Part 1: Understand fire ยท Chapter 4
Your insurance
FirePrepper doesn't hold an insurance license. This chapter explains how the pieces work. For your own policy, ask your licensed agent or broker, or the California Department of Insurance (CDI).
How a policy renews
A homeowners policy covers a set period. At the end of it, the insurer renews the policy or chooses not to. CDI says to read your renewal declarations carefully and to review your dwelling limit, the coverage on the structure, at each renewal 1.
Non-renewal and notice
A non-renewal is the insurer's choice not to renew a policy at the end of the policy period 1. CDI says California law requires a written notice at least 75 days before the policy expires, and the notice has to give the reason 1. If the insurer doesn't give proper notice, CDI says your existing policy stays in effect on the same terms for 75 days from the date the notice is sent 1.
After a governor-declared wildfire emergency, CDI says insurers can't cancel or non-renew residential policies for wildfire risk in the ZIP codes listed in CDI's bulletin for that fire. It lasts one year from the declaration 2.
CDI suggests asking your insurer whether any specific actions could keep your coverage. If you think a non-renewal was unfair, you may file a complaint with CDI 3.
The FAIR Plan
The California FAIR Plan is an insurer of last resort. CDI says it's for people who can't get coverage from a regular insurer, and that you should shop the regular market first 4. You apply through a licensed agent or broker registered with the FAIR Plan, or contact the FAIR Plan directly 4.
CDI says a FAIR Plan policy covers losses from fire or lightning, internal explosion and smoke 5. It doesn't cover everything a regular homeowners policy does, such as theft or liability, and CDI says a separate Difference in Conditions policy can fill some of those gaps 5. CDI gives the maximum residential limit as $3,000,000 for all coverages combined, as read on 2026-11-09 3.
Safer from Wildfires
Safer from Wildfires is a CDI program that lists steps for a house and its surroundings. Among them: a Class A fire-rated roof, a 5-foot ember-resistant zone, ember-resistant vents, and moving combustible sheds 30 feet or more from the house 6. CDI says each action qualifies for an insurance discount 6. It also says FAIR Plan policyholders can get a discount on the wildfire part of the premium, and to contact the FAIR Plan for details 4.
FirePrepper can't tell you whether a step will lower your premium or by how much. Your insurer or agent can.
Sources
1. CDI, "Residential Insurance: Homeowners and Renters Information Guide." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/03-res/res-ins-guide.cfm (read 2026-11-09)
2. CDI, "Mandatory One Year Moratorium on Non-Renewals." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/MandatoryOneYearMoratoriumNonRenewals.cfm (read 2026-11-09)
3. CDI, "Top Ten Tips for Finding Residential Insurance." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/5-residential/Top10Tips_FindingResidentialIns.cfm (read 2026-11-09)
4. CDI, "California FAIR Plan." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/200-wrr/California-FAIR-Plan.cfm (read 2026-11-09)
5. CDI, "Home/Residential Insurance." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/5-residential/index.cfm (read 2026-11-09)
6. CDI, "Safer from Wildfires." https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/200-wrr/Safer-from-Wildfires.cfm (read 2026-11-09)