SAFER FROM WILDFIRES - DISCOUNTS FOR HOMEOWNERS
In the State of California, under the Safer from Wildfires framework, insurance companies are now required to give discounts to residential and commercial policyholders who take specific actions to reduce their home's risk of wildfire damage. Under the new regulation, insurance companies also must tell you about the wildfire risk factors on your property — and Safer from Wildfires gives you the tools to reduce your risk and help keep your insurance.
Actions You Can Take
Safer from Wildfires has actions you can take at three levels. Many of the actions at the structural level are low-cost or do-it-yourself projects such as removing combustible materials 5 feet from the house or installing ember-resistant vents. Another thing homeowners can do themselves is form a Firewise USA community to protect themselves and their neighbors. When its time to replace a roof or windows, spending a little more to install fire-rated roof or dual pane windows can make your property a lot safer.
Class A fire-rated roof
5-foot ember-resistant zone around the structure
Noncombustible 6 inches at the bottom of walls
Ember- and fire-resistant vents
Double pane windows or added shutters
Enclosed eaves
Cleared vegitation and debris from under decks
Move sheds and outbuildings at least 30 feet away
Trim trees and remove brush in compliance with state and local defensible space laws
Neighborhoods can form a Firewise USA community
Cities, counties, and local districts can become certified as a Fire Risk Reduction Communit
How Big Will My Discount Be?
Discounts will depend in part on your property’s individual characteristics and the actions you’ve taken through Safer from Wildfires. The safer your property is from the risk of wildfire, the more you can save. Different insurance companies may offer different discounts, so it pays to compare. Homeowners under the FAIR Plan can also get discounts. Contact a licensed insurance broker who is registered to sell FAIR Plan coverage. FAIR Plan’s website has a Broker Finder tool that can assist you in finding a broker in your area: https://www.cfpnet.com/.
Claiming Your Discount
After completing a wildfire mitigation action, you should contact your insurance company or agent/broker and advise of the completed work. You may need to provide proof that the mitigation action was completed, or an inspection may be required to confirm that the mitigation action was completed. Your insurance company or agent/broker should be able to advise you of the amount of annual premium savings the mitigation action will result in, and the premium savings would be reflected at the start of the next policy period.
Right To Appeal
You have a right to appeal your risk score directly to the insurance company if you believe it is inaccurate —for instance, if you have done wildfire safety work since your last renewal. If the appeal is denied, you can request help from the Department of Insurance by contacting us at 800-927-4357 or insurance.ca.gov.
