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: Feb 10, 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: Feb 10, 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
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 | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional Living Expenses (ALE) | Reimburses costs for temporary living arrangements if your home is uninhabitable due to wildfire |
| Dwelling Coverage | Covers the repair or rebuilding of your home and any attached structures This is based on the replacement cost of your home |
| Liability Coverage | Covers legal and medical expenses if someone is injured on your property during a wildfire |
| Other Structures | Provides coverage for structures on your property not attached to the house, like sheds and fences |
| Personal Property | Covers belongings inside the home such as furniture, electronics, and clothing May be at actual cash value or replacement cost |
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.
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.
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
Homeowners can adjust their policy coverage and limits to better protect against fires if they live in a high-risk state. This table outlines areas where you can enhance your dwelling protection, liability, and personal property coverage for wildfire-prone locations.
Wildfire Homeowners Insurance Coverage Adjustments
| Coverage | Inclusions | Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Living Expenses (ALE) | Covers temporary living costs if home is uninhabitable | Increase coverage limit to accommodate prolonged displacements |
| Dwelling Coverage | Replacement cost for home structures | Consider higher limits or a separate fire policy |
| Liability | Covers legal costs for injuries on property | Ensure adequate coverage for increased risks |
| Other Structures | Typically covers up to 10% of dwelling coverage | May need increased coverage for outbuildings |
| Personal Property | Covers actual cash value or replacement cost | Opt for replacement cost to fully cover belongings |
Reviewing policy limits ensures homeowners have adequate coverage for wildfire risks. Find out how to file a home insurance claim for wildfires and maximize your coverage benefits.
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Wildfire Insurance Costs by Coverage Level
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 |
You should consider getting higher limits if you’re looking for wildfire insurance in high-risk areas. 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?
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.
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
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.
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?
Contact your insurance company first to report the claim, then follow up with local authorities or emergency services if needed.
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.
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 wildfire insurance in California?
Wildfire insurance in California is often included in standard homeowners policies, but high-risk areas may require separate or specialized coverage.
What is wildfire insurance in Arizona?
Wildfire insurance in Arizona typically covers structural damage, personal property, and additional living expenses, but some policies may need endorsements in high-risk regions.
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. Discover the best home insurance policies for wildfire protection by entering your ZIP code into our quote comparison tool.
Compare Insurance Providers Rates to Save Up to 75%
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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.
