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What California home insurers look for

Wildfire, insurer by insurer. What we found as of October 11, 2026.

The short answer. Insurers now lean on one standard: the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designation, which requires a clear 5-foot zone. Farmers, for example, writes homes in high fire risk areas only if they meet its Plus level. Every insurer must also offer discounts for safety work, but the amounts vary from under 1% to over 50%. (Analysis of rate filings, January 2026)

How insurers decide

  • A wildfire risk score. Many use outside scores, like FireLine or ZestyAI, not just CAL FIRE's maps. So a home outside a mapped fire zone can still score high. Your insurer has to give you yours and explain how to lower it. (Department of Insurance)
  • Your home's features. Roof, vents, eaves, windows, and the first 5 feet.
  • Proof. Some want an inspection by an approved inspector or IBHS. Others take your own photos and documents. (rate filings)
  • Your neighborhood. Some discounts depend on how close homes are, or on being in a Firewise community.

Insurer by insurer

Rules change often. Use this as a starting point and confirm with your insurer or agent.

State Farm

Takes new customers with the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Plus designation in low, moderate and high risk areas. 5% off with the Base designation, 2% in a Firewise community, taken off the whole premium.

Source: State Farm at a June 2026 WRAP meeting, filing coverage

Farmers

Writes homes in high fire risk areas only if they meet Wildfire Prepared Home Plus. Gives discounts for completing several safety measures. Approved to stay and grow in California.

Source: rate filings, January 2026, CDI, May 2026

CSAA (AAA Northern California)

"My Home Hardening" discount. Says it will not drop a Wildfire Prepared Home certified home for wildfire risk, and will renew it for at least three years. Approved to stay and grow.

Source: rate filings, United Policyholders

Mercury

Discounts up to 37.5% for Wildfire Prepared Home and 50% for Plus, less if homes are close together. Will not restrict new policies for designated homes, with limits. Approved to stay and grow.

Source: rate filings, January 2026

USAA

Combines discounts in a way that can add up to more. Approved to stay and grow in California.

Source: rate filings, CDI, May 2026

Allstate

Filed for a limited return to new homeowners business. Not broadly open yet.

Source: filing coverage, 2026

California FAIR Plan

Up to 12 discounts, up to 16.4% off the wildfire part of the premium. Two are about the first 5 feet.

Source: FAIR Plan, November 2025

What the designation takes

Wildfire Prepared Home requires a noncombustible zone around the home and attached decks. There are two levels: Base, for embers, and Plus, which adds protection from flames and heat. A third party checks the work, and it lasts three years. (IBHS, Department of Insurance)

United Policyholders reports IBHS offers a free online assessment, and a $125 assessment for the designation. (United Policyholders)

What to do

  1. Ask your insurer for your wildfire risk score and which discounts they give.
  2. Ask if they recognize Wildfire Prepared Home, and at which level.
  3. Check your address, then clear the first 5 feet. It counts toward every program here.
  4. Keep dated photos. Some insurers accept them as proof.
  5. If you have been dropped, an independent broker can shop several insurers at once.

Also see How to keep your home insurance in a fire zone.

We are not an insurance company or agent, and we do not recommend insurers. We are not affiliated with IBHS.

Related

Insurance inspectors, non-renewals and the FAIR Plan

Sources