Are wildfires covered by home insurance in 2025? (What You Need to Know)
Residents in high-risk areas often ask, “Are wildfires covered by home insurance?” The typical homeowners policy has fire hazard insurance coverage, but some companies are pulling out of high-risk areas. Home insurance rates are as low as $117 per month in fire-prone areas, but you might pay more.
Free Home Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Feb 1, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 1, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
When your home has been damaged by fire, one of the first questions to ask is, “Are wildfires covered by home insurance?” In most cases, the answer is yes.
With the recent L.A. fires destroying entire neighborhoods and causing billions of dollars in damage, more homeowners are worried about their wildfire coverage than ever. The typical home insurance policy includes wildfire risk insurance. However, there are several considerations you’ll need to know about to make sure your home is covered.
Read on to learn more about how the best homeowners insurance keeps your house protected from wildfires. Then, enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to find the lowest homeowners insurance possible.
- Most homeowners policies cover wildfire damage
- Homeowners can take additional steps to protect their homes from wildfires
- Your state Department of Insurance can help you find wildfire home insurance
How Home Insurance Covers Wildfires (or Doesn’t)
Homeowners insurance is a crucial way to keep one of your biggest investments safe from a variety of dangers, including wildfires and other types of fire damage.
For the most part, typical homeowners insurance coverage protects against wildfire damage. A basic homeowners insurance policy protects your home against fire in the following ways.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage Types
| Coverage | What it Covers |
|---|---|
| Additional Living Expenses (ALE) | Temporary living costs if your home is uninhabitable |
| Dwelling Coverage | Repairs or rebuilding based on home replacement cost |
| Liability Coverage | Legal/medical expenses for injuries on your property |
| Other Structures | Structures not attached to the house like sheds |
| Personal Property | Covers belongings like furniture and electronics |
With home prices rising and more risk of natural disasters throughout the country increasing, the cost of fire insurance for high-risk areas is getting higher. Keep reading to compare free home insurance quotes.
Compare The Best Insurance Quotes In The Country
Compare quotes from the top insurance companies and save!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Comparing Home Insurance Rates
With wildfire risks seemingly growing every year, figuring out how much homeowners insurance costs is more crucial than ever. The average policy in America costs $101 per month. However, mixing wildfires and homeowners insurance often leads to higher rates.
Check the rates below to see the average cost of home insurance for wildfires in the top 10 states facing fire risks.
Home Insurance Monthly Rates in the Top 10 Wildfire-Prone States
| State | Rank | No Claims | After Fire Claim | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #1 | $208 | $374 | 80% |
| California | #2 | $117 | $211 | 80% |
| Colorado | #3 | $342 | $616 | 80% |
| Idaho | #4 | $163 | $293 | 80% |
| Montana | #5 | $274 | $493 | 80% |
| New Mexico | #6 | $221 | $398 | 80% |
| Oregon | #7 | $146 | $263 | 80% |
| Texas | #8 | $321 | $578 | 80% |
| Utah | #9 | $150 | $270 | 80% |
| Washington | #10 | $134 | $241 | 80% |
Some of these prices might surprise you, particularly fire insurance in California. The wildfire home insurance crisis in California is causing serious changes in the market, but residents outside of wildfire-risk areas can still find affordable coverage.
If you need to file a wildfire insurance claim, your rates will increase. Check below to compare home insurance rates before and after a wildfire insurance claim.
Home Insurance Rates by Wildfire Claims History
| # of Claims | Monthly Rates | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| No Claims | $150 | 0% |
| 1 Claim Filed | $200 | 33% |
| 2 Claims Filed | $250 | 67% |
As you can see, even a single wildfire claim can increase your rates by 33%. For this reason, insurance experts recommend filing a claim only when the damage done to your home costs more to repair than your deductible.
How to Get Home Coverage in Wildfire Prone Areas
No matter where you live, finding wildfire home insurance always starts the same way — getting and comparing personalized quotes. To find cheap home insurance, you can visit a provider’s website and fill out the quote request form.
Nationwide is rated above average for home insurance customer satisfaction, but you should get quotes from as many companies as possible to find the lowest rates. The best way to find wildfire homeowners insurance quotes is by using an online quote-generating tool.
Chris Abrams Licensed Insurance Agent
Insuring against wildfire risks is getting harder in some areas, particularly California. If you can buy a policy, there are steps you can take to ensure your homeowners insurance protects you from wildfire damage. Consider the following tips to make sure your policy will cover you when you need it most.
With the recent fires in California, many residents are worried about getting or keeping their wildfire insurance coverage. Whether you have or don’t have California wildfire insurance, there are steps you can take to minimize fire damage.
California insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara joins @KaynaWhitworth to detail how homeowners who are insured, as well as those who are not, can go about navigating the aftermath of losing their home and valuables. pic.twitter.com/CLawf5eWjf
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) January 10, 2025
You can also use the following tips to minimize fire damage to your home and keep your insurance rates as low as possible:
- Create Defensible Space: Keep flammable vegetation at least 30 feet from your home.
- Use Fire-Resistant Materials: Opt for non-combustible roofing, siding, and decking materials.
- Maintain Your Property: Regularly clear gutters, trim trees, and remove debris that could fuel a fire.
- Check Your Policy Annually: Ensure you have adequate coverage for rebuilding and personal property replacement.
While there’s no guarantee that insurance companies won’t continue to sell coverage in your area, you can minimize your fire risks with these easy steps.
Learn More: Home Fire Safety Guides and Educational Resources
FAIR Plans
FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) plans are state-run insurance programs designed to provide basic home insurance in high-fire-risk areas that cannot obtain coverage through traditional insurers. FAIR coverage varies by state — for example, Florida’s FAIR plans offer coverage for windstorms.
These plans typically cover fire, vandalism, and other limited perils but often lack comprehensive coverage, such as liability or water damage protection.
FAIR plans are considered a last resort and generally have higher premiums and stricter coverage limits compared to standard homeowners insurance. They are available in many states and aim to ensure that high-risk properties still have access to essential insurance, although homeowners may need to purchase additional policies for broader coverage.
How to File a Wildfire Insurance Claim
If your home has been damaged by a wildfire, the last thing you want to worry about is figuring out how to file a home insurance claim. Luckily, when it comes to homeowners insurance and wildfires, filing a claim is simple.
- Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of your home and damaged belongings. This step is easier if you’ve already learned how to take a home inventory.
- Contact Your Insurer: Report the damage as soon as possible. Keep in mind that claim settlements can take longer after a natural disaster, so filing as quickly as possible is important.
- Keep Receipts: If you incur expenses for temporary housing or emergency purchases, save your receipts for reimbursement.
- Work With an Adjuster: An insurance adjuster will assess the damage to your home and belongings to determine your claim payout.
Some customers have reported that their California fire insurance policies were canceled without notice before a wildfire damaged their home. If you find yourself in this situation, contact your provider for more information.
Kristine Lee Licensed Insurance Agent
You can also contact your state’s Department of Insurance if you think your plan was canceled unfairly or your provider rejected your claim without reason.
Compare The Best Insurance Quotes In The Country
Compare quotes from the top insurance companies and save!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Other Types of Insurance That Cover Wildfires
While your home insurance policy covers a lot of fire damage, it doesn’t cover everything. Depending on your needs, the following types of insurance may provide valuable coverage:
- Fire Insurance: You may be able to find a standalone fire insurance plan, but they’re not available in every state. When you compare fire insurance vs. homeowners insurance, a home policy covers much more damage.
- Auto Insurance: There are many types of car insurance coverage, but the one you need to protect your vehicle from wildfires is comprehensive coverage.
- Renters Insurance: If you rent instead of owning your home, the best renters insurance policy will help you replace your belongings after a wildfire.
- Business Insurance: Whether you have a standalone building or work from home, a business insurance policy will help replace anything you lose to a fire.
As with home insurance, you can find affordable rates for all these types of insurance by comparing rates with multiple companies.
Get Wildfire Insurance Coverage Today
Are wildfires covered by home insurance? While many homeowners insurance policies cover wildfire damage, read your policy exclusions carefully to be sure. However, there are plenty of ways to keep your home safe, including picking the right insurance policy.
Many factors affect homeowners insurance costs, but living in an area prone to wildfires will likely increase your rates. Comparing insurance rates is one of the best ways to find affordable coverage. To get started, enter your ZIP code into our free home insurance comparison tool today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wildfires typically covered by homeowners insurance?
Yes, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover wildfire damage under their fire protection clause.
Does homeowners insurance cover fires in California?
Yes, the best homeowners insurance in California generally covers fires, but some insurers exclude wildfire coverage in high-risk areas, requiring additional or state-backed policies. Understanding wildfire insurance in California is crucial in keeping your home protected.
Which companies are the cheapest for homeowners insurance?
The cheapest homeowners insurance companies vary by location and personal circumstances, but companies like State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers often offer competitive rates. However, the cheapest company for you might be different based on your home. For example, the best homeowners insurance for older homes is typically from Travelers.
How much does wildfire insurance cost?
Wildfire insurance costs depend on factors like location, home value, and risk level, but the average home costs $150 per month to insure. If you’re wondering how much fire insurance is a month, you can enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to see costs in your area.
Is wildfire insurance mandatory in California?
Wildfire insurance is not mandatory in California, but lenders may require sufficient fire coverage as part of your homeowners insurance. Getting coverage in California – especially L.A. wildfire insurance – is crucial in protecting your home.
Is there a deductible for wildfires?
Wildfires are typically covered under standard homeowners insurance, but you’ll need to pay your policy’s deductible, which can be a flat amount (e.g., $1,000) or a percentage of your home’s insured value. Policies may have higher deductibles in high-risk wildfire areas or require separate wildfire-specific coverage.
What does home insurance cover in a house fire?
Home insurance typically covers damage to your home, personal belongings, and additional living expenses if a fire makes your home uninhabitable, as long as the fire wasn’t caused by negligence.
Does a house lose value after a fire?
Yes, a house can lose value after a fire due to structural damage or a history of fire-related incidents, even if repairs are made.
Will insurance rates go up after a wildfire?
Yes, insurance rates may increase after a wildfire, especially if you live in a high-risk area, as insurers adjust premiums based on the increased risk. After a single claim, your insurance will go up by an average of 33%, while two claims increase your rates by 67%.
How much does insurance cover for fire?
Insurance typically covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home up to your policy’s dwelling limit and replacing damaged belongings up to your personal property coverage limit, minus the deductible.
Which insurance companies have pulled out of California?
Companies like State Farm and Allstate have limited or paused issuing new homeowners policies in California due to wildfire risks and rising claims costs. Learn more about Allstate’s policies in our Allstate homeowners insurance review.
What do you do if your home insurance was canceled before a wildfire?
If your home insurance is canceled, seek coverage from the California FAIR Plan, a last-resort option for high-risk homeowners.
What is the 80% rule regarding fire insurance?
The 80% rule requires you to insure your home for at least 80% of its replacement cost to receive full reimbursement for partial losses. Learning how to file a homeowners insurance claim is easier if you understand the 80% rule.
Which companies are the best for homeowners insurance?
The best companies for homeowners insurance include State Farm, Allstate, USAA (for military families), and Amica, known for strong coverage options and customer service.
How do you get home insurance after a fire?
Learning how to get home insurance after a fire isn’t the best time to get coverage as your new policy won’t cover damage already done to your house, but it will protect you from future fires. To get home insurance after a fire, simply compare quotes with multiple companies, choose the best provider for you, and fill out an application.
Does home insurance cover natural disasters?
Home insurance typically covers natural disasters like wildfires, windstorms, hail, and lightning. However, it usually excludes earthquakes, floods, and landslides, which require separate policies.
Compare The Best Insurance Quotes In The Country
Compare quotes from the top insurance companies and save!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
