Fire Insurance
Having a home in California means you’re at risk of fire damage. In order to mitigate the financial burden caused by fires, you need to ensure your property is covered by fire insurance.
Fire Insurance vs. Wildfire Insurance
While there technically isn’t a “wildfire insurance policy,” most standard homeowners insurance will cover damage caused by fires, including wildfires. However, getting coverage on homes in areas where wildfires are common may be difficult. Many insurance companies have either stopped offering homeowners insurance in fire-prone areas altogether or excluded coverage for wildfire damage.
The FAIR Plan
The Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan is a program mandated by the state of California that offers access to insurance for individuals living in high-risk properties aka wildfire-prone areas. You can apply for this plan if you own property and if your home meets certain building requirements.
Fire Insurance Coverage in California
There are different coverage types that can help homeowners rebuild what was lost to fires, including wildfires.
Dwelling and other structure coverage
Dwelling coverage helps pay for the cost of replacing the physical structure of your home, including attached structures like garages or decks. While other structure coverage pays for, well, other structures. These are things that aren’t attached to the home, including sheds, fencing, and pool houses.
Personal property coverage
This pays to repair or replace any personal items lost to the flames. This could mean appliances, clothing, furniture, and electronics.
Loss-of-use coverage
Also known as additional living expenses, this covers the cost of hotel stays, meals, and other expenses related to being unable to live in your home due to a wildfire.
Do You Need Fire Insurance Claim Lawyers?
If you suspect your insurance company has wrongfully denied your fire insurance claim, it may be in your best interest to contact a lawyer who can investigate your claim for unlawful mishandling and breach of contract.
Our team at Lari-Joni & Bassell, LLP works tirelessly on behalf of every one of our clients. We don’t quit until you feel satisfied with the claim amount and feel heard by the insurance company.