RIGHTSURE Wildfire Risk Guide
Wildfire & Brushfire Risk Q&A
Learn how wildfire and brushfire risk scores may impact homeowners insurance underwriting, renewals, premiums, cancellations, FAIR Plans, and property protection strategies.
Wildfire risk scores are becoming part of the insurance conversation.
Insurance companies may use wildfire and brushfire risk scoring models when underwriting new homeowners policies or reviewing renewals.
Understanding these scores can help property owners better prepare and respond.
Learn More About Brushfire Defense
Explore wildfire defense strategies, defensible space tips, ember-resistant vents, gutter protection, and wildfire insurance program guidance.
What is a Wildfire or Brushfire Risk Score?
Wildfire risk scoring systems are designed to estimate the likelihood and severity of wildfire exposure in a community or around a property.
National Risk Index
FEMA’s National Risk Index evaluates expected building and population loss relative to other U.S. communities using factors like terrain, weather, vegetation, and geographic location.
Insurance Company Models
Some insurance companies use proprietary wildfire models and internal claims data to assess wildfire or brushfire exposure and underwriting eligibility.
Why is my Wildfire Risk Score High?
Some homeowners are surprised to discover their property has a moderate or high wildfire score, especially in suburban or residential areas.
Wildfire exposure can be influenced by nearby brush, terrain, wind, weather patterns, roofing materials, and surrounding vegetation.
Common Risk Factors
- Proximity to high-risk areas
- Dry vegetation and brush
- Wind and weather patterns
- Roofing and building materials
- Terrain and slope conditions
How Insurance Companies May Use Wildfire Scores
Wildfire scores may influence underwriting, renewals, premiums, and eligibility depending on the carrier.
Lower Scores
Lower wildfire scores may help improve insurance placement options and affordability.
Moderate Scores
Moderate wildfire scores may contribute to increased premiums or underwriting review.
Higher scores
Higher wildfire scores may create placement challenges, policy non-renewals, or stricter underwriting requirements.
Received a Cancellation or Rate Hike?
Do not panic. Homeowners may still have options even after receiving a non-renewal notice or major rate increase.
RIGHTSURE’s Famously Friendly Humans help homeowners navigate difficult insurance placements using access to multiple carriers and creative underwriting strategies.
Possible Next Steps
- Appeal the underwriting decision
- Compare different insurance carriers
- Review wildfire mitigation steps
- Explore FAIR Plan availability
- Speak with RIGHTSURE immediately
Ways Arizona Homeowners May Reduce Wildfire Risk
While nobody controls weather patterns, homeowners can take practical steps to help make properties more defensible.
Clean Gutters
🍂Remove leaves, pine needles, and combustible debris regularly.
Clear Vegetation
🌵Reduce dry brush and combustible material around structures.
Protect Vents
🏠Use metal mesh or ember-resistant vent solutions where appropriate.
Defensible Space
🔥Maintain safer spacing between the home and surrounding fuel sources.
Wildfire Risk FAQs
The FEMA National Risk Index is a public tool that evaluates natural hazard exposure for communities across the United States.
Yes. Some insurance companies may use wildfire risk scoring during underwriting or renewal review.
Homeowners may still have options including carrier changes, underwriting appeals, mitigation improvements, or FAIR Plan alternatives depending on the state.
Yes. RIGHTSURE helps homeowners review coverage options, wildfire exposure conversations, and alternative carrier opportunities.