Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires?

For millions of Americans, wildfires represent a significant threat to their families, finances, homes and property. These disasters can wreak havoc across vast areas and may spread quickly. Given the potential devastation of a wildfire, you should prioritize establishing and maintaining robust loss control measures. Work with a qualified insurance professional, such as those at Saunders Insurance Agency, to ensure your finances and future are secure.

How Can Homeowners Insurance Address Wildfires?
Insurance policies specifically intended to address wildfire-related losses are typically not available. However, homeowners insurance may include coverage for these disasters. In the wake of a wildfire, your homeowners insurance may help pay for losses involving the following:

Residence—Your policy may provide financial assistance if a wildfire damages the structural components of your home, including its foundations, roof, electrical and plumbing systems, and attached fixtures (e.g., cabinets, paneling).
Other structures—If your property includes additional detached structures, such as garages, sheds, gazebos or guest houses, this coverage may provide financial help after a wildfire.
Contents—This part of your homeowners insurance may help pay for losses involving your possessions, including furniture, electronics and clothing.
Additional living costs—If you are forced to vacate your home or it’s made uninhabitable due to a wildfire, this coverage may provide financial assistance for resulting expenses, such as rent, hotel accommodations and restaurant meals.
Landscaping—In some cases, your homeowners insurance may also include limited coverage for plants, trees and other landscaping elements of your property.

What Limitations or Exclusions Should Homeowners Be Aware of Involving Wildfires?
In some cases, insurers may hesitate to include wildfires as a covered peril in standard homeowners insurance policies. In fact, many insurance companies have stopped offering homeowners insurance in areas prone to wildfires altogether. In such cases, you may be able to acquire financial protection through a Fair Access to Insurance Requirements plan. These arrangements may provide residents at high risk of perils beyond their control with access to coverage they cannot retain under a standard homeowners insurance policy.

Regardless of how you acquire insurance for wildfires, you should ensure that your policy includes adequate limits. Insufficient coverage could mean you lack the resources to rebuild or repair your home or replace your belongings.

We’re Here to Help
With a history of service dating back to 1951, the dedicated staff at Saunders Insurance Agency has the knowledge and experience to help homeowners in Gallipolis, Ohio, assess and address their coverage needs. Our agents will work with you to analyze your circumstances, identify appropriate options and craft optimal policies. Visit our website or call 740-446-0404 to get started today.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.

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