CALIFORNIA FIRES - What Every California Homeowner Needs to Know Now

Hold Local Politicians Accountable

Don’t wait until it's too late—communities need to take action now. Reach out to your local politicians, fire chiefs, and city officials to ask crucial questions about fire preparedness.

• What is our current fire budget? Has it been cut recently?
• Does the local fire department have the resources it needs?
• Are the reservoirs adequately filled? Have hydrants been tested for pressure?

A lack of water and firefighting resources has significantly worsened damage during past fires. Large cities like Los Angeles have exposed how poor planning can leave residents vulnerable. While no one can stop fires entirely, simple measures—like fully stocked reservoirs and functioning hydrants—can minimize destruction and save lives. Band together with your neighbors to demand better preparedness from those in charge.

Review Your Home Insurance Today

Many people assume their insurance is active because they’re paying for it through their mortgage company. But mistakes can happen. Your policy may have been canceled, or coverage gaps could leave you financially exposed.

Here’s what you should do:

• Log in to your insurance provider’s site or call them to confirm your policy is active.
• Verify every aspect of your coverage, including fire protection, rebuilding costs, and any limits.

In case disaster strikes, being underinsured could leave you unable to rebuild, as we saw in devastating events like the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa. A lot of homeowners learned too late that their policies weren’t sufficient to cover the high costs of rebuilding. Don’t take that risk—confirm your protection now.

Use Video to Document Your Home

If you wouldn’t trust your memory to recall every valuable item in your home, don’t rely on it during an insurance claim. Take 10 minutes every year to record a thorough video walkthrough of your home.

• Walk through every room, including closets, drawers, and cabinets.
• Point out major items: furniture, electronics, appliances, and upgrades.
• Mention brand names or approximate costs where possible.

Videos are gold during insurance claims. They prevent lowball offers and help you recover the full value of your belongings. Whether it’s a toaster, sofa, or marble countertops, a visual record ensures accuracy.

Tell Your Insurer About Home Upgrades

Have you remodeled a bathroom, upgraded your floors, or added new features to your home? If so, your insurance policy may no longer reflect your home’s true rebuilding costs.

Notify your insurance company about any major upgrades. They’ll adjust your policy to ensure you’re covered for the full cost of rebuilding. This proactive step can save you from heartbreaking underinsurance situations where rebuilding becomes unaffordable.

Rising Insurance Challenges in California

California’s history of wildfires isn’t new, but recent years have seen insurance companies pulling out of certain high-risk areas. Premiums are spiking, and the California FAIR Plan—a last resort option for fire-prone regions—is now covering more people than ever.

If you’re shopping for a home, always get an updated insurance quote before making an offer. Fires can change what’s insurable and how much it’ll cost. In some cases, properties outside fire zones are now facing evacuation warnings, which proves fire maps aren’t as reliable as they once were.

Housing Market Impacts: What to Expect

When major fires hit, housing supply shrinks. Some homeowners can’t or won’t rebuild, choosing to sell instead. Others seek homes nearby, adding competition to an already tight housing market.

This reduced inventory leads to higher home prices and rising rents. Displaced residents often need temporary rentals, driving demand and pushing rental prices through the roof. Unfortunately, this also puts pressure on middle- and lower-income families who may be priced out of their communities.

If you’ve been thinking of selling your home in California and moving out of state, this may be your opportunity. Post-fire price increases can significantly boost your selling price.

Tips for Buyers in Fire-Affected Areas

Buying a home in California was already challenging, but fires add another layer of complexity:

• Get updated insurance quotes before making an offer. Rates can be dramatically higher after a fire.
• Be prepared for delays. Lenders, insurers, and title companies often pause transactions until fire containment is achieved.
• Understand appraisal restrictions. Even if a fire isn’t near your prospective home, lenders may still require additional inspections.

Patience is key. Fires shake up the real estate market temporarily, but thorough preparation can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Steps to Take if Your Home Was Affected

If your home was damaged or destroyed, follow these steps to protect yourself financially:

1. File a claim with your insurance company immediately. Avoid filing for minor costs like hotel stays unless absolutely necessary—small claims can negatively impact your insurability later.
2. Document everything. Create a detailed list of lost items, including costs and condition. Dig through receipts, credit card statements, and photos to provide proof.
3. Submit a property tax reassessment form. If your home was lost, lower your property taxes right away by filling out the form for your county. Many counties won’t automatically reassess, so don’t wait for them to do it.

Don’t forget to keep paying your mortgage, property taxes, and insurance premiums even if your home is gone. These payments ensure that insurance funds will be properly disbursed, either for rebuilding or paying off your mortgage.

Watch Out for Fraud

Sadly, post-fire fraud is common, and scammers often target those who don’t have a mortgage. If an out-of-state contractor promises to rebuild your home quickly, proceed with caution. Many of these “too good to be true” deals result in lost deposits and unfinished projects.



If you’re rebuilding, start vetting contractors now and review past fraud cases in your area. For homeowners with mortgages, remember that insurance payouts are managed by your lender. They’ll release funds in stages to prevent fraud.

Rebuilding vs. Relocating

Choosing whether to rebuild or move comes down to personal preference and logistics. Rebuilding in heavily damaged areas can take years due to labor shortages and high demand for materials. On the other hand, relocating allows you to start fresh, but it may mean leaving your community behind.

Before making your decision:

• Research rebuilding timelines and contractor availability.
• Compare insurance payouts to the cost of buying a new home elsewhere.
• Confirm whether your insurer will continue to cover the rebuilt property.

Prepare, Protect, and Persevere

California wildfires are inevitable, but the way you respond can make or break your financial stability. Whether it’s advocating for better fire preparedness, double-checking your insurance, or planning for post-fire challenges, the key is staying proactive.

For those affected, the recovery process won’t be easy, but with careful planning and documentation, you’ll make it through.

Stay vigilant, hold your local officials accountable, and remember—the decisions you make now will protect your future.

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