Insurability refers to the assessment by an insurance company of whether an individual or entity is eligible for insurance coverage and under what terms. It involves evaluating various factors to determine the risk associated with providing coverage and establishing appropriate premiums and conditions. Essentially, it's the insurance company's judgment on whether they are willing to insure a particular applicant and under what conditions. 

creation of the wildfire insurance crisis

WILDFIRES CONTRIBUTE TO COSTLY INSURANCE
The rising cost of wildfire recovery and rebuilding are among the reasons home insurers are raising rates, issuing non-renewals and exiting risky locations, which leads to…

HIGH INSURANCE COSTS LEAD TO UNDERINSURED HOMES
In some western states, insurance has increased more than 50% in the last five years. A growing number of homeowners are underinsured or uninsured, which leads to…

THE UNDERINSURED STRUGGLE TO RECOVER FROM DISASTERS
After wildfires, uninsured and underinsured households lack the resources to rebuild, extending the period of displacement, which leads to…

WITHOUT INSURANCE, HOME FINANCING IS UNAVAILABLE
Inadequate insurance leads lenders to deny mortgage applications, reducing home ownership and impacting property values, which leads to…

INACTION RAISES COSTS FOR LOCAL AND STATE BUDGETS
Delays in rebuilding increase the demand for temporary housing and social services, adding billions to recovery costs.
Declines in home values reduce local services such as police, schools, and street maintenance that rely on property tax revenue.
The need for revenues increases the frequency of emergency allocations, unplanned tax increase and may threaten bond ratings.

expand your understanding

The following articles have been curated with the intent to present different perspectives from stakeholders within the greater fire mitigation & insurance community. These articles mainly cover California and the West, however many speak to a growth mindset ideation that impacts all U.S. citizens.

apply your understanding

Creating a culture where applying understanding is encouraged and supported requires a collaborative approach and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. By focusing on these principles, you can effectively empower individuals and teams to translate their knowledge into meaningful actions and achieve greater success. 

SAVING MONEY & IMPROVING INSURABILITY
Implementing wildfire mitigation measures can reduce potential damage and rebuild costs, and may even improve insurability or reduce insurance premiums in some cases.

INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS OF MITIGATION EFFORTS
Knowing the latest research and best practices allows homeowners to choose the most impactful upgrades for their specific situation, whether it's creating defensible space, selecting fire-resistant building materials, or installing fire suppression systems.

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE & SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Engaging with community wildfire protection plans and collaborating with neighbors to reduce risk fosters a more resilient and fire-adapted community, increasing the collective chance of survival during a wildfire event.

EMPOWERMENT & PEACE OF MIND
Being informed and taking proactive steps can provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety in the face of wildfire threats.

STAYING UP-TO-DATE WITH REGULATIONS & INCENTIVES
Wildfire mitigation regulations and incentive programs are constantly evolving, especially in high-risk areas like California. Staying informed helps homeowners comply with local regulations and leverage available resources.