Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires in California?

Wildfires have become an unavoidable part of life in California. With dry climates, hot winds, and dense vegetation, the state faces some of the highest wildfire risks in the country. 

For homeowners, that raises a crucial question: does homeowners insurance cover wildfires in California? The short answer is yes – most standard homeowners insurance policies do cover wildfire damage. However, the level of protection and cost of coverage could vary significantly based on your location and risk exposure. 

As wildfire threats continue to grow, Hippo Insurance Services – a leader in modern, proactive home insurance – can help California homeowners understand their coverage and take steps to strengthen their protection. 

Key takeaways

• Most standard home insurance policies cover wildfire damage under the “fire” peril category, including damage to the home, personal property, and additional living expenses.
• High-risk areas in California face limited coverage options or higher premiums due to increased wildfire frequency. 
• You could often add or upgrade endorsements (riders) to extend coverage for wildfire-specific risks, but these come with additional cost and underwriting scrutiny.
• Preventive steps – such as creating defensible space, maintaining fire-resistant materials, and keeping documentation – could reduce both risks and insurance costs.

Understanding wildfire risks in California

California’s wildfire season has grown longer and more intense over the past few decades. Once limited to the hot summer months, wildfires now occur nearly year-round.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), over 7,000 wildfires burned more than 320,000 acres in 2023 alone. The following year was even worse – 2024 saw 8,018 fires scorch more than 1 million acres statewide, destroying 1,980 structures.

These fires caused billions of dollars in property losses and displaced thousands of residents. The state’s wildland-urban interface (WUI) – areas where homes meet undeveloped land – has expanded, placing more properties at risk.

High-Risk Areas

Several regions in California are consistently categorized as “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.” These include:

• The foothills surrounding Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego Counties
• Northern California regions such as Napa, Sonoma, and Shasta Counties
• The Sierra Nevada foothills and the Inland Empire areas

If you dwell in or near one of these zones, your insurance costs may be higher – and finding comprehensive coverage could be more difficult.

Evolving Risk Landscape

Over the years, climate change has fueled hotter, drier conditions that make wildfires more frequent and severe. From 2017 to 2021, California experienced eight of the ten largest wildfires in state history. As a result, insurers have adjusted coverage terms, premiums, and availability.

Some major insurers have even paused writing new homeowners policies in high-risk areas, making it more critical for homeowners to understand alternative coverage options.

Is wildfire damage typically covered under homeowners insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance policies (often called HO-3, HO-5, or similar forms) usually include fire and lightning as covered perils. 

That means if your house or belongings are damaged or destroyed in a wildfire, the insurer generally will pay — subject to policy limits, deductibles, and terms. 

These policies may include protection for:

• Dwelling/Structure: Repair or rebuild the home structure damaged by fire or wildfire.
• Other Structures: Detached garages, sheds, fences, etc.
• Personal Belongings/Contents: Furniture, appliances, clothing inside the home (often subject to sub-limits).
• Loss of Use/Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home is uninhabitable, the policy pays for temporary housing, meals, storage, etc. 
• Debris Removal/Cleanup: After a fire, removal of debris is often a covered expense (though subject to caps or special conditions).

However, certain limitations and special terms could affect how extensive that coverage is. Listed below are some limitations, deductibles, and exclusions every California resident should consider:

• High or wildfire-specific deductibles: Some policies now use wildfire-specific deductibles — typically a percentage of your home’s insured value (e.g., 2%–5%) rather than a flat dollar amount. 
• Exclusions: Insurers often exclude coverage or limit claims if the home is poorly maintained, lacks defensible space, or doesn't meet fire-resistant construction standards.
• Nonrenewals & cancellation: Insurance companies could refuse to renew or even cancel policies in high-risk areas altogether. 
• Sub-limits: For certain categories (e.g., jewelry, art, electronics), the coverage limit could be lower or require separate scheduling.
• Coverage caps: Some last-resort plans (e.g., California FAIR Plan) have maximum coverage caps, meaning you might not be fully insured for high-value properties. 
• Smoke, embers & secondary damage: While wildfire damage is included, you should ensure your policy covers smoke damage, ember intrusion, and secondary effects (like structure collapse) — though many policies do.
• Excluded perils: Certain related disasters (e.g., landslides triggered by fire, flooding from heavy rains after vegetation burns) might not be covered unless separately added.

Thus, even if your policy “includes fire,” you should read the fine print and verify limits, deductibles, and special conditions.

Exploring additional coverage options for wildfire

Because standard policies may fall short in high-risk regions, homeowners need to add or enhance coverage via endorsements, riders, or alternative products.

An endorsement (or rider) is a policy attachment that modifies or expands coverage. In wildfire-prone zones, common endorsements include:

• High-risk fire add-on: Boosts coverage for wildfire-related damage (for structure, contents, or both).
• Increased limits on debris removal: Since wildfire cleanup could be much costlier than typical storm debris removal.
• Ordinance or law coverage: To cover upgrades mandated by building codes during a rebuild (e.g., fire-resistant materials).
• Ember or smoke damage rider: To clarify claims relating to ember intrusion or smoke, even if flame doesn’t touch your structure.
• Brush or vegetation coverage: Sometimes available for landscaping or vegetation loss.

These riders may increase your premium, and the increase depends on the risk zone.

What if insurance companies deny, cancel, or refuse to underwrite in your ZIP code? If that’s the case, you may have to resort to:

• FAIR Plan: The state-mandated plan (California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) is designed to provide basic fire-only coverage when private insurance is unavailable. This doesn’t cover flood, earthquake, or many standard perils.
• Surplus / non-admitted insurers: These are insurance companies not licensed in California and thus not regulated in the same way; they could take on high-risk properties that admitted insurers won’t. But policies are more expensive and carry more risk (less oversight, fewer guaranteed protections). 
• Higher-risk specialty wildfire insurers: Some niche insurers or niche fire insurers may be willing to insure homes in extreme risk zones with stricter terms and higher premiums.

If you use FAIR Plan or surplus insurers, always verify their financial strength, claim-paying reputation, and what limits or restrictions apply (especially for wildfire).

That said, your premium rates for wildfire-specific coverage will depend on many variables, such as:

• Fire-risk zone/wildfire exposure score (based on vegetation, slope, proximity to open land)
• Home construction materials — e.g., metal roofing, fire-resistant siding versus wood shake
• Distance to fire department or hydrant
• Defensible space/mitigation measures (cleared brush, ember-proof vents)
• Claims history/underwriting factors
• Deductible percentage 
• Age and condition of roof/eaves/gutters

In practice, adding robust wildfire protections might increase your premium rates by a few hundred to several thousand dollars a year, depending on location and house value. But the cost of being underinsured is far greater if disaster strikes.

What to do before and after a wildfire 

Preparation and quick response could make a world of difference when it comes to protecting your home, family, and finances from a wildfire. Knowing what to do before and after a fire helps you stay safe.

When you live in a wildfire-prone area, prevention is your best defense. Here are key steps to take:

• Create a defensible space: Clear 30–100 feet around your home of dry brush, leaves, and flammable materials to slow fire spread and improve safety.
• Use fire-resistant materials: Choose non-combustible roofing, siding, and decks made from metal, tile, or fiber cement.
• Maintain landscaping: Trim trees, remove dead branches, and space plants to prevent flames from jumping between them.
• Install ember-resistant vents and screens: Keep flying embers from entering attics or crawl spaces.
• Keep emergency supplies ready: Stock up on essentials like first aid kits, fire extinguishers, flashlights, and an evacuation go-bag.
• Document your property: Take photos or videos of your home and valuables for insurance purposes.
• Review your insurance policy annually: Ensure your coverage matches current rebuilding costs, market values, and wildfire risks.

However, if your home is affected by a wildfire, taking quick and organized action could help you recover more efficiently.

Here’s what to do after a wildfire:

• Contact your insurance provider immediately to start the claims process.
• Take photos or videos of all damage before cleaning up or discarding anything.
• Secure your property to prevent theft or additional damage.
• Keep all receipts for temporary living expenses, emergency repairs, and related costs.
• Work closely with your claims adjuster and keep a written record of all communication.
• Don’t discard damaged items until your insurer has inspected them.

Stay calm, document everything, and follow the aforementioned steps – they help make the recovery process smoother and ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.

Tips on balancing premiums and coverage levels

Wildfire insurance premium rates have risen sharply in California, but there are ways to balance affordability and protection.

• Shop around and compare quotes: Each carrier in the insurance market assesses wildfire risk differently. Comparing multiple quotes could help you find the most competitive rate for your area. Consult with a licensed insurance producer to determine your eligibility and explore available options.
• Consider higher deductibles: Opting for a slightly higher deductible helps lower your monthly premium rates. Just make sure it’s an amount you could afford to pay out of pocket in an emergency.
• Harden your home: Insurance companies in California may provide discounts for fire-resistant features, such as Class A roofs, metal vents, and noncombustible fences.
• Join a Firewise community: Communities that follow Firewise USA guidelines demonstrate wildfire preparedness, which could help lower collective insurance risks and costs.
• Bundle policies: If possible, bundle your home and auto insurance with the same provider to earn multi-policy discounts.

Remember, balancing cost and coverage isn’t just about saving money – it’s about ensuring your family and property are protected no matter what nature brings.

Still have questions?

Curious to learn more about homeowners and wildfire insurance in California? Here are some frequently asked questions that could help you make more informed decisions.

What disasters are not covered under normal homeowners policies?

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover named perils like fire, lightning, windstorms, hail, theft, and vandalism. However, floods, earthquakes, landslides, and mold damage are often excluded unless you purchase separate coverage (e.g., flood insurance or earthquake endorsement). Also, damage from negligence, lack of maintenance, or certain structural issues often gets excluded.

What happens if your house burns down in a wildfire?

If your policy covers wildfire damage, the insurer should pay for rebuilding (within coverage limits), replacing your contents, and covering additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable. You’ll file a claim, work with an adjuster, submit documentation, and receive a settlement. If your insurance coverage is inadequate or capped, you could have a funding gap you’ll need to cover out-of-pocket.

How do I know if my insurance covers wildfires?

Review your Declarations Page and the “perils insured” list in your policy. Look for “fire,” “lightning,” or “wildfire.” Speak with your insurer or agent: ask about wildfire-specific deductibles, caps, and exclusions. If fire is excluded or limited, look into endorsements or alternative plans.

Who is liable for wildfire damage?

If a wildfire spreads from neighboring property or utility lines and causes damage to your property, liability laws vary. Sometimes, the party that caused a fire (through negligence) could be liable, but often recovery is difficult. Insurance is your primary safeguard; liability plays a secondary role.

Does home fire insurance cover wildfires?

Yes – home fire insurance typically covers fires regardless of origin, including wildfires, unless explicitly excluded. But again, the extent of coverage depends on your policy’s terms, limits, and the insurer’s underwriting stance in that region.

Figures reflect averages from publicly available sources as of November 2025. 

This article is for informational purposes only and was compiled from sources not affiliated with Hippo. While we believe this information to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For any insurance-related decision, please consult your licensed insurance producer.