Wildfires, home insurance & staying safe during poor air quality days

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Wildfire & home insurance With an increase in wildfires over the last few years, some insurance carriers around the country have needed to make adjustments to home insurance policies.

Here are two common scenarios we are seeing:

  • Depending on the state you live in, there is limited or no home insurance coverage for homes located in high-risk areas.
  • An increase in home insurance costs across the board for all home insurance policy holders throughout the United States.

When insurance carriers see a spike in insurance claims, they will raise their premiums regardless if you live in a high-risk area or not.

This is a big reason why you may have noticed an increase in your home insurance premium at renewal. Unfortunately, this is out of our control since only insurance carriers can determine the rate of home insurance.

For homes that are located in high-risk areas, we understand your frustration with insurance coverage. Some states are offering special insurance coverage for homes located in high-risk areas.

Contact our agency if you fall into this category and we will see what coverage is offered in your area. Our agency represents several top insurance carriers. With a quick phone call, we can shop all our home insurance carriers at once to see if we can find you the right coverage for your needs.

Wildfires occur in every state throughout the United States and it is important to know what to do if one breaks out near your home.

Steps to Take if a Wildfire Threatens Your Home:
1.) Stay up-to-date on evacuation info & remain calm. Stay inside and turn on a portable air filter inside your home. HEPA-filtered air cleaners are best.

2.) Pack your car with emergency supplies in the event you need to leave – include emergency supplies & valuables from your home.

3.) Put on protective clothing to protect your body, face and lungs. Be sure to have a respirator or good mask to reduce your smoke exposure when outside. N95 masks or P100 respirators are ideal. Make sure it is snug to your face. It should have two straps to go around your head to ensure it is tight.

4.) Keep your loved ones updated on where you are going if you decide to evacuate.

Steps to Take if You Are in a Low Risk Area, But Air Quality is Poor

1.) You can check the air quality in your area by checking AirNow.Gov. This will give you a good indication if it is safe to be outside.

2.) If air quality is poor, stay inside. If you absolutely have to be outside, wear a N95 mask or P100 respirator. Limit your time outdoors, even with your mask on.

Please enjoy your summer responsibly. If you have questions about your home insurance coverage when it comes to wildfires give us a call. We’re here to help.

How to do your part to reduce wildfires this summer

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Wildfire Prevention Tips To Know and FollowIt is that time of year when we like to remind you of the importance of wildfire prevention. Preventing a wildfire requires a collective effort and best practices need to be utilized to lower our risk.

Did you know the majority of wildfires are caused by humans? According to Wildland Fire Management Information, humans cause 85% of wildland fires. That is an alarming number. If we could educate everyone in the United States on how to prevent fires, we could see a major improvement.

Most common scenarios where human fires start:

  • Campfires left unattended
  • Burning debris
  • Equipment use or malfunction
  • Arson
  • Not properly discarding cigarettes

Other scenarios where wildfires start:

  • Natural causes such as lightning

How You Can Lower the Chance of Starting a Wildfire

1.) Pay Attention to Your State’s Burn Bans.

If the weather is hot and dry, burn bans may automatically be put in place. Always respect these rules and never burn during these times. This includes campfires and burning debris in your backyard. They are in place for a reason.

2.) If It Is Safe to Burn, Be Sure You Know the Correct Protocols for Burning

If you plan to go camping this summer or burn debris in your backyard, it is important to review the correct protocols to avoid starting a fire. Even using your family car, lawn equipment or farm equipment can increase your risk. Review fire safety here. 

Fires should never be started near flammable materials. This includes grass, leaves, logs and brush. Learn how to build a proper campfire here.

Did you know wind can play a role in starting a fire? Even if there is not a burn ban in place, you should never burn debris or start a campfire if it is windy.

By leaving a fire unattended or simply not putting out the fire correctly, you can be liable for starting a fire. A simple reminder, “If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.” Whether you are camping in the backcountry or at a campground, a shovel and a bucket can be a few key items you can use that will ensure your fire is out when it is time to leave.

3.) Don’t drive your vehicle or use equipment over dry grass.

A simple spark from your vehicle’s exhaust can cause a fire. By performing regular maintenance on your car or equipment, this lowers your risk of shooting off sparks.

If weather conditions are fine and you plan to explore off-road, it never hurts to have a few safety items on hand in the event a fire starts. Items include a shovel, bucket or fire extinguisher.

We hope you have a great summer! If you have questions about your insurance policy, contact our agency. We are here to help address your concerns or answer questions.

An update on auto & home insurance rates in 2023

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Inflation Continues to Impact Insurance Policy Premiums in 2023

An Update On Auto & Home Insurance Rates in 2023We all feel the impact of inflation. Whether it is at the gas station, grocery store and your insurance policies at renewal. Unfortunately, the insurance industry continues to be impacted as insurance carriers are forced to adjust their risk based on inflation and claims.

We know it is frustrating to see your premiums increase even though you may not have experienced any activity such as an insurance claim. Inflation is the main reason insurance premium rates continue to increase across the country.

Another strike against policyholders is the rise in insurance claims across the country. Not only are insurance carriers receiving more insurance claims than before, but it is also costing insurance carriers more with settling claims.

Anytime insurance carriers see an increase in claims and the cost to settle these claims, they will raise their premiums to all customers around the country. Some insurance carriers have even dropped offering specific policies in certain states which experience a high severity.

Summary on why your insurance policy went up even though you didn’t file a claim or receive a vehicle infraction:

  • Building materials for homes have increased (some materials are 20% to 50% higher now).
  • There are less skilled workers available to work. This means companies are now paying higher wages to those who are available to work.
  • Car parts and equipment are more expensive (some over 22% higher now).
  • It costs more to maintain and repair vehicles.
  • Used cars prices increased over 37% since 2020. New car prices have increased over 20%.
  • Medical bills for insurance claims have increased.
  • Most companies are now using underwriting holding periods by asking for proof of ownership, photos of interior and exterior of home, proof of when roofs, plumbing and HVAC systems were updated. I.e. Requiring receipts for the work, etc. This may delay or help insurance carriers avoid writing any new policies until their rate increases are approved, which may be 20% to 50% higher.
  • Some carriers are no longer offering insurance to high risk areas or on specific vehicles (wildfire areas, specific cars that are prone to theft, etc.) The insurance carriers who continue to offer insurance coverage have to take on additional risk, which makes insurance premiums more expensive.

If your insurance policy has increased significantly, reach out to us. We can re-quote you with other insurance carriers we represent to see if we can find you a more affordable policy. This is one of the best benefits of working with an independent insurance agency. We advocate for you!

Here are some ways we have helped customers save on their insurance premium. Each of our insurance carriers offer unique discounts so reach out to us to review your current policy.

  • Bundle your home and auto insurance policies together.
  • Install and maintain a burglar alarm system on your home and receive a protective device discount.
  • Discounts for your teenager – good student or distant student (for college students who attend school more than 100 miles away)
  • If you recently built a home or significantly renovated it, you may qualify for a discount.
  • If you have been accident-free for at least three years, you can be eligible for a discount.
  • Earn a claims-free check too! Eligible customers who remain claims free for 6 months can receive a check in the mail from some insurance carriers. Score another check if you remain claims-free for the rest of the year on your policy.

Bonus Coverages Offered

With the rise in insurance premiums, some insurance carriers have added additional coverage to their policies.

Water backup, service line and personal property replacement for claims are the three most common coverage upgrades.

Contact your agent if you have any questions regarding your current insurance policy. We are here to help.