Insurance companies typically determine the cost of coverage based on the risk level involved. That’s why it is not unusual for them to charge high premiums on property insurance for homeowners living in fire-prone areas. To give you an idea, the annual cost of fire insurance in California increased from $20,000 to $200,000 in the third quarter of 2019 due to the high frequency of wildfires.
Thankfully, if you live in a fire-prone area, you can still get affordable property insurance using the following tips.
1. Make Your House More Fire-Resistant
You can earn some discounts on your property insurance policy if you make your house more resistant to fire. This is achievable in several ways. Firstly, you can install a class A roof that is more resistant to fire. Secondly, you can remove any combustible materials around your house and install double-paned windows. You can also lower the fire risk by painting your house using fire-resistant paint. Finally, install fire detectors, smoke alarms, and sprinkler systems. All these installations will enable you to prevent fire or detect it early enough.
2. Install a Fire Hydrant
To lower the risk of fire in your home, ensure you install a fire hydrant, especially if there is none within 50 feet of your home. This fitting will make it easier for you to put out a fire if it erupts, protecting your property from damage. Even if you live in a fire-prone area, the insurance company will likely charge you less for property insurance for such a fire mitigation strategy.
3. Clear the Areas Surrounding Your House
Regardless of how resistant your house is to fire, massive fire damage can still occur, especially when the surrounding areas are not fire-resistant. For instance, if there is a lot of combustible debris, say, 10 feet away from your house, it can increase the risk of fire in your home. Keeping this in mind, clear all the areas that surround your house to improve fire safety. If there are any combustible structures within proximity, move them farther from your home.
4. Mitigate Fire Risks in Your Neighborhood
In 2020 alone, wildfires destroyed more than 11,000 structures in California. Since wildfire spreads fast depending on the environmental conditions, it is possible to protect a large geographical area from fire by taking the necessary precautions. For instance, if all homes within a community are fire-resistant, there will be lower chances of the wildfire spreading. So, talk to the homeowners within your community and urge them to mitigate fire risks to protect the whole region.
5. Opt for a FAIR Plan
At times, it may be difficult to lower property insurance costs if you live in a fire-prone area. Even so, you can go for the FAIR Plan, a government initiative that provides affordable insurance coverage to homeowners who cannot afford private insurance. This plan offers basic coverage against perils such as fire, smoke, and lightning. The downside of FAIR Plan policies is that they have many exclusions and may not provide sufficient coverage.
How Hoffman Brown Company Can Help
Use these tips to get affordable property insurance coverage in a fire-prone region. For extra protection, you need a fire insurance policy that can adequately protect your property in the event of a wildfire. Contact Hoffman Brown Company to get started on your customized policy today!
