California is an amazing place to own a home, thanks to the state's endless sunshine and beaches. However, if you own a property in California, you need to understand the Golden State's serious wildfire risks. In 2021, for example, more than 2 million acres in California were ravaged by 8,835 wildfires. Hence, if you own property in California, carrying wildfire insurance should be a no-brainer. Read on to learn more.
Standard home insurance policies typically cover fire and smoke damage, including damage wrought by wildfires. Here are various insurance coverage types that will help cover the cost of replacing or repairing your home as well as your personal property:
This coverage covers the cost of replacing or rebuilding your house's physical structure as well as the structures attached to it, including garages, and decking, in case it's damaged by a covered peril.
This coverage covers the cost of replacing or repairing your personal items in case they're damaged by a covered peril. It covers personal items in your home, like electronics, clothing, appliances, and furniture.
This coverage covers the cost of replacing or rebuilding unattached structures, such as fencing, detached garages, pool houses, and sheds, on your property.
Homeowners insurance policies usually cover items such as lawns, plants, shrubs, and trees up to a set percentage of the dwelling coverage.
Also called Loss-of-Use coverage, this coverage pays for your meals, hotel stay, as well as other expenses resulting from you being forced to live outside your home because it's been rendered uninhabitable by a covered peril.
Insurance companies set insurance rates based on the risk profile of the policyholder. Therefore, insurers can increase deductibles, cap payouts, charge higher premiums, or altogether deny you coverage if your home is in a high-risk area.
The risk of wildfires is higher in some parts of California, including Napa County, Yolo County, Riverside County, and Los Angeles. Wildfire insurance costs are generally higher than average in wildfire-prone areas.
The standard home insurance policies usually cover smoke and fire damage. However, if your property is in a wildfire-prone area, the coverage offered by your home policy may be insufficient. Therefore, you should consider getting additional wildlife insurance to adequately protect your home.
Wildfire insurance policies usually provide an extra layer of protection for homeowners whose property is in high-risk locations. Your wildfire insurance can provide additional protection by paying for the following:
Due to California's growing wildfire risks, the cost of wildfire insurance may be significantly high. However, you can use some strategies to lower your insurance costs, including comparison shopping and consulting with an independent insurance agent who understands the insurance carriers in your area.
Wildfires can cause catastrophic damages, and hence, it's important to get the right wildfire insurance coverage to protect your finances. At CF&P Insurance Brokers, we will help you find wildlife insurance that suits your budget and insurance needs. Contact us today to get a customized quote.
