If you’ve been told that your home is located in a high brush, wildfire, or high-fire-risk area and insurance companies keep declining your application, you’re not alone.
Across California, thousands of homeowners are facing the same challenge. Many have received non-renewal notices from their insurance company, while others are finding that no traditional carrier is willing to write a new policy.
The good news is that you still have options.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we help homeowners throughout California find coverage for homes in brush areas, wildfire zones, canyon communities, hillside properties, and other hard-to-insure locations.
Why Is It So Hard to Get Home Insurance in Brush Areas?
Insurance companies evaluate wildfire risk when deciding whether to insure a property.
Factors they often consider include:
- Distance to brush or wildland vegetation
- Fire hazard severity zones
- Slope of the property
- Access for fire departments
- Historical wildfire activity
- Local weather conditions
- Roof type and construction materials
- Defensible space around the home
Even homeowners with no claims history may be declined simply because of the property’s location.
Option #1: Shop Multiple Insurance Carriers
Don’t assume one rejection means your home is uninsurable.
Different insurance companies have different underwriting guidelines.
An independent insurance agency can often access multiple carriers and specialty markets that may still be willing to insure your property.
Important information carriers often request includes:
- Roof age
- Electrical updates
- Plumbing updates
- Prior claims history
- Property photos
- Defensible space documentation
The more complete and accurate your information, the better your chances of finding coverage.
Option #2: Improve Your Home’s Wildfire Profile
Some homeowners can improve their eligibility by reducing wildfire exposure.
Potential improvements include:
Create Defensible Space
Remove dead vegetation and brush around the home.
Upgrade Roofing Materials
Class A fire-rated roofing materials may improve insurability.
Clear Gutters and Roof Debris
Leaves and pine needles can increase fire risk.
Trim Trees
Keep branches away from roofs, chimneys, and structures.
Install Ember-Resistant Vents
Some carriers favor homes with wildfire mitigation improvements.
While these improvements don’t guarantee acceptance, they may help.
Option #3: Consider the California FAIR Plan
If traditional insurance companies decline your home, the California FAIR Plan may be available.
The California FAIR Plan was created to provide basic property insurance coverage for homeowners who cannot obtain insurance through the standard market.
The FAIR Plan typically covers:
✅ Fire
✅ Smoke
✅ Lightning
✅ Internal Explosion
For many homeowners in brush areas, it serves as a critical insurance solution.
Important: The FAIR Plan Is Not Full Homeowners Insurance
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the California FAIR Plan provides the same coverage as a standard homeowners policy.
It does not.
The FAIR Plan generally does not include:
❌ Personal Liability
❌ Theft Coverage
❌ Most Water Damage
❌ Additional Living Expense Coverage
❌ Broad Homeowners Protection
That’s why most homeowners also purchase a companion Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy.
Option #4: Add a Companion DIC Policy
A Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy is designed to supplement the FAIR Plan.
A DIC policy may provide:
✔ Liability Coverage
✔ Theft Coverage
✔ Water Damage Coverage
✔ Additional Living Expenses
✔ Medical Payments Coverage
Together, the FAIR Plan and DIC policy create protection that more closely resembles a traditional homeowners insurance policy.
What If I Have a Mortgage?
Most mortgage companies require insurance coverage on the property.
The good news is that many lenders accept California FAIR Plan coverage when paired with appropriate companion coverage.
Your lender will generally require:
- Adequate dwelling coverage
- Mortgagee clause
- Continuous insurance coverage
- Replacement cost limits when applicable
An experienced insurance agent can help ensure your coverage satisfies lender requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
My insurance company non-renewed me because of wildfire risk. What should I do?
Start shopping immediately. The sooner you begin, the more options you may have before your current policy expires.
Can I still get insurance if my home is near brush?
Often yes. Coverage may be available through specialty carriers or the California FAIR Plan.
Is the California FAIR Plan expensive?
Premiums vary based on location, coverage amount, construction type, and wildfire exposure. Some homeowners pay more than they would through a traditional carrier, but the FAIR Plan often provides an important insurance solution when other options are unavailable.
Can Starwest Insurance help me?
Absolutely. We work with homeowners throughout California who have been declined, non-renewed, or placed into the California FAIR Plan.
Need Home Insurance for a Brush Area Property?
If you’ve been told your home is too close to brush, located in a wildfire zone, or considered high risk, don’t give up.
We can help you explore available options and determine whether a traditional carrier, specialty market, California FAIR Plan, or companion policy may be right for your situation.
Contact James Cq Banh
📞 Office: 714-893-7271
📱 Text: 714-867-7799
Starwest Insurance Services
13752 Goldenwest Street
Westminster, CA 92683
We Help Homeowners Throughout:
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- Los Angeles County
- San Diego County
- Ventura County
- San Bernardino County
- And all of California
No Broker Fees Since 1995