NEED RELIEF FROM FIRE INSURANCE COSTS? SUPERVISORS APPROVE HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS APPLYING FOR WILDFIRE PREPARED HOME PROGRAM

By Miriam Raftery

November 16, 2024 (San Diego) – By a unanimous vote, San Diego County Supervisors on Oct. 22 authorized the San Diego County Fire Authority to provide a dedicated staffer to assist homeowners with applications to the  Wildfire Prepared Home program.

The program, provided through the Insurance Institute for Business & Home and Safety (IBHS), offers a discount on insurance premiums to homeowners who apply and meet fire safety requirements. To apply, homeowners must pay an application fee of $125 and pass an inspection. Now, County Fire officials can also visit homes to help homeowners assure that they have met the wildfire mitigation requirements.

"Many constituents have reached out to my office with concerns regarding fire insurance,” says Supervisor Joel Anderson. “As the only Supervisor who lives in an unincorporated community, I know first-hand the challenges homeowners face as we have seen our costs and premiums skyrocket. Working with my colleague Supervisor Jim Desmond (District 5) and County Fire, we have partnered together to help make a positive impact at the County level.” 

The Wildfire Prepared Home program is a DIY (do-it-yourself) model where homeowners must independently complete the necessary mitigation steps at their residence. This can be an overwhelming process, which is why Supervisors approved having County Fire’s team assist homeowners in the SDCFPD by offering guidance on SDCFPD regulations, helping with applications, and performing inspections to ensure compliance. 

This program may not be suitable for everyone, but for those who qualify, it is a step in the right direction. 

Those who may benefit most from this program include:

• new residential construction permit holders
• participants in the California Wildfire Mitigation Program (Home Hardening Grant)
• Homes built after the 2008 building code update, which incorporated fire-resistant materials

California is currently facing a home insurance crisis. Many insurers have reduced coverage in wildfire-prone areas, exited the state entirely, or significantly increased premiums, leaving homeowners scrambling to find affordable options.

“While we do not have control over insurance rates at the County level, we can make a meaningful difference by empowering residents to reduce wildfire risks and protect their homes,” Supervisor Anderson concludes.