Wildfires have become an increasingly urgent concern for homeowners across fire-prone regions. Your homeowners insurance policy may cover more than the structure itself, but the scope of that coverage depends on the specific coverages you carry and the language in your policy.
What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers
A standard homeowners policy is built around a few key coverages:
- Dwelling coverage—May help pay to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril, including fire
- Personal property coverage—May help replace belongings lost in a wildfire
- Other structures coverage—May help cover fences, detached garages and similar structures on your property
- Loss of use coverage—May help cover costs such as hotel stays, meals and temporary rentals when a covered loss or mandatory evacuation order forces you out of your home
How Evacuation Costs Fit In
Loss of use coverage, which includes additional living expenses (ALE), is the part of your policy most relevant to a wildfire evacuation. If a covered loss or a mandatory evacuation order forces you out of your home, ALE may help offset costs such as temporary housing and meals, up to your policy limits.
California law also requires insurers to provide at least two weeks of ALE when a declared state of emergency comes with a mandatory evacuation order related to a covered peril, even if your home is undamaged. Extensions are available for good cause. It is worth asking our team how those protections apply to your situation.
What to Review Before Wildfire Season
The best time to understand your coverage is before a fire threatens your area. Review your policy limits, confirm how your loss of use coverage works and ask your agent what triggers it in an evacuation.
It also helps to know whether your limits reflect what it would cost to replace your belongings. Keep receipts for any evacuation-related expenses, since reimbursement generally requires documentation.
Work With a Team That Knows Your Options
Contact [zy_company_name] to review your current homeowners policy. Our team serves homeowners throughout [zy_surrounding_areas].
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.