As California experiences worsening wildfires and a growing fire season, homes north of Sunset Boulevard – some of the most expensive real estate in the country – have seen rising insurance premiums and insurers refusing to renew policies. On Feb. 14, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) announced new insurance standards for older homes in fire-prone areas to lower the risk of wildfire, lower premiums, and expand insurance coverage. But the standards may not go far enough.
The so-called “Safer from Wildfire” standards lay out upgrades and precautions homeowners should take to reduce their risk of loss. It also includes broader actions that communities should take.
