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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires? That's The Burning Issue

Oct 05, 2022

Homeowners Insurance

Wildfire Insurance for Home

You can expect sufficient protection for your house and personal belongings if you purchase the right coverage for your home. However, does homeowners insurance cover wildfires if you live in a fire-prone zone? Although standard homeowners policies do include protection against fire damage, coverage depends on where you live and your specific policy. In some cases, carriers may not offer home insurance solutions in high-risk areas, such as where wildfires occur frequently.

What to Do If Your Home Is at Risk

If you live in a high-risk location, it's essential that you find out whether your homeowners insurance covers wildfire. Equally important, determine the amount of coverage you'll get with the policy. Go a step further and implement measures that help to minimize the risk of wildfire damage to your residential property. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the following preventive safeguards can help:

  • Using non-combustible materials for components of your home, such as the roof, deck, and siding
  • Covering all vents
  • Keeping the fence detached from your house
  • Storing playground equipment 30 feet or more away from your house
  • Keeping any vegetation at least 100 feet away from your house

What if home insurance in Denver, Colorado, covers wildfires? In that case, you may get coverage for multiple items if you live there. These often include:

The Main Dwelling

This safety net will provide the funds to rebuild or repair your home if it's damaged by a covered peril like fire. It also covers any attached structures, such as a garage or deck.

Personal Property

A standard home insurance policy in Denver, Colorado, includes coverage for personal belongings within your home. It covers items like clothing, furniture, and appliances to a specific limit. You may want to review your existing policy to check whether your personal property coverage limits provide sufficient protection.

Additional Living Expenses

If fire damage leaves your home uninhabitable, you may have to rent temporary accommodation while the property is under repair. Your home insurance policy in Denver, Colorado, can cover that cost and any other reasonable extra living expenses.

Landscaping

Your policy may provide limited fire protection for the plants in your yard, including trees or shrubs. Review your policy to confirm the amount of landscaping coverage available.

Scrutinizing the Fine Print

The limit on each coverage provided by your homeowners insurance in Denver, Colorado, is the maximum compensation the policy can pay for a valid claim. There is also a deductible amount you must pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. Consult your insurance agent to help you understand the implications of any such terms and coverage limits. The expert will answer your questions and assist with any changes to your policy that may be necessary.

Create an Inventory of Your Belongings

Audit and document all your covered personal properties and their respective values. Photos and receipts of all the items can serve as proof of loss when filing a claim for wildfire damage.

Spotlight Insurance Agency Can Help You With Your Home Insurance!

Therefore, does homeowners insurance cover wildfires? Don't wait until it's too late to get answers and mitigate your risks. If you'd like to know what coverages are available with your home insurance policy in Denver, Colorado, contact us at Spotlight Insurance Agency today. Our agents are happy to help audit your existing coverage requirements and find the right protection for your budget.


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