Will my home insurance cover wildfire damage? (2026 Coverage Answers)
Will my home insurance cover wildfire damage? It usually does, but it depends on your location, home insurance company, and what’s affected, whether it's your home, belongings, or other structures. In high-risk areas, wildfire insurance can cost up to $450 per month, while low-risk areas average $190.
Free Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in life insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 20, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Oct 20, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
On This Page
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, leaving many homeowners asking, “Will my home insurance cover wildfire damage?” In most cases, yes. Most standard homeowners insurance policies include wildfire damage, covering your home, belongings, and other living expenses if you’re forced to evacuate.
However, coverage can vary depending on where you live. And especially with the recent Los Angeles wildfires destroying thousands of homes and causing billions in losses, more homeowners are seeing how location impacts their coverage options.
Does homeowners insurance cover fire damage? This article explores the answer and helps you understand what steps to take if your home is damaged by wildfire.
Use our free comparison tool to quickly check your coverage options and find a policy that fully protects your home from wildfire damage.
- Most homeowners insurance covers wildfires, but coverage varies by location.
- Home insurance in high-fire-risk areas costs up to $450
- Taking wildfire safety steps can lower costs and improve coverage
How Homeowners Insurance Covers Wildfire
Does homeowners insurance cover wildfires? Home insurance typically covers wildfire damage, but the extent of coverage can vary based on your location and insurance provider.
Home Insurance Coverages That Protect Against Wildfire Damage| Coverage | What it Covers |
|---|---|
| Additional Living Expenses (ALE) | Temporary housing costs if your home is uninhabitable due to wildfire damage |
| Dwelling | Repair or rebuilding of your home damaged by wildfire based on property value |
| Liability | Legal and medical costs if someone is injured on the property during a wildfire |
| Other Structures | Detached structures like sheds and fences damaged by wildfire |
| Personal Property | Wildfire damage to personal belongings in the house, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing |
One thing to note is that personal property coverage varies, with some policies paying only the depreciated value while others cover full replacement costs, which can significantly impact your claim.
When Home Insurance Won’t Pay for Damage
A standard homeowners insurance policy covers many types of damage, but there are important exclusions to know about. While most accidental fires are covered, some situations won’t qualify for a payout.
Fires your policy won’t cover:
- Arson: Insurance won’t pay for the damage if you or someone in your household intentionally starts the fire.
- Negligence: Your insurer might deny your claim if a fire happens because you ignored known hazards, like faulty wiring or a recalled appliance.
- Excluded Wildfires: Some insurers won’t cover fires in high-risk areas like parts of California, Oregon, and Colorado unless you buy extra wildfire insurance.
- Vacant Homes: If the fire happens in a home that’s been unoccupied for a certain period, usually 30 to 60 days, your standard policy may not apply.
Check your policy to see what’s covered, and ask your home insurance company if you need additional protection.
Read More: What does a typical homeowners policy not cover?
Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Standard Homeowners Insurance and Wildfire Coverage
Does homeowner’s insurance cover wildfire damage? Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover wildfire damage, but it depends on location, insurer, and policy specifics.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 80% of American homeowners have insurance that typically covers wildfire damage.
Does State Farm homeowners insurance cover fire damage? That depends — many insurers may impose exclusions for properties located in “high-risk” zones. For example, in 2022, major insurers like State Farm and Allstate began non-renewal policies in vulnerable areas of California.
So, how much is fire insurance a month? Check the table below for the average wildfire insurance rates, coverage details, and endorsements from the top 10 providers.
Homeowners Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Risk| Insurance Company | High-Risk Rates | Low-Risk Rates |
|---|---|---|
 | $450 | $190 |
 | $360 | $175 |
 | $500 | $200 |
 | $380 | $160 |
 | $420 | $180 |
 | $370 | $170 |
 | $365 | $150 |
 | $350 | $145 |
 | $400 | $155 |
 | $330 | $140 |
The table gives a good idea of how wildfire home insurance rates can vary from provider to provider, with prices as high as $500 a month for basic fire insurance coverage. Comparing quotes is the best way to ensure you get the best deal.
Wildfire Damage Impact on Home Insurance Costs
Are wildfires common? They definitely are, and they’re becoming more destructive every year — which means the cost of damages keeps going up. The graph below shows how wildfire damage costs have grown from 2015 to 2024.
Looking at these numbers, it’s hard not to notice how fast wildfire damage costs are rising, with 2024 hitting $5.5 billion. For homeowners, this trend is a wake-up call.
Always check your insurance policy and make sure it covers rebuilding costs, replacing your belongings, and handling temporary living expenses.
Read More: What You Need to Know About Homeowner Insurance Policies
Wildfire Prevention Steps That Insurers May Require (and Reward)
If you live in an area prone to wildfires, your insurance company might ask you to take extra precautions to keep your coverage or even lower your premiums. These steps aren’t just about meeting their requirements; they can help protect your home in a wildfire. Some common requirements include:
- Creating defensible space. Clearing flammable materials like dry grass and brush around your home to slow fire spread.
- Installing fire-resistant roofing. Upgrading to metal, tile, or asphalt shingles designed to withstand embers.
- Using ember-resistant vents. Preventing embers from entering your home through attic or crawl space openings.
- Fire-resistant landscaping. Choosing plants and materials that reduce fire risk, such as gravel pathways and native vegetation.
- Upgrading windows and doors: Installing double-paned or tempered glass improves heat resistance and reduces the chance of breakage.
In states like California, insurers now offer discounts to homeowners who take wildfire safety seriously. For example, Mercury Insurance provides up to 18% savings on the wildfire premium portion for homeowners who take property and community wildfire prevention steps.
Similarly, the California FAIR Plan Association introduced home hardening discounts effective August 23, 2023, offering reductions of 10% for protecting the structure and 5% for safeguarding the immediate surroundings.
Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How to Find Homeowners Insurance If You Live in a Wildfire Risk Zone
Finding homeowners insurance in wildfire-prone areas isn’t always easy. With insurers pulling back or raising rates due to increased risks, many homeowners are left searching for options. If private insurers don’t cover your home, state-backed programs like the California FAIR Plan or similar plans in other states can provide basic fire protection.
Keep in mind that these policies are often expensive and offer limited coverage, meaning you might need to add extra protection through supplemental policies to cover things like liability and personal property.
One of the best ways to find coverage is by working with an independent insurance agent who knows the ins and outs of insuring homes in high-risk areas.
Brandon Frady Licensed Insurance Agent
Check out our guide on how to find the right homeowners insurance agent to get started.
Filing Home Insurance Claims For Wildfire Damage
Recovering from wildfire damage takes time, but starting the insurance claim process as soon as possible can help move things faster. Taking the right steps now can make navigating the home insurance claim process easier. Here’s what to do.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your first step should be to notify your insurance company that you need to file a fire insurance claim. They’ll likely ask for your policy number and a summary of what happened. Remember that many insurers have claim-filing deadlines, so act quickly.
Document the Damage
Before beginning any repairs, take photos and videos of all damage. Make a list of lost or damaged items, noting their value and including any receipts you can find. This information will be useful when working with your insurance adjuster.
Learn More: Does USAA homeowners insurance cover fire damage?
Make Temporary Repairs
Prevent further damage by securing your property — board up windows, cover exposed areas, and remove hazardous debris. Keep all receipts for temporary repairs, as many policies reimburse these costs. Avoid making permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has assessed the damage.
Read More: Free Home Repair Assistance for Seniors
Work With the Insurance Adjuster
After you’ve submitted your claim, your insurance company will assign an adjuster to handle it. Their job is to assess the damage and determine how much home fire insurance coverage your policy will provide.
Expect them to request additional information, such as receipts, repair estimates, or other documentation related to the damage.
Kalyn Johnson Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Usually, your insurance company will schedule an in-person visit to inspect your home. When they come by, walk them through each area and be sure to point out any damage they might overlook.
Review and Negotiate Your Settlement
When you receive the claim settlement offer, review it to ensure that it covers all damages within your policy’s limits. If the offer appears to be too low, gather additional estimates and negotiate with your insurer for a better payout. Learn more about insurance policy limits and forced settlement claims to protect your rights.
Getting the Right Home Insurance for Wildfire Damage
Will my home insurance cover wildfire damage? In most cases, yes—but the level of protection depends on your policy and where you live.
Read More: What factors affect home insurance costs?
Standard homeowners insurance usually covers wildfire damage, but if you’re in a high-risk area, you might face stricter coverage limits, higher rates, or even policy non-renewals. That’s why it’s so important to know what your policy includes and take steps to stay protected.
Wildfires can strike when we least expect them, but you can take control of your protection. Review your policy, learn about all the options available, and make sure you’ve got the coverage you need. Start by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to find a policy that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover wildfires?
Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage, including your home, belongings, and living expenses. However, in high-risk areas, some insurers may limit coverage or require a separate wildfire policy.
What is the difference between fire insurance and homeowners insurance?
Fire insurance specifically covers damages resulting from fire. Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, offers broader protection, including coverage for fire, theft, liability, and other perils that may affect the home and its contents. Check out our article to better understand what your home insurance coverage can do for you.
What is wildfire insurance coverage?
Wildfire insurance refers to specific coverage that protects homes and properties against damage or destruction caused by wildfires. Some standard homeowners insurance policies include wildfire coverage, but in high-risk areas, homeowners may need to seek specialized wildfire risk insurance or endorsements.
Does FEMA cover wildfires?
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) assists with disaster relief, including wildfires. It typically offers help through grants and loans for recovery efforts rather than direct payments for losses covered by insurance. Homeowners must register for assistance and may often need insurance to be eligible for full benefits.
How does FEMA work with homeowners insurance?
FEMA provides financial assistance for disaster recovery, but homeowners must first file a claim with their insurance company. FEMA may offer additional support if the insurance payout doesn’t fully cover the loss.
To qualify, homeowners must have uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses, provide proof of occupancy and ownership, and meet citizenship or legal residency requirements. FEMA assistance is meant to cover essential needs, not to restore properties to their pre-disaster condition.
What is the 80% rule regarding fire insurance?
How much homeowners insurance coverage do I need? The 80% rule states that to receive a full payout on a fire insurance claim, a homeowner must insure their property for at least 80% of its total replacement value. If the property is underinsured at the time of loss, the insurance payout may be reduced based on the amount of coverage in place.
What is fire damage limit coverage?
Fire damage limit coverage is a provision within a homeowners insurance policy that sets the maximum amount the insurer will pay for fire damage to the property. This limit can be a percentage of the dwelling coverage amount.
Who should you call first when filing a wildfire home insurance claim?
When needing to file an insurance claim, it is important to call your insurance company or agent first. They will guide you through the claims process and inform you of the necessary steps to take.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover natural disasters?
Homeowners insurance typically covers common natural disasters, such as fire and theft. However, it generally does not cover catastrophic events like earthquakes and floods unless a separate policy or endorsement is purchased.
What does homeowner’s insurance not cover?
Homeowners insurance generally does not cover:
- Earthquake and flood damage
- Wear and tear or maintenance issues
- Damage from pests or vermin
- Intentional acts or criminal activity
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding? — The answer is no. If you live in a flood-prone area, you’ll need a separate policy to stay protected and avoid unexpected costs.
How much does wildfire insurance cost?
It depends on where you live. In high-risk areas like California, it can cost over $3,200 a year, while lower-risk areas pay less. Shopping around is the best way to find a good rate.
Does homeowners insurance cover wildfires in California?
Yes, most policies cover wildfire damage, but some insurers are raising rates or dropping coverage. If you can’t get a regular policy, the California FAIR Plan offers basic fire insurance.
Does homeowners insurance cover forest fire damage?
Yes, most home insurance policies cover forest fires, including damage to your home and belongings. They will also help with living expenses if you have to evacuate.
What are two major disasters that are not covered by normal homeowners insurance?
Two major disasters typically not covered by normal homeowners insurance are earthquakes and floods. Homeowners need separate policies or endorsements to protect against these events.
Does comprehensive insurance cover wildfires?
Yes, comprehensive insurance covers wildfire damage, though it applies specifically to vehicles. It protects against weather damage like fires and non-weather events such as theft (Learn More: Does homeowners insurance cover theft?)
Does homeowners insurance cover fire department services?
Most homeowners insurance policies provide some coverage for fire department services, often referred to as “fire department assessment.” However, coverage may be limited and vary by policy, so check the specific terms of your insurance policy.
What does fire insurance cover on a home?
It covers damage to your home, personal belongings, and extra living costs if you have to leave. Coverage varies, so check your policy to make sure you are fully protected.
Will insurance cover a house fire started by a cigarette?
Yes, as long as it was accidental. But if the fire was caused by negligence, your claim might be denied.
How much is homeowners insurance on a $500,000 house?
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $83 and $2,50 monthly. (Read More: How to Get Cheap Homeowners Insurance).
Does homeowners insurance cover fire and earthquakes?
Homeowners insurance generally covers fire damage, but it does not typically cover earthquakes. Make sure to enter your ZIP code in our free comparison tool to compare rates and find the right protection for your home.
Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in life insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
