Wildfire season: is your homeowners policy actually ready?

California's dry season puts homeowners coverage to the test. The time to find a gap is before you need to file a claim, not after. Here's a plain-language look at what actually matters in your homeowners policy when wildfire risk is on the table.

Know what your dwelling coverage has to cover

Your dwelling limit should reflect the cost to rebuild your home today — not its market value and not what you paid for it. Construction costs have risen sharply, and many homes are insured for less than they'd cost to rebuild. Ask your agent how your limit was calculated and whether it reflects current rebuild costs in your area.

Look for extended or guaranteed replacement cost

Extended replacement cost adds a cushion — often 25% or more — above your dwelling limit in case rebuilding costs more than expected, which is common after a widespread disaster. Guaranteed replacement cost goes further. Knowing which one you have, if any, tells you how much breathing room you'd actually have.

Understand non-renewals and the California FAIR Plan

In higher-risk areas, some carriers have stopped renewing policies. If that happens to you, you're not out of options: the California FAIR Plan provides basic fire coverage, usually paired with a separate policy for everything it doesn't include. It's worth understanding how this works before you ever receive a non-renewal notice.

Document your home before you need to

If you ever file a large claim, you'll be asked to prove what you owned. A simple walk-through video of every room, closet, and the garage — stored somewhere off-site like the cloud — can make the difference between a smooth claim and a stressful one. Update it once a year.

Create defensible space — insurers are watching

Clearing brush, trimming trees, and maintaining a buffer around your home doesn't just lower your risk — it can affect your eligibility and your rate. Some insurers offer credits for wildfire-hardening steps like ember-resistant vents and a Class-A roof.

You don't have to become an insurance expert — you just need to know where you stand before the dry months peak. A short review now is a lot easier than discovering a gap later.