Changes in Homeowners Insurance Coverage in Arizona

Changes in Homeowners Insurance Coverage in Arizona: What You Need to Know

In the real estate world, we've noticed a growing trend where homeowner policies for newly purchased homes are being impacted by increased fire risk assessments. In some cases, homeowners are seeing significant rate increases, which can leave them feeling uncertain about their coverage and options moving forward.

Homeowners across Arizona are starting to experience changes in their insurance policies, particularly those in wildfire-prone areas. While major insurers haven’t pulled out of the state, stricter underwriting practices are becoming more common. Even homes in desert areas are facing increased scrutiny, as the industry struggles with record losses due to wildfire exposure.

Recently, some Arizona homeowners have received notices that their insurance policies won’t be renewed, with the reasoning often tied to wildfire risk assessments. Even properties with minimal vegetation nearby can be affected, as insurers aim to reduce their exposure to fire-related claims. This concern extends beyond rural or forested areas; desert regions with dry washes and soaring temperatures are also viewed as at-risk due to the rising frequency of wildfires.

For Arizona homeowners, this means taking proactive steps to safeguard their properties is more important than ever. Creating defensible spaces around the home, adjusting landscaping to reduce fire hazards, and staying informed on policy changes can help prevent non-renewals or increased premiums. As the insurance industry continues to shift its focus toward mitigating climate-related disasters, staying ahead of these changes is crucial for protecting your most valuable investment—your home.

How to Safeguard Your Property in Fountain Hills

As wildfire risks rise across Arizona, taking steps to safeguard your home in Fountain Hills is crucial. Though our community is not in a heavily forested area, desert fires can spread rapidly, especially through washes or dry vegetation. By following fire safety guidelines and maintaining a defensible space around your property, you can reduce fire hazards and help protect your home from potential damage.

One of the most effective ways to protect your property is by using the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) approach. This method breaks down your home’s surrounding area into three key zones, each with specific actions you can take to minimize fire risks:

Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from your home)

This is the area closest to your home and the most vulnerable to embers. Simple maintenance can significantly reduce fire risks:

• Clear roofs and gutters of leaves and debris that could catch embers.
• Repair any loose shingles or tiles to prevent embers from penetrating your roof.
• Install metal mesh screening on vents and eaves to block embers from entering.
• Remove flammable materials like firewood, mulch, and dead plants from around your home’s exterior walls.
• Clean under decks and porches to prevent the buildup of combustible materials.

Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet from your home)

The goal in this zone is to reduce fire intensity as it approaches:

• Clear vegetation around propane tanks and other structures.
• Create breaks using driveways, pathways, or patios to help slow the spread of fire.
• Prune trees  to prevent ladder fuels from spreading flames into the tree canopy.
• Space trees to keep at least 18 feet between crowns, reducing the chance of fire moving between them.

Extended Zone (30-100 feet and beyond)

In this zone, you want to keep flames on the ground and reduce their intensity:

• Remove dead vegetation and tree debris that could fuel a fire.
• Thin out smaller trees growing between larger ones.
• Keep outbuildings clear of flammable materials and vegetation.

By creating a defensible space and keeping up with these fire safety practices, you not only protect your home but also help lower your wildfire risk profile, which could potentially improve your standing with insurance companies. With the growing scrutiny of fire-prone areas, it’s essential to stay proactive in maintaining a fire-safe property here in Fountain Hills.