use limits critical.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a non-renewal means you did something wrong.
- Accepting a FAIR Plan policy without a difference-in-conditions wrap.
- Skipping mitigation work that affects eligibility and pricing.
- Never rechecking the admitted market after being placed in a surplus-lines policy.
- Leaving loss of use limits too thin for a long California rebuild.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent as soon as you receive a non-renewal notice, when your renewal price jumps, or when you are being told the FAIR Plan is your only option — there are usually more options than one carrier can see.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.