Wildfire Mitigation and Insurance Discounts

Wildfire risk has changed the homeowners insurance market across much of the West. Insurers have raised rates, tightened underwriting, and in some areas declined to renew policies. Homeowners often ask: If I harden my home, will my insurance get cheaper or easier to find? The honest answer is that it depends on where you live and which insurer you use. But mitigation is increasingly recognized, and in California it's now part of insurance regulation. This guide explains what works, what's recognized, and how to document it.

How wildfires damage homes

Research by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and fire scientists shows that many homes ignite not from a wall of flame but from embers carried ahead of the fire, landing in vents, gutters, on wood decks, or on combustible materials near the house. That's why small changes close to the home can matter so much.

Home hardening

Key measures:

• Class A fire-rated roof.
• Ember-resistant vents with fine metal mesh.
• Enclosed eaves.
• Multi-pane, tempered-glass windows.
• Noncombustible siding, at least near the ground.
• Clean gutters with noncombustible gutter guards.
• Noncombustible decking near the house, and nothing combustible stored under decks.

Defensible space

Defensible space is managed vegetation around the home, usually described in zones:

• Zone 0 (0–5 feet): the ember-resistant zone. Remove combustible mulch, plants, furniture and fencing directly next to the house. California is developing Zone 0 regulations under state law.
• Zone 1 (5–30 feet): lean, clean and green. Remove dead plants and keep spacing between trees and shrubs.
• Zone 2 (30–100 feet): reduce fuel; keep grass mowed and create horizontal and vertical spacing.

CAL FIRE describes these zones: CAL FIRE – Defensible space. The National Fire Protection Association offers national guidance through its Firewise program: NFPA – Firewise USA.

Community programs

• Firewise USA: neighborhoods can earn recognition by forming a committee, assessing risk, creating an action plan and documenting annual mitigation work. Some insurers consider Firewise status.
• Fire Risk Reduction Communities: California's Board of Forestry maintains a list of communities meeting certain standards, which is recognized under California's insurance regulations.
• Fire Safe Councils and local fire departments often offer free home assessments or chipping programs.

IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home

IBHS created the Wildfire Prepared Home designation, based on its research. Homeowners complete required mitigation actions, submit documentation, and receive a designation if approved. The program started in California and has been expanding to other states: Wildfire Prepared Home. A designation can be useful documentation when talking to insurers.

California's Safer from Wildfires regulation

California adopted regulations, effective in 2022, that require insurers to recognize wildfire mitigation in their rating plans and to offer discounts for specified actions at the property and community levels. These are part of the Department of Insurance's Safer from Wildfires framework: California Department of Insurance – Safer from Wildfires. The regulations also require insurers to give consumers their wildfire risk score and a right to appeal it. Recognized actions include:

• Class A roof, ember-resistant vents, enclosed eaves, multi-pane windows, 6 inches of noncombustible vertical clearance at the base of the home, and noncombustible fencing and gates
• Defensible space compliance, and removal of combustibles from Zone 0
• Community-level programs such as Firewise USA and Fire Risk Reduction Communities

Discount amounts differ by insurer. Ask your insurer what's in its filed plan, and request your wildfire risk score.

Other states

Outside California, there's no single national standard. A few patterns:

• Colorado, Oregon and others have adopted laws or programs addressing wildfire risk models, mitigation information or discounts. Check your state insurance department's website.
• Some insurers consider Firewise USA or Wildfire Prepared Home designations voluntarily.
• Even without a formal discount, documented mitigation can affect underwriting decisions and inspection results.

The NAIC tracks state wildfire insurance issues: NAIC – Wildfires.

Documenting mitigation

1. Take dated photos before and after work: roof, vents, eaves, Zone 0, decks.
2. Keep receipts and permits for roofing, windows and vents.
3. Get inspection reports from fire agencies or IBHS.
4. Keep Firewise or community documentation.
5. Send documentation to your insurer or broker, and ask that it be noted on your file.

If you can't find coverage

In California, the California FAIR Plan provides basic fire coverage as a last resort, and you can pair it with a difference-in-conditions (DIC) policy for other perils. See the California FAIR Plan site. Many other states have FAIR plans, too. An independent broker can also check surplus lines insurers.

Before a fire: insurance readiness

• Review dwelling limits and extended replacement cost.
• Check additional living expenses coverage.
• Build a home inventory using our home inventory template.
• Use our wildfire checklist for evacuation and claims steps.

Wildfire mitigation checklist

• ☐ Class A roof and ember-resistant vents
• ☐ Enclosed eaves and multi-pane windows
• ☐ Zone 0 clear of combustibles
• ☐ Defensible space in Zones 1 and 2
• ☐ Firewise USA or other community participation
• ☐ Consider a Wildfire Prepared Home designation
• ☐ Document everything and send it to your insurer
• ☐ In California, ask about Safer from Wildfires discounts and your risk score

Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545 for a homeowners review.

Frequently asked questions

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.