Insurance

The Wildfire Hardening Discounts are designed to extend rewards to policyholders who actively undertake precautions to safeguard their properties against the threat of wildfires.

Discount 1: Protecting the Structure (10% Savings)

This discount revolves around fortifying the fundamental structure of the property. Eligibility hinges on the property meeting precise requisites:

1. Class A Fire Rated Roof: This entails using materials such as asphalt fiberglass composition shingles, stone, concrete, or clay tile, or metal. These roofs have a higher resistance to fire, providing an additional layer of protection for your home.

2. Non-Combustible Exterior Walls: The bottom six inches of all exterior walls must be constructed using non-combustible materials. This helps prevent the spread of fire from the ground up, adding an extra layer of defense.

3. Ember and Fire-Resistant Vents: Approved wire mesh coverings on vents are crucial. These prevent embers from entering the structure through vents, a common entry point for wildfires.

4. Upgraded Windows: Multi-paned windows offer enhanced protection against heat and embers. They are designed to withstand extreme conditions, minimizing the risk of ignition from external factors.

5. Enclosed Eaves: Ensuring eaves are enclosed prevents embers from accumulating and potentially igniting the structure. This small but significant modification can make a significant difference in safeguarding your home.

Discount 2: Protecting the Immediate Surroundings (5% Savings)

Additionally, a second discount is offered when homeowners take action to reduce risks in the immediate vicinity of their homes. To qualify for this discount, homeowners must complete the following actions:

1. Clearing Vegetation and Debris from Under Decks: This helps eliminate potential fuel sources that could ignite in the event of a wildfire.

2. Ember Resistant Zone: A five-foot zone must be cleared around the dwelling, including any fencing within this area. This creates a buffer zone that helps prevent embers from reaching the home.

3. Safe Distance for Outbuildings: Any combustible sheds and other outbuildings must be positioned more than 30 feet away from the main dwelling. This reduces the risk of fire spreading between structures.

4. Trimmed Trees and Defensible Space Compliance: Trees surrounding the dwelling should be adequately trimmed, and any brush or debris removed from the yard. The property must be in compliance with any state or local ordinances regarding defensible space.

 Discount 3: Firewise community Discount (10% Savings)

For homes in recognized Firewise USA® Communities in good standing. 

Eligibility Verification and Cautionary Note

A crucial point to bear in mind is that eligibility verification is conducted through property inspections. Discounts are subject to potential withdrawal if the property falls short of the qualifying criteria. To renew your policy, the insurance agency will request multiple pictures showing all four sides of your home. Each picture must be timestamped, include the roofline, and cannot be edited. Beyond this, some agencies utilize drone footage instead of sending an inspector.

To have a clear understanding of fire hazards you may face on your property, I suggest you request a free inspection with Santa Cruz Fire Safe Council. The Hazardous Inspection Zone (HIZ) inspector will provide you with a plan and help clarify the importance of each action necessary to reduce the threat of wildfire damage to your home. The reports are not shared with SC County. I have both CAL FIRE Defensible Space Inspector certification and HIZ certification. I can provide more information if you have questions about these inspections.

-Lynn