Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by fire, including wildfires. This means if your home or possessions are destroyed or damaged by a wildfire, your insurance can help pay for repairs or replacements up to your policy limits. However, coverage specifics can vary depending on your insurer, your geographic location, and your particular policy.

What Types of Wildfire Damage Are Covered?

Homeowners insurance wildfire coverage generally includes several key areas:

• Dwelling Coverage: This protects the physical structure of your home and attached structures like garages or decks. If wildfire damages your home, dwelling coverage helps pay for repairs or rebuilding costs. Some policies offer extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage to cover rising labor and material costs during widespread rebuilding.

• Detached Structures: Other structures on your property not attached to your home, such as sheds, fences, and gazebos, are usually covered under the “other structures” portion of your policy, typically up to 10% of your dwelling coverage.

• Personal Property: Your belongings inside the home, furniture, clothing, electronics, and more, are generally covered up to your policy limits. Keep an updated home inventory with photos and receipts to facilitate claims if needed. Note that vehicles damaged by wildfire are covered under your auto insurance, not homeowners insurance.

• Additional Living Expenses: If a wildfire makes your home uninhabitable, your policy may cover reasonable living costs like hotel stays, meals, and temporary rentals while your home is repaired.

Important Considerations for Wildfire Coverage

• Coverage Limits and Deductibles: Every policy has limits on how much it will pay out, and most involve deductibles you must pay before insurance kicks in. Review your policy limits to ensure adequate protection, especially in high wildfire risk areas.

• Geographic and Insurer Restrictions: Some insurers limit or refuse to write new policies in areas prone to frequent wildfires. In California and other states with extreme wildfire risk, many major insurance companies have paused or restricted coverage options due to rising wildfire-related claims and costs.

• State Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plans: If you struggle to obtain private wildfire insurance coverage, some states offer FAIR plans, government-backed insurance options designed to cover high-risk homes that private companies won’t insure. These plans can be more expensive and offer limited coverage.

• Home Protection Measures: Insurance providers may encourage or require wildfire mitigation efforts, such as non-combustible roofing, defensible space landscaping, and fire-resistant building materials, to reduce risk and potential premiums.

Why Wildfire Insurance Is Increasingly Critical

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe due to prolonged droughts, changes in climate, and expanding development into fire-prone areas. For instance, in 2025 alone, the U.S. experienced a significant increase in wildfires, with substantial insured losses, highlighting the importance of adequate wildfire coverage to protect your home and finances.

Protect Your Home With a Wildfire-Ready Policy

Wildfires can strike without warning, leaving behind devastating damage and financial strain. Don’t wait until disaster hits—review your coverage today. At Weeks & Associates Insurance Services, our experts provide personalized policy reviews to help you understand your wildfire risks, explore coverage options, and find cost-effective ways to protect your most valuable investment, your home.

Safeguarding your property starts with preparation and the right insurance coverage. Contact us today at 805.497.6607 to ensure you’re ready for the wildfire season and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home and future are protected.

Links and Resources

• https://www.allstate.com/resources/home-insurance/wildfire-coverage
• https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-wildfires/
• https://www.progressive.com/answers/does-home-insurance-cover-wildfires/
• https://www.insurance.wa.gov/insurance-resources/home-insurance/insurance-natural-disasters/wildfires-and-homeowner-insurance
• https://www.iii.org/article/insurance-for-wildfires

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does homeowners insurance cover wildfire damage to landscaping?

   Some policies offer limited coverage for plants, trees, and shrubs damaged by fire, but this is often capped at a low limit. Check your policy for details on landscaping coverage.

2. What happens if my insurer won’t cover wildfire damage?

   You may qualify for your state’s FAIR plan, a government-backed insurance option for high-risk homes. These plans tend to be more expensive but provide critical wildfire protection.

3. Are all personal belongings covered if damaged by wildfire?

   Standard personal property coverage includes most household items, but limits apply, and some high-value items may require additional coverage.

4. Does homeowners insurance cover wildfire evacuation costs?

   Yes, many policies include additional living expenses coverage to help with hotel stays and other costs if you are displaced due to wildfire damage.