Short answer: After the Governor declares a wildfire state of emergency, California Insurance Code section 675.1 bars insurers from canceling or non-renewing residential property policies in ZIP codes within or next to the fire perimeter for one year, based solely on the fact that a wildfire occurred there. It protects policyholders whether or not they had a loss. Check the Insurance Commissioner's bulletin for the fire to see if your ZIP code is listed.
How the moratorium works
Insurance Code section 675.1(b) came from Senate Bill 824 (2018). Once the Governor declares a state of emergency for a wildfire, CAL FIRE and the Office of Emergency Services map the fire perimeter, and the Insurance Commissioner issues a bulletin listing the covered ZIP codes. For one year from the declaration date, insurers in those ZIP codes can't cancel or non-renew a residential policy just because the home is in an area where a wildfire happened.
The Department of Insurance's moratorium page says it applies to residential policyholders in the affected areas with less than a total loss, including those with no loss at all.
Recent example
On August 6, 2026, the Governor declared an emergency for the Gann Fire in Calaveras County. The Commissioner's Bulletin 2026-6 lists 22 ZIP codes protected from wildfire-risk cancellation and non-renewal through August 6, 2027. Under SB 547, that bulletin also covers certain commercial property policies, such as homeowners associations and apartment buildings, according to the Department's announcement.
If your home was destroyed
Homeowners with a total loss from a declared disaster get longer protection. Section 675.1(a)(3) requires the insurer to offer renewal for at least the next two annual renewals, and no less than 24 months from the loss, with some exceptions.
What the moratorium doesn't do
It doesn't stop a cancellation or non-renewal for other reasons the law allows, such as non-payment. It doesn't freeze your premium, and it ends after one year. Use that year to shop, look into wildfire mitigation discounts, and line up a backup such as the California FAIR Plan if you need one.
If you got a notice anyway
The Department says that if your ZIP code is covered and you were non-renewed for wildfire risk, contact your insurer and ask to be reinstated. If they refuse, you can file a request for assistance with the Department of Insurance.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545.
Frequently asked questions
How long does California's wildfire non-renewal moratorium last?
One year from the date of the Governor's state of emergency declaration.
Do I need to have had damage to be protected?
No. The Department of Insurance says it covers residential policyholders in the listed ZIP codes with less than a total loss, including no loss.
How do I know if my ZIP code is covered?
Check the Commissioner's bulletin for the fire, linked from the Department of Insurance's moratorium page.
What if my home was a total loss?
The insurer must offer to renew for at least two annual renewals and no less than 24 months from the loss, with some exceptions.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.