Start with the notice.
Find the policy end date and reason for nonrenewal. Keep the letter and ask your agent what needs to happen before coverage ends.
Work through the stepsWildfire & brushfire insurance guidanceA difficult renewal.
A difficult renewal.
A clearer next step.
If wildfire risk has made homeowners insurance harder to find, you may still have options. Understand what to ask, what to prepare, and where to turn next.
Practical education. Individual underwriting. No coverage or savings promises.
13 state guides65 local area guidesOfficial source linksPractical checklists
Make the next step manageable
You do not have to solve everything at once.
Begin with the insurance deadline, learn which paths may apply, and put your property information in order.
Look at the whole policy.
Compare fire coverage, exclusions, deductibles, loss-of-use coverage, and any separate policies an agent recommends.
Understand the differencesBuild a useful property file.
Gather photos, repair receipts, claims records, and current policy information so your next conversation starts with facts.
Use the checklistSafety and insurance are connected
Small, documented improvements are a place to start.
Home hardening addresses the building. Defensible space addresses its surroundings. Both can help you discuss the property more clearly, while insurance eligibility and discounts remain separate decisions.
Questions worth asking
Before you spend money on upgrades
- What does the local fire authority recommend for this property?
- Which requirements are part of the insurer's written guidelines?
- What documentation will the agent or underwriter accept?
- Does the work affect eligibility, pricing, or neither?
Local context matters
Start with your state.
Find insurance resources, local area guides, and the right questions about FAIR Plans or private-market options. These are education guides, not promises of service or property-level risk scores.
