Does Oregon Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfire Damage? What Medford Homeowners Should Know 

If you live in Medford, OR, wildfire season is a recurring risk that must be accounted for. It may be particularly important to understand whether your homeowners insurance applies to damage and costs caused by wildfires.

What Standard Homeowners Insurance Covers

Most standard homeowners policies include fire as a covered peril, and that generally extends to wildfire damage. The Oregon Insurance Code requires every standard homeowners insurer to include wildfire coverage. If a wildfire destroys your home, your dwelling coverage may help pay for repairs or rebuilding. Your personal property coverage may apply to damaged belongings, and loss-of-use coverage can help with temporary housing while your home is uninhabitable. Smoke damage is also typically covered under standard policies.

What the Almeda Fire Revealed

The 2020 Almeda Fire changed the insurance landscape across Jackson County in ways that are still unfolding. Thousands of homes were destroyed or damaged in a matter of days. In the aftermath, several carriers stopped writing new policies in wildfire-exposed areas or increased premiums.

How Wildfire Risk Scoring Affects Your Coverage

Insurers now routinely use their own proprietary wildfire risk models. Factors considered in their models to help determine risk levels and premiums typically include:

• Proximity to fire-prone vegetation and open space
• Local fire department response capacity
• Construction materials and defensible space around your home
• Historical fire activity in your ZIP code

A high-risk score can limit your policy options, raise your rates or result in a nonrenewal notice.

How AIC Insurance Agency - Medford Can Help

AIC Insurance Agency - Medford can help you find policies suited to your property’s risk profile, including options through the Oregon FAIR Plan if standard coverage is unavailable.

Contact AIC Insurance Agency - Medford today to review your current homeowners insurance policy and discuss available options before wildfire season peaks.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.