Recently, CA Fair Plan introduced a new set of discounts: one for Protecting the Structure (10% off), and another for Protecting the Immediate Surroundings of the dwelling (5% off).
If you are eligible for both discounts, the total discount will be approximately 14.5%.
In order to qualify for these discounts, your property must meet the qualifications listed in the letter (see details below). If you think you qualify, you will need to complete DWELLING FIRE SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION for Wildfire Hardening Discounts and send it to your insurance broker. All policies that receive the discounts will be inspected to confirm their eligibility and the discount(s) may be removed if the inspection reveals the property does not qualify.
There is no way to know for sure if you qualify if you are not an insurance inspector or a licensed contractor, and this is why CA Fair Plan would perform an inspection to confirm compliance with their discount requirements.
In the face of increasing wildfire risks, the California Fair Plan is taking proactive steps to help homeowners safeguard their properties. They are offering discounts for implementing specific features and actions that reduce the vulnerability of homes to wildfires. This initiative not only provides financial relief but also encourages responsible homeownership in high-risk areas.
To qualify for these valuable discounts, homeowners must ensure their dwellings meet certain criteria. These include:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- Clearing Vegetation and Debris from Under Decks: This helps eliminate potential fuel sources that could ignite in the event of a wildfire.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 also be in compliance with any state or local ordinances regarding defensible space.
It’s important to note that these discounts can be applied separately or together, providing homeowners with flexibility in how they choose to enhance their property’s wildfire resilience. You do not need to qualify for one discount to be eligible for the other.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of these discounts and fortifying your home against wildfire risks, reach out to your insurance broker. They will guide you through the process and help ensure that your property meets the necessary criteria for eligibility.
In conclusion, California Fair Plan’s initiative to offer wildfire risk reduction discounts is a commendable step towards promoting safer homes in high-risk areas. By implementing these features and actions, homeowners not only protect their investments but also contribute to the overall safety of their communities. Take the first step towards a more secure future for your home today.
*Class A materials include flat or barrel-shaped roof tiles, fiberglass asphalt composition shingles, and metal roofs (i.e., steel or copper). Fire-retardant pressure-treated shakes and shingles are the most common Class B roofing material.
**Non-combustible exterior walls are built with non-combustible materials such as: Brick, Masonry, Concrete block, Precast panels, Metal, Asbestos, Gypsum, Steel, Ceramics, Fiberglass insulation, and Mineral wool insulation.
***Ember-resistant vents are designed to prevent embers from entering a home and catching fire. Embers, or firebrands, are the most common cause of home ignition. They can travel miles ahead of flames and land around the home.
Ember-resistant vents are designed with honeycombs or snake-like patterns inside to block embers from entering the vent system. They also contain high-temperature filters and are made with corrosion-resistant material.
Some examples of ember-resistant vents include:
– Allied Disaster Defense: Designed with honeycombs or snake-like patterns inside of the vent;
– Embers Out: Contain a micro filter design made of either galvanized steel or aluminum;
– Vulcan Vents: Feature Vulcan Technology, a patented self-closing honeycomb matrix that activates when fire is near.
You can also try these methods to keep embers out of your vents:
– Add a wire mesh to the existing vents;
– Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screen with metal mesh;
– Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch.