Properly Insure Your Home Against Wildfire

One of the most important lessons learned from the Fourmile Fire is that most homes are dramatically and systematically underinsured against wildfire.
A survey of individuals who lost their homes in the Fourmile Fire found that over 60% were underinsured by an average of more than $160,000. This finding is not unique: In wildfire after wildfire throughout the country the problem of underinsurance leads to untold financial hardship.
The common perception among members of the general public is, losing your home in a wildfire is tragic, but at least those impacted have insurance and will be able to rebuild. People aren't aware of the financial hardships that ensue. The biggest shock, however, comes to residents who lose their homes and learn that they are not adequately covered. They have been paying their insurance premiums for years and are satisfied with their insurance company only to learn that their policy just covers a percentage of their losses.