The wildfires sweeping through Southern California are a grim reminder of how quickly disaster can strike, upending lives and destroying homes, businesses, and communities. The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, which have together ravaged tens of thousands of acres and claimed lives, underline the critical importance of preparedness—both in terms of personal safety and financial security.

If you live in a wildfire-prone area, now is the time to ensure your insurance portfolio is up to the challenge of protecting your assets. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Homeowners Insurance and Wildfire Coverage

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover wildfire damage, including:

• Structural damage: Repairs to or rebuilding of your home.
• Personal belongings: Replacement of items lost in the fire.
• Additional living expenses (ALE): Costs like temporary housing, meals, and other essentials while your home is uninhabitable.

Tip: Confirm that your dwelling coverage matches the current cost of rebuilding your home, as construction expenses can skyrocket after disasters.

2. Business Insurance and Wildfires

If you’re a business owner, the losses from a wildfire can extend beyond the destruction of physical property. Essential coverages include:

• Commercial property insurance: Covers building repairs, equipment, and inventory replacement.
• Business interruption insurance: Compensates for lost income during downtime.
• Liability insurance: Protects against claims if your business inadvertently contributes to a fire.

Tip: Review your business interruption coverage for any exclusions related to wildfire damage.

3. Health Insurance During Natural Disasters

Disasters like wildfires can lead to medical emergencies, from burns and smoke inhalation to mental health concerns like anxiety and trauma. Verify that your health insurance plan provides access to critical care in emergency situations.

4. Preparing for the Next Step

Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the current fires, but residents and business owners must act quickly to assess their risks and protect their assets. Here’s how you can take action:

• Document your property: Keep a digital inventory of valuables for easy reference during claims.
• Understand your deductibles: Wildfire claims can have higher deductibles in high-risk areas—know your out-of-pocket costs.
• Stay compliant: Some policies require proactive measures like clearing brush or maintaining fire-resistant landscaping.

Need Help with Your Insurance?

At UWIB Risk, our advisors are ready to help you navigate the complexities of wildfire-related insurance coverage. Whether you need assistance with personal, business, or health policies, we’re here to provide tailored solutions for your needs.

For Homeowners:

We’re here to help you stay compliant with your state’s regulations and can assist in arranging coverage to transfer risks from your shoulders to a trusted insurance carrier.

If your liquid assets are over $3 million, we recommend a complimentary Private Client coverage review with UWIB Risk. This review is designed to ensure you’re fully protected, and it could offer valuable insights into your coverage needs.
Take advantage of this cost-free opportunity to safeguard your assets. Schedule your Private Client Review today!

For Businesses:

Managing risk is a critical part of running a successful business. We’re here to help ensure your company complies with state regulations and arrange coverage to transfer potential risks from your operations to a trusted insurance carrier.

If your business assets or exposures require specialized coverage, consider a complimentary Commercial Insurance Review with UWIB Risk. This thorough assessment can identify gaps in your current policies and provide tailored solutions to protect your business effectively.
Take the first step towards comprehensive protection. Schedule your cost-free Commercial Insurance Review today!

Stay Safe, Stay Prepared

Southern California’s wildfire season is a stark reminder of how critical it is to plan for the unexpected. By ensuring you have the right coverage and support, you can focus on recovery while knowing your financial future is protected.