Key Takeaways
- Major carriers have reduced California coverage by 85% since 2019, with non-renewals up 31% since 2020
- Properties must comply with PRC §4291 defensible space requirements: Zone 0 (0-5ft), Zone 1 (5-30ft), Zone 2 (30-100ft)
- The 0-5 foot ember-resistant zone is critical - 90% of homes lost to wildfire are ignited by embers
- Documentation is essential: before/after photos, detailed scope of work, professional certifications
- You have 75 days from non-renewal notice to complete mitigation and appeal the decision
- FAIR Plan should be avoided if possible - costs 2-3x more with limited coverage
Did You Receive a Non-Renewal Notice?
You have 75 days to complete mitigation work and appeal. Our step-by-step checklist has helped 72% of homeowners successfully reverse non-renewal decisions.
Typical Mitigation Cost Ranges
Basic Requirements
Enhanced Mitigation
Get Your Personalized Quote
See exact pricing for your property's specific needs
Why Insurance Companies Are Denying Renewals in California
The Current Crisis:
According to the California Department of Insurance (CDI), non-renewals in high-risk areas have increased by over 31% since 2020. Major carriers including State Farm, Allstate, and others have restricted new policies or increased non-renewals in wildfire-prone areas.
Primary Factors Driving Non-Renewals:
1. Increased Wildfire Risk Modeling
Insurance companies now use sophisticated catastrophe models that factor in climate change, vegetation density, wind patterns, and historical fire data. Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) or State Responsibility Areas (SRA) face the highest scrutiny.
2. Reinsurance Pressures
Global reinsurers have increased California wildfire rates by 30-50% annually since 2017. This forces primary insurers to reduce their exposure in high-risk areas.
3. Regulatory Constraints
While California's Proposition 103 limits rate increases, insurers respond by tightening underwriting standards and non-renewing properties that don't meet enhanced criteria.
4. Lack of Documented Mitigation
Properties without verified defensible space or home hardening improvements are increasingly viewed as uninsurable by standard carriers.
Important Protection: The CDI provides a one-year moratorium on non-renewals following declared wildfire emergencies in affected ZIP codes. Check the CDI moratorium list to see if your area is protected.
California's Defensible Space Requirements (PRC 4291)
California Public Resources Code Section 4291 establishes mandatory defensible space requirements for properties in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). These requirements are not just recommendations—they're law, and insurance companies use them as baseline underwriting criteria.
The Two-Zone System Required by Law:
Zone 1: 0-30 Feet from Structures
- Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds
- Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from yard, roof, and gutters
- Trim trees regularly to keep branches at least 10 feet from chimneys and other trees
- Remove branches that hang over the roof
- Keep woodpiles at least 30 feet from structures
- Remove or prune flammable plants near windows
- Remove vegetation and items that could catch fire from around and under decks
Zone 2: 30-100 Feet from Structures (or to property line)
- Cut annual grass down to maximum 4 inches
- Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees
- Create vertical spacing between grass, shrubs, and trees (remove "ladder fuels")
- Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches (up to 4 inches deep allowed)
Legal Authority: According to CAL FIRE's official guidance atReady for Wildfire, "Defensible space is required by law" and local fire departments can conduct inspections and issue citations for non-compliance.
The Critical 0-5 Foot Ember-Resistant Zone
Why This Zone Matters Most:
Research shows that up to 90% of homes lost in wildfires are ignited by wind-blown embers, not direct flame contact. The 0-5 foot zone is where embers accumulate and ignite combustible materials that can then spread fire to your home.
CAL FIRE's Ember-Resistant Zone Requirements:
Must Remove:
- • Combustible mulch (wood chips, bark)
- • Dead vegetation of any type
- • Dry leaves and pine needles
- • Firewood and lumber
- • Combustible patio furniture
- • Flammable plants under windows
- • Anything stored under decks/porches
Can Use Instead
- • Rock mulch, decomposed granite
- • Concrete or brick pavers
- • Well-irrigated lawn (under 3")
- • Low-growing groundcover
- • Non-combustible deck boards
- • Metal patio furniture
- • Hardscape features
Official Guidance: CAL FIRE's ember-resistant zone guidance is available atReady for Wildfire - Ember Resistant Zone. While full statewide implementation is pending, many insurance companies already require these measures for renewal.
Home Hardening Requirements Insurance Companies Check
Beyond defensible space, insurers increasingly evaluate structural vulnerabilities. These requirements align with California Building Code Chapter 7A for new construction in WUI areas and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Prepared Home standards.
Critical Components Insurers Evaluate:
Vents
Requirement: 1/8" or smaller mesh screening
- Prevents ember entry into attics/crawl spaces
- Special baffled vents provide added protection
- All vents should be inspected and upgraded
Roofing
Requirement: Class A fire-rated materials
- Composition shingle, metal, clay, or concrete
- No wood shake roofs (often automatic denial)
- Keep clear of debris accumulation
Gutters
Requirement: Regular cleaning + guards
- Metal gutter guards prevent debris buildup
- Non-combustible gutter materials preferred
- Document cleaning schedule
Eaves & Soffits
Requirement: Enclosed/protected design
- Box in open eaves where possible
- Use ignition-resistant materials
- Seal gaps that collect embers
Windows
Preferred: Dual-pane, tempered glass
- Reduces breakage from heat exposure
- Remove combustible window screens during fire season
- Clear vegetation from around windows
Fencing
Requirement: Non-combustible within 5 feet
- Replace wood fencing attached to home
- Use metal, masonry, or composite materials
- Create breaks in continuous fencing
Reference Standards: These requirements align withCalifornia Building Code Chapter 7Aand the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designation program.
Documentation That Insurance Companies Accept
The Power of Proper Documentation:
Clear, organized documentation can be the difference between renewal and non-renewal. Insurance underwriters need to see verifiable proof of your mitigation efforts, not just promises or descriptions.
Essential Documentation Package Components:
1. Before and After Photos
Requirements:
- Date-stamped images showing clear improvement
- Multiple angles: all sides of home, 0-5 ft zone, 30 ft zone, 100 ft zone
- Close-ups of specific improvements (vents, gutters, cleared areas)
- Wide shots showing overall defensible space
Pro Tip: Use a consistent photo point system - mark spots where you take photos so you can show the same view over time.
2. Detailed Scope of Work
Must Include:
- Itemized list of all mitigation measures completed
- Specific materials used (e.g., "Vulcan 1/8" ember-resistant vents")
- Square footage/linear footage of areas cleared or modified
- Dates work was performed
- Contractor information if professionally done
3. Professional Certifications
Valuable Additions:
- Fire department inspection reports (if available)
- Contractor licenses and insurance certificates
- Receipts for materials and labor
- Local fire safe council assessments
- Third-party wildfire assessment reports
4. Maintenance Records
Ongoing Documentation:
- Annual defensible space maintenance log
- Gutter cleaning receipts (minimum twice yearly)
- Tree trimming invoices
- Vegetation management schedule
Documentation Submission Tips:
- Create a PDF portfolio with clear sections and labels
- Include a one-page executive summary listing all improvements
- Keep file sizes reasonable (compress photos if needed)
- Submit through your agent for proper routing to underwriting
- Keep copies of everything submitted
- Follow up if you don't receive confirmation within 10 business days
Critical Timelines and Deadlines
Time-Sensitive Process:
California law requires specific notice periods for non-renewals and cancellations. Understanding these timelines is crucial for protecting your coverage.
California Insurance Timeline Requirements:
Non-Renewal Notice: 75 Days
Per California Insurance Code, insurers must provide at least 75 days notice before non-renewing a policy. This gives you time to complete mitigation work and submit documentation for reconsideration.
Cancellation Notice: 20-30 Days
For policies in effect less than 60 days: 10 days notice required. For policies in effect more than 60 days: 30 days notice required for specific reasons (non-payment, fraud, increased hazard).
Moratorium Protection: 1 Year
Following a declared wildfire emergency, affected ZIP codes receive one-year protection from non-renewal. Check the CDI moratorium database regularly.
Your Action Timeline Upon Receiving Non-Renewal Notice:
Days 1-7: Initial Response
Contact your agent, request specific reasons for non-renewal, schedule property assessment
Follow our complete Day 1-3 action plan →Days 8-30: Mitigation Work
Complete defensible space clearing, install required improvements, document all changes
Days 31-45: Documentation Submission
Submit complete documentation package, request reconsideration, follow up with underwriting
Days 46-60: Alternative Coverage
If reconsideration denied, shop for alternative coverage, consider surplus lines, prepare FAIR Plan application
Days 61-75: Finalize Coverage
Secure new coverage before expiration, ensure no lapse in coverage, document transition
Understanding and Avoiding the California FAIR Plan
The California FAIR Plan is the state's insurer of last resort, providing basic fire insurance when no other coverage is available. While it ensures you can get some coverage, it comes with significant limitations and higher costs.
FAIR Plan Limitations:
- Coverage Gaps: Only covers fire, not comprehensive perils like theft, liability, or water damage
- Higher Costs: Often 2-3x more expensive than standard insurance for equivalent coverage
- Coverage Limits: Maximum dwelling coverage of $3 million (may be insufficient for many homes)
- Separate Policies Required: Need additional "wrap-around" policy (DIC) for full protection
- Stricter Requirements: May require more extensive mitigation than standard carriers
Strategies to Avoid FAIR Plan:
Complete Mitigation Before Non-Renewal
Don't wait for the notice - proactive mitigation can prevent non-renewal entirely
See our step-by-step checklist →Work with Independent Agents
They have access to multiple carriers and surplus lines markets
Consider Surplus Lines
Non-admitted carriers may offer coverage when admitted carriers won't
Document Everything
Comprehensive mitigation documentation opens more insurance options
Join Community Efforts
Firewise communities and neighborhood-wide mitigation can improve insurability
FAIR Plan Information: Learn more at theCalifornia FAIR Plan Associationor through the CDI FAIR Plan guide.
Your Insurance Renewal Action Checklist
Complete Step-by-Step Checklist Available
We've created a comprehensive action checklist that walks you through exactly what to do after receiving a non-renewal notice. The checklist covers immediate actions, documentation requirements, and critical deadlines.
Get Our Detailed Non‑Renewal Response Checklist
Time is critical when you receive a non-renewal notice. Our step-by-step checklist helps you:
Expert Resources and Official Links
California State Resources
- CAL FIRE - Ready for Wildfire
Official wildfire preparedness guidance
- California Department of Insurance
Consumer protection and insurance regulations
- Office of the State Fire Marshal
Building codes and WUI requirements
Industry Standards & Research
- IBHS Wildfire Research
Science-based mitigation strategies
- NFPA Firewise USA
Community wildfire preparedness
- FEMA WUI Resources
Federal wildfire mitigation guidance
Easy Process. Better Technology. Happy Customers.
"My ready score went from a 4.0 to a 8.0. I am speaking with my insurance company to see if I can get coverage reinstated and if they offer a discount."
Ron
San Diego, CA
"From start to finish our process has been super smooth. Love the that I can get actual quotes online and talk to a real human right away."
Eugenia
Sacramento, CA
"They did a nice job and it was clean. They installed everything quickly and it was better than expected. I like that they'll come out and check on it every year."
Michael
San Diego, CA
"The installation team was professional and efficient. I get the peace of mind knowing I am more prepared for yet another wildfire season this year"
Jennifer
Los Angeles, CA
Need Professional Help?
Don't navigate insurance requirements alone. Our certified wildfire mitigation specialists can assess your property, complete necessary improvements, and provide the documentation your insurance company needs.
Professional assessment • Documentation package • Insurance liaison support