How to protect your home from wildfire
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If you live in a wildfire-prone area, your insurance premium will likely be higher. For example, If you purchase , you may spend more than a homeowner in Maine. In some cases, homeowners may be denied coverage under their standard home insurance policy and instead be required to purchase a standalone policy. This may occur if your house were a long distance from the nearest fire department, for example. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, your insurance premium will likely be higher. For example, If you purchase , you may spend more than a homeowner in Maine. In some cases, homeowners may be denied coverage under their standard home insurance policy and instead be required to purchase a standalone policy. This may occur if your house were a long distance from the nearest fire department, for example.
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Justin Lewis / Getty Images August 25, 2022 Lizzie Nealon is an insurance contributor for Bankrate and enjoys making home, auto and life insurance digestible for readers so they can prepare for the future. Mariah Posey is an auto and homeowners insurance writer and editor for Bankrate.com. She aims to make the insurance journey as convenient as possible by keeping the reader at the forefront of her mind in her work. Bankrate logoThe Bankrate promise
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. In 2021, wildfires burned across the United States. Overall, households are at high or extreme risk for experiencing wildfires. Whether or not you live in a high-risk state, you can take steps to protect your family and finances from wildfires such as installing fire-resistant decks and roofs or removing flammable debris and vegetation from your lawn. You may also want to contact your insurance provider and see if your homeowners insurance covers wildfires. If not, you may wish to purchase additional coverage. Compare rates and save on home insurance today! Get quotes Close X This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.Compare home insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Continue Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. Quick Facts $382/year average savings through Bankrate 2 out of 3 homes are underinsured 1 out of every 20 insured homes makes a claim each year 100% of homes need insurance before getting a mortgage Bankrate See more providers in Choose from insurers in Show More MortgageLeaving so soon Your custom quotes are just minutes away
Return to form This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.Compare home insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Continue Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. Quick Facts $382/year average savings through Bankrate 2 out of 3 homes are underinsured 1 out of every 20 insured homes makes a claim each year 100% of homes need insurance before getting a mortgage Bankrate See more providers in Choose from insurers in Show More MortgageLeaving so soon Your custom quotes are just minutes away
Return to form Below, Bankrate’s editorial team compiled a simple guide to help you protect yourself, your property and your finances against wildfires. Lightbulb Bankrate Insights Protect your home: Install fire-resistant materials where possible, including noncombustible decking materials, a fire rated-roof, safer windows and fire-resistant landscaping. Develop an evacuation plan: Decide how your family will evacuate in the event of a fire and communicate it to each family member. Check to see if your homeowners insurance provides wildfire coverage: Some home insurance policies offer . Others require you to purchase additional coverage. If you live in a high-risk area for wildfires, you may want to ensure you have appropriate coverage.How to protect your home from wildfire
You may be wondering how to reduce the likelihood of your home igniting in the event of a wildfire. There are a few different steps you can take. Preparing your home for wildfire season can mitigate the damage done and the amount you have to repair in the event of a fire.Create defensible space
Defensible space describes the area around a building specifically designed to slow the spread of wildfire by reducing fire hazards. Defensible space is broken down into three zones, defined by their distance from your home. Below, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team provides tips on preparing each zone to be as fire-resistant as possible.Zone 1
Zone 1 encompasses the ground between zero and five feet from your home. This space may include landscaping, shrubbery, gutters, roofing and windows. You can generally expect to spend the most time fire-proofing Zone 1, as it typically includes the highest concentration of items. To create defensible space that decreases wildfire risk in Zone 1, you may want to: Use non-flammable construction materials like cement and stone. Avoid storing propane tanks against or underneath your home. Install a Class A fire-rated roof. Install safer windows, with multi-pane tempered glass, and window screens that protect against floating embers.Zone 2
Zone 2 includes the property between five and 30 feet from the home. Common hazards in this area include yard vegetation, dry leaves and landscaping. You can help mitigate fire hazards in Zone 2 by: Clearing your yard of vegetation and debris and removing dry leaves and overgrowth promptly. Installing noncombustible decking materials Laying mulch to surround your landscaping.Zone 3
Zone 3 encompasses ground between 30 and 100 feet from the house. In this area, you might want to consider: Utilizing a landscaping strategy that creates firebreaks by way of walls, pathways and flowerbeds made of stone. Maintaining your lawn. Planting fire-resistant hardwood trees.What causes fires
Nearly in the United States originate from human activity. For instance, wildfires commonly start from abandoned campfires, bonfires, cigarette butts, arson or equipment malfunctions. Fires can also be caused by natural events such as lightning strikes and intensified during heat waves and droughts. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, fire season has extended from around four months to in recent years. Even winter wildfire outbreaks occur. Fire season has become more destructive and erratic due to: Winter snows melting earlier Rain arriving later in the fall Extended drought The spreading of invasive, easily flammable species like cheatgrass Fires can cause devastating damage to your home. In 2021, were either damaged or destroyed by California’s wildfires and almost 2.6 million acres were burned. When you’re a homeowner in a wildfire-prone area, the potential risks and costs can be staggering. From higher insurance premiums to the risk of losing belongings, pets and your home, the costs can be immeasurable. To ensure you are protected if a wildfire breaks out in your neighborhood, it is important to consider if wildfire insurance is included in your home insurance policy.Determine whether your home is in a high-risk area
The geographic area in which you live is one of the best predictors for your home’s wildfire risk. Although California is notorious for its devastating fires, many other U.S. states face wildfire risks. States with hot, dry climates like California and Texas are conducive to wildfires, but climate is not the only factor. Homes within 2,500 feet of canyons, wildfire areas or brush areas are more susceptible to ignite, particularly during the hot, dry seasons. The with the most acres burned in 2021 (in order of acres burned) are: California Oregon Montana Washington Arizona Idaho Alaska Kansas Nevada New Mexico Click on each state below to see the number of acres burned due to wildfires in 2021.If you live in a wildfire-prone area, your insurance premium will likely be higher. For example, If you purchase , you may spend more than a homeowner in Maine. In some cases, homeowners may be denied coverage under their standard home insurance policy and instead be required to purchase a standalone policy. This may occur if your house were a long distance from the nearest fire department, for example. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, your insurance premium will likely be higher. For example, If you purchase , you may spend more than a homeowner in Maine. In some cases, homeowners may be denied coverage under their standard home insurance policy and instead be required to purchase a standalone policy. This may occur if your house were a long distance from the nearest fire department, for example.