---
title: Wildfire Brushfire Risk Q&A
description: Learn how wildfire and brushfire risk scores affect homeowners insurance, renewals, rates, underwriting, FAIR Plans, and wildfire defense options RIGHTSURE.
---

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.

[Start Home Quote](https://home.rightrater.co/homequotes) [Talk To A Human](https://www.rightsure.com/staff-directory)

![How Wildfire Risk Score Affects Home Insurance](https://webtricity-assets-2.wbtcdn.com/31de1524-dc77-49cc-bcee-7eab37092034/images/upload/wildfire-risk-score-how-it-affects-home-insurance.0e6d88d790e29414f7c2c33e3dce689981cf9efbb29ecc70601028d42e72fe3a.png)

## 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.

[Learn More About Brushfire Defense](https://www.rightsure.com/wildfire-brushfire-property-defense)

## 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 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

### What is the FEMA National Risk Index?

The FEMA National Risk Index is a public tool that evaluates natural hazard exposure for communities across the United States.

### Can wildfire risk affect my homeowners insurance?

Yes. Some insurance companies may use wildfire risk scoring during underwriting or renewal review.

### What happens if my policy is non-renewed?

Homeowners may still have options including carrier changes, underwriting appeals, mitigation improvements, or FAIR Plan alternatives depending on the state.

### Can RIGHTSURE help with wildfire-related insurance challenges?

Yes. RIGHTSURE helps homeowners review coverage options, wildfire exposure conversations, and alternative carrier opportunities.

[Brushfire Property Defense](https://www.rightsure.com/wildfire-brushfire-property-defense) [Liberty Mutual Home Quotes](https://www.rightsure.com/liberty-mutual-home-insurance-tucson) [Quotes for Home Insurance](https://www.rightsure.com/home-insurance-tucson)

## Wildfire insurance conversations are becoming more important every year.

RIGHTSURE helps homeowners navigate wildfire exposure, underwriting challenges, and coverage options with Famously Friendly Humans.

[Start Home Quote](https://home.rightrater.co/homequotes) [Talk To A Human](https://www.rightsure.com/staff-directory)