The Summer Wild Fire Season is Upon Us, and the Drought Isn't Helping Matters
The wild fires that ravaged the San Diego area earlier this month are a reminder that the California summer brush fire season is already upon us. Fire conditions in the state this year are made worse by the longstanding drought. State and federal agencies are concerned that government budgetary resources may not be sufficient for the rash of fires that could occur this year. Brush and wild fires caused by negligence, lightning, or arson cost California property owners hundreds of millions of dollars every year.
Because of significant risk of property losses caused by wild fire, many California insurance companies have tightened their standards for issuing policies in areas that are susceptible to wild fire damage; areas including Tahoe, Groveland, Placerville, Portola Valley, Grass Valley, Colfax, Mariposa, Lake County, Shasta County, Bernardino King City, Dublin, and Yuba City. Some policies have been cancelled and in other cases premiums have dramatically increased.
The California FAIR Program
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, Pfeifer Insurance Brokers will do everything possible to find an insurer who will meet your insurance needs. We will talk to you about your property location, proximity to and accessibility of fire fighting personnel and equipment, roofing type, brush clearance, and other factors that might have an impact on your property's insurability. But you should also be aware that in the event that you cannot obtain a satisfactory policy for your property, there is a viable option. The California FAIR Plan is an insurance program established in 1968 under California law and is mandated to provide property insurance in circumstances where insurance is not otherwise available. The FAIR Program is not a government entity. It is operated by an association of all property insurance companies authorized to do business in California. Pfeifer Insurance Brokers will help you evaluate whether you are a candidate for a FAIR policy, and if so, we have the resources and experiences to help you obtain FAIR coverage.
Special Considerations with a FAIR Policy
You should be aware, however, that by design a FAIR policy is limited in the coverage it provides. Most property owners will want to supplement their FAIR coverage with a "wrap around" or "differences in conditions" policy that will cover certain losses not included in the basic FAIR policy, including loss of use, theft and liability. We are prepared to discuss these details with you so that you are satisfied that you get the insurance coverage you need and deserve.
We Can Act Quickly
Perhaps you have received notice of cancellation from your current insurer and you know that fire season is upon you. Perhaps you are trying to close escrow and cannot resolve insurance coverage issues. If time matters to you, it matters to us.
Contact Pfeifer Insurance Brokers at 650-762-8087 or alex@pfeiferins.com.