Understand the words in your coverage search
These short definitions explain the terms that appear in wildfire preparation, insurance quotes, and renewal notices. Follow each definition to the practical guide when you need a next step. Your actual policy and applicable state rules determine coverage.
Wildfire and insurance terms
Admitted carrier
An admitted carrier is an insurance company authorized by the state to write the type of insurance being offered.
Read the definitionCoverage lapse
A coverage lapse is a break between the end of insurance and the start of valid replacement or reinstated coverage.
Read the definitionDefensible space
Defensible space means managing vegetation and other combustible materials around a building to reduce opportunities for wildfire to ignite it.
Read the definitionFAIR Plan
FAIR stands for Fair Access to Insurance Requirements. These state-specific programs can provide a coverage option when the regular market is unavailable.
Read the definitionFirewise USA
Firewise USA is a voluntary NFPA recognition program that helps neighbors organize to reduce wildfire risk.
Read the definitionForce-placed insurance
Force-placed, or lender-placed, insurance is coverage a mortgage servicer obtains when it believes required property insurance is missing or inadequate.
Read the definitionHome hardening
Home hardening means improving a building and its attachments to reduce their vulnerability to wildfire ignition.
Read the definitionNon-admitted carrier
A non-admitted carrier is not licensed as an admitted insurer in the state where the coverage is placed.
Read the definitionNonrenewal
Nonrenewal means an insurer will not continue a policy when its current term ends.
Read the definitionSurplus lines insurance
Surplus lines is a regulated placement route for certain risks that the admitted insurance market will not readily cover.
Read the definitionWildfire exclusion
A wildfire exclusion is policy wording that removes or restricts coverage for loss connected to wildfire, as the contract defines it.
Read the definitionWildland-urban interface (WUI)
The WUI describes places where homes and other development meet or mix with wildland vegetation.
Read the definitionWrap policy and Difference in Conditions (DIC)
In a FAIR Plan discussion, a wrap or DIC policy may supplement selected coverage missing from a limited base policy.
Read the definitionNo matching term. Try a different word or browse the definitions above.
General educational information. This website does not issue policies, bind coverage, or provide emergency alerts. Coverage and eligibility require individual review.