Does home insurance cover wildfire damage? [2025 Coverage Details]
Does home insurance cover wildfire damage? Most home insurance policies include wildfire coverage, but 20% of homeowners in high-risk areas may need separate policies. Insurers assess location, upgrades, and exclusions. Knowing coverage limits helps homeowners avoid financial risks.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
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UPDATED: Mar 1, 2025
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 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 provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Does home insurance cover wildfire damage? Many home insurance policies include wildfire protection, but homeowners in high-risk areas need separate coverage.
Insurers assess wildfire zones, fire-resistant upgrades, and exclusions before approval. Some providers offer specialized wildfire programs to reduce risks.
Knowing policy limits before buying home insurance helps homeowners avoid costly losses. Use our rate comparison tool to find affordable wildfire insurance by entering your ZIP code.
- Most homeowners insurance policies cover wildfires
- Wildfire damage coverage depends on your home policy exclusions
- Some insurers limit wildfire coverage for high-risk areas
Cost of Home Insurance After a Wildfire
The table makes a comparison between home insurance prices for houses with varying histories of wildfire claims. People who own houses without any previous claims have to pay $150 each month.
Home Insurance Rates by Wildfire Claims History
| # of Claims | Monthly Cost | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Claims | $150 | - |
| 1 Claim | $200 | 33% |
| 2 Claims | $250 | 67% |
If there is one former claim, the cost increases to $200, or 33%. With two claims, the cost increases to $250, or 67%. Additional claims lead to higher premiums.
This table breaks down the financial impact of a wildfire claim on home insurance costs. Monthly rates vary significantly by provider, with Chubb leading at $3,200 and Liberty Mutual offering the lowest at $1,699.
Home Insurance Cost by Provider After a Wildfire Claim
| Insurance Company | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
 | $150 |
 | $160 |
 | $220 |
 | $190 |
 | $180 |
 | $170 |
 | $140 |
 | $165 |
 | $175 |
 | $155 |
State Farm, Progressive, and USAA remain mid-range options, while Allstate and American Family exceed $2,000.
How much does wildfire insurance cost? Home insurance rates vary by provider and policy coverage, with monthly costs increasing for higher coverage limits.
Home Insurance Monthly Rates By Provider & Coverage Level
| Insurance Company | $200K Policy | $300K Policy | $500K Policy | $1M Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $90 | $115 | $155 | $260 |
| $84 | $107 | $147 | $245 |
| $95 | $120 | $160 | $270 |
| $91 | $118 | $158 | $265 |
| $88 | $112 | $152 | $255 |
| $87 | $113 | $153 | $258 |
| $89 | $114 | $154 | $259 |
| $85 | $110 | $150 | $250 |
| $86 | $109 | $149 | $248 |
| $82 | $105 | $145 | $240 |
If you’re looking for wildfire insurance in high-risk areas, consider getting higher limits. USAA offers the lowest rates, starting at $82 for a $200,000 policy, while Chubb has the highest, reaching $270 for $1 million in coverage. State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive fall in the mid-range offering competitive pricing for different policy levels.
Recent years show a big increase in the cost of damage caused by wildfires, showing that fires are happening more often and are getting worse. These statistics mean you could see your home insurance rates go up if you live in a state with a lot of expensive wildfire insurance claims.
The table shows how much money is spent each year on this problem, going up from $1.2 billion in 2015 to an expected $5.5 billion in 2024. Certain peaks were seen, especially during 2020 ($4 billion) and 2022 ($5.2 billion). These numbers highlight increased danger for people owning homes in states like California.
Learn More: Does homeowners insurance pay for smoke damage?
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Understanding Wildfire Homeowners Insurance Coverage
The table below shows important home insurance coverage types for damage from wildfires. Get a breakdown of what home insurance covers to help mitigate loss after a wildfire. Most companies cover reconstruction costs and the cost to replace personal belongings.
Wildfire Homeowners Insurance Coverage Types
| Coverage | What it Covers |
|---|---|
| ALE (Additional Living Expenses) | Pays for housing if a wildfire makes your home unlivable |
| Dwelling | Covers home repairs or rebuilding after a wildfire |
| Liability | Covers legal and medical costs for injuries on property |
| Other Structures | Covers detached structures like sheds and fences |
| Personal Property | Covers furniture, electronics, clothing, and other belongings |
Homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage under the dwelling and personal property sections of the policy, helping to repair or rebuild the home and replace lost belongings.
Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage may also pay for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable due to wildfire damage.
Some insurers require proof of wildfire mitigation efforts before offering coverage in high-risk areas. For example, installing ember-resistant vents and clearing vegetation around the home can help secure a policy.Jimmy McMillan Licensed Insurance Agent
However, coverage limits and exclusions vary. In high-risk areas, basic fire insurance coverage won’t be enough, and homeowners may need separate wildfire insurance or buy policies through state-backed programs.
Finding the Best Wildfire Insurance Coverage
Does home insurance cover wildfire damage, or do you need a separate policy? Standard home insurance may sometimes include it, but extra endorsements are often needed for full protection.
To avoid financial loss, check your policy limits, exclusions, and upgrade options. Consider increasing your policy limits or adding coverage to protect high-value personal items and other structures on your property.
Our Catastrophe Response Team is on the ground and ready to help customers recover from the devastating wildfires. https://t.co/Ad5q6XAYIy
— State Farm (@StateFarm) January 28, 2025
For homeowners in high-risk areas, getting affordable insurance for wildfires is very important. By comparing different providers, you can get the best rates and thorough coverage against wildfire risks. Explore your options for cheap homeowners insurance coverage and start saving today.
Get the right home insurance for wildfire protection. Compare top providers in your area by entering your ZIP code using our free quote tool today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is wildfire insurance a month?
Fire insurance costs an average of $40 to $100 per month, depending on the property’s location, size, and risk factors. Find out how much your home insurance will go up every year and why.
Does State Farm homeowners insurance cover wildfires?
Yes, State Farm homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage under its standard policies. However, if you live in a high-risk area, you may need additional wildfire risk insurance or a state-backed plan for full protection.
Does car insurance cover wildfire damage?
Comprehensive car insurance covers wildfire damage, including fire-related losses to your vehicle. If you only have liability coverage, wildfire damage won’t be covered. Check your policy limits to ensure adequate protection.
What is wildfire risk insurance?
Wildfire risk insurance provides coverage for fire damage in high-risk areas where standard homeowners insurance may exclude wildfires. Some insurers offer separate policies or endorsements to cover wildfire-related losses.
Does homeowners insurance typically cover wildfires?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover wildfires, but high-risk areas may require separate wildfire coverage or additional endorsements. Learn about the best home insurance providers and the unique benefits they offer.
Does home insurance cover natural disasters?
House insurance covers natural disasters like fires and storms, but earthquakes and floods often require separate policies.
What is the 80% rule regarding wildfire insurance?
The 80% rule requires homeowners to insure their property for at least 80% of its replacement cost to receive full fire damage payouts. Find out if home insurance covers wildfire damage by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool.
What is not covered in home insurance?
Home insurance usually excludes flood damage, earthquakes, maintenance issues, and intentional damage, requiring separate policies for these risks.
What two disasters are not covered under regular homeowners policies?
Floods and earthquakes are typically not covered under standard homeowners policies and require separate insurance. Learn how to find homeowners insurance in Flood Zone X.
What is fire damage limit coverage?
Fire damage limit coverage is the maximum amount an insurance policy pays for fire-related losses based on policy limits and replacement costs.
Who should you call first when needing to file a wildfire insurance claim?
First, contact your insurance company to report the claim, then follow up with local authorities or emergency services if needed.
What is basic fire insurance coverage?
Basic fire insurance coverage includes protection from damage to the structure and personal belongings caused by fire but may exclude wildfires or arson.
What is the difference between fire insurance and homeowners insurance?
Fire insurance focuses solely on fire-related damages, while homeowners insurance offers broader protection, including liability, theft, and additional perils like storms. Explore the best home and auto insurance bundles and how they benefit homeowners.
What is a wildfire score in insurance?
A wildfire score in insurance assesses the risk of damage to a property based on factors like location, vegetation, and fire mitigation measures.
What is wildfire insurance coverage?
Wildfire insurance provides coverage for fire damage in high-risk areas, often through separate policies or endorsements added to homeowners insurance. Discover the best home insurance policies for wildfire protection by entering your ZIP code into our quote comparison tool.
Does homeowners insurance cover earthquakes?
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquakes. You’ll need separate earthquake insurance or an endorsement to protect your home and belongings from earthquake-related damage.
Does homeowners insurance cover wildfires in California?
Yes, homeowners insurance generally covers wildfires in California, but some providers may not offer coverage in high-risk areas. If your home is in a wildfire-prone zone, you may need a separate wildfire risk insurance policy or coverage through a state-backed program like the California FAIR Plan. Find out what home insurance covers and whether your policy includes wildfire protection.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
