Wildfire Insurance After a Non-Renewal

A non-renewal means your insurance company has decided not to renew your policy when it expires — it is not an immediate cancellation. Most states require insurers to provide advance notice of non-renewal: 30 days in many states, 60 days in others, and up to 75 days in California for policies in effect more than 3 years. This notice period is your window to find replacement coverage.

Non-renewals due to wildfire risk are distinct from cancellations for non-payment or fraud. A wildfire non-renewal means the carrier has determined that your property's risk profile no longer fits their underwriting guidelines — not that you have done anything wrong. This distinction matters because it affects your options: you are not blacklisted, and other carriers may be willing to write your property.

Your state insurance department may have resources to help homeowners who have been non-renewed. California's Department of Insurance has a non-renewal tracking program and consumer assistance resources. Oregon's Division of Financial Regulation provides guidance for homeowners facing non-renewals. These resources can be helpful, but the most effective step is to contact an independent agent with specialty market access as quickly as possible.

Document your property's current condition before shopping for replacement coverage. Photos, a recent appraisal, and documentation of any defensible space or home hardening work will be needed for applications to specialty markets. Properties with documented risk mitigation improvements are viewed more favorably by surplus lines carriers and specialty wildfire insurers.