Has your homeowners insurance been canceled, non-renewed, or declined because your home is in a brush area?
You’re not alone.
Every year, thousands of California homeowners discover that simply living near hillsides, open space, canyons, or natural vegetation can make it much harder to obtain homeowners insurance.
The good news is that you still have options.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we’ve specialized in helping California homeowners insure brush-area properties since 1995. Whether you’re buying a new home, renewing your policy, or replacing a canceled policy, we can help you navigate today’s challenging insurance market.
What Is a Brush Area?
A brush area is a location where homes are close to:
- Natural vegetation
- Chaparral
- Dry grasslands
- Hillsides
- Canyon areas
- Forests
- Open space preserves
- Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones
Because these properties are more susceptible to wildfire, insurance companies often consider them higher-risk.
Why Is It So Difficult to Get Home Insurance in Brush Areas?
California has experienced several devastating wildfire seasons over the past decade.
As wildfire losses have increased, many insurance companies have responded by:
- Reducing new business in wildfire-prone areas
- Non-renewing existing policies
- Tightening underwriting guidelines
- Increasing premiums
- Requiring additional inspections
Even homeowners with no previous claims may have difficulty obtaining coverage simply because of where their home is located.
How Do Insurance Companies Determine Wildfire Risk?
Insurance companies evaluate many factors before issuing a homeowners policy, including:
Location
Homes located near brush, canyons, or open space generally receive additional underwriting review.
Defensible Space
Insurers may evaluate how well vegetation is managed around the home.
Roof Type
Class A fire-rated roofing materials are generally preferred.
Tree Clearance
Overhanging branches and vegetation close to the home may increase wildfire risk.
Slope
Homes located on steep hillsides often present additional wildfire exposure.
Fire Department Access
The distance to the nearest responding fire station and available water supply may also be considered.
Signs Your Home May Be Considered a Brush Risk
Your property may be considered brush exposed if:
- Your backyard borders open space.
- Your home is located on a hillside.
- You live near a canyon.
- There are large areas of natural vegetation nearby.
- Wildfire maps classify your neighborhood as a higher-risk area.
- Your insurance company has requested wildfire mitigation photos.
What Happens If My Insurance Company Non-Renews My Policy?
Receiving a non-renewal notice can be stressful—but it doesn’t necessarily mean your home is uninsurable.
You still have several options.
Option 1: Shop Multiple Insurance Companies
Every insurance company has different underwriting guidelines.
One company may decline your home while another may be willing to insure it.
Working with an independent insurance broker gives you access to multiple insurance markets.
Option 2: Specialty Insurance Companies
Some insurance companies specialize in homes with moderate wildfire exposure.
Depending on your property’s characteristics, these companies may still provide competitive homeowners coverage.
Option 3: Excess & Surplus (E&S) Markets
For higher-risk properties, specialty Excess & Surplus (E&S) insurance companies often provide solutions when admitted insurance companies decline coverage.
These policies are commonly used for:
- Brush areas
- Luxury homes
- Canyon properties
- Mountain homes
- High-value homes
Option 4: California FAIR Plan
If traditional insurance companies cannot insure your home, you may qualify for the California FAIR Plan.
The FAIR Plan provides basic property coverage, including protection against:
- Fire
- Wildfire
- Smoke
- Lightning
- Internal explosion
For many brush-area homes, the FAIR Plan has become an important insurance solution.
Why Most Brush Area Homes Also Need a DIC Policy
The California FAIR Plan provides essential fire coverage, but it is not a complete homeowners insurance policy.
Most homeowners also purchase a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy.
A DIC policy may provide coverage for:
- Water damage
- Theft
- Personal liability
- Personal property
- Loss of use
- Additional living expenses
Together, the FAIR Plan and DIC policy provide much broader homeowners protection.
Brush Area Home Insurance Comparison
| Option | Best For |
|---|---|
| Traditional Homeowners Insurance | Lower wildfire risk properties that meet carrier guidelines |
| Specialty Insurance Companies | Moderate wildfire exposure |
| Excess & Surplus (E&S) Insurance | Higher-risk brush area homes |
| California FAIR Plan + DIC Policy | Homes declined by traditional insurance companies |
Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Approved?
Yes.
Many insurance companies reward homeowners who reduce wildfire risk.
Consider:
Create Defensible Space
Maintain a buffer between your home and surrounding vegetation.
Trim Trees
Remove overhanging branches and maintain proper tree clearance.
Remove Dead Vegetation
Regularly clear dry brush, leaves, and other combustible materials.
Install a Class A Roof
Fire-resistant roofing materials may improve eligibility.
Add Ember-Resistant Vents
These vents help reduce the chance of wind-driven embers entering your home.
Update Electrical Systems
Modern electrical systems reduce fire risk and may improve underwriting.
Replace Older Plumbing
Updated plumbing can help reduce the likelihood of water damage claims.
Buying a Home in a Brush Area?
Don’t wait until the week of closing to shop for homeowners insurance.
Brush-area homes often require:
- Additional underwriting
- Property inspections
- Wildfire evaluations
- Defensible space reviews
Starting the insurance process early can help prevent delays during escrow.
Why Work With Starwest Insurance Services?
For more than 30 years, we’ve helped California homeowners find insurance solutions for difficult-to-place properties.
We specialize in:
- Brush Area Home Insurance
- California FAIR Plan
- Difference in Conditions (DIC) Policies
- High-Value Homes
- Wildfire Area Homes
- Luxury Homes
- Escrow Closings
- Homeowners Insurance Non-Renewals
Rather than relying on a single insurance company, we compare multiple admitted carriers, specialty markets, Excess & Surplus insurers, and the California FAIR Plan to find the best available solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get homeowners insurance if I live in a brush area?
Yes. Although coverage may be more difficult to obtain, many homeowners qualify through admitted insurance companies, specialty carriers, Excess & Surplus markets, or the California FAIR Plan with a companion DIC policy.
Why was my homeowners insurance canceled?
Many insurance companies have reduced their exposure in wildfire-prone areas because of increased wildfire losses and changing underwriting guidelines. A non-renewal does not necessarily mean your home is uninsurable.
Is the California FAIR Plan my only option?
Not always. An independent insurance broker should first compare traditional insurance companies and specialty markets before recommending the FAIR Plan.
Can I lower my wildfire risk?
Yes. Maintaining defensible space, trimming trees, removing brush, upgrading your roof, and completing wildfire home-hardening improvements may improve your home’s insurability.
Do mortgage companies accept the California FAIR Plan?
Generally, yes. Most lenders accept California FAIR Plan coverage, although they often require a companion Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy for broader protection.
Contact Starwest Insurance Services
If you’ve been non-renewed, declined by multiple insurance companies, or need homeowners insurance for a brush-area property, we’re here to help.
We’ll compare admitted carriers first. If traditional coverage isn’t available, we’ll help you explore specialty insurance companies, Excess & Surplus markets, and the California FAIR Plan with a companion DIC policy.
Westminster Office
13752 Goldenwest St
Westminster, CA 92683
📞 Office: (714) 893-7271
📱 Call or Text: (714) 231-0897
📧 Email: james@starwestinsurance.com
🌐 Website: https://www.starwestinsurance.com
Related California Home Insurance Resources
Related California Home Insurance Resources
- California FAIR Plan: The Complete Guide – Learn who qualifies, what the FAIR Plan covers, and when you may need a companion policy.
- What Is a DIC (Difference in Conditions) Policy? – Understand how a DIC or Companion Policy works alongside the California FAIR Plan to provide broader homeowners protection.
- Can’t Get Home Insurance in California? Here’s Every Option – Explore admitted carriers, specialty insurers, Excess & Surplus (E&S) markets, and the California FAIR Plan.
- Home Insurance Companies Still Writing in California – See which insurance companies continue writing homeowners policies and what factors determine eligibility.
- California Homeowners Insurance Crisis 2026 – Learn why homeowners are being non-renewed, how the market is changing, and what you can do to protect your home.
- Can’t Get Fire Insurance in California? – Discover why fire insurance has become difficult to obtain and the solutions available for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas.
- Brush Area Home Insurance in California – Learn why homes near brush and wildfire zones are harder to insure and explore your available coverage options.
- Homeowners Insurance Non-Renewal: What to Do Next – A step-by-step guide if your homeowners insurance has been canceled or non-renewed.
- Need Home Insurance to Close Escrow? – Fast homeowners insurance solutions to help you meet your lender’s requirements and close on time.
- High-Value Home Insurance in California – Specialized coverage for luxury homes, custom residences, and high-net-worth homeowners.