If you live in Idaho, you know that wildfire season is a fact of life. Dry conditions, hot temperatures, and summer thunderstorms create the perfect recipe for fires that can spread fast—sometimes with little warning. While you can't control the weather, you can make sure your home and finances are protected if the worst happens.
Here's what every Idaho homeowner should understand about wildfire coverage before the smoke starts to rise.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfire Damage?
The short answer: yes. Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover fire damage, including damage caused by wildfires. This generally includes:
- Dwelling coverage for damage to your home's structure
- Other structures coverage for detached garages, sheds, or fences
- Personal property coverage for belongings destroyed in the fire
- Additional living expenses (ALE) if you're displaced and need temporary housing
That last one is easy to overlook but incredibly important. If a wildfire forces you to evacuate and your home is uninhabitable, ALE coverage helps pay for hotel stays, meals, and other costs while you're unable to return.
What's Typically Not Covered?
While fire damage itself is covered, there are a few gaps to be aware of:
- Landscaping limits. Most policies cap coverage for trees, shrubs, and plants at a percentage of your dwelling coverage—often around 5%. Replacing mature trees and extensive landscaping out of pocket can be costly.
- Outbuildings with separate uses. If you have a workshop, barn, or structure used for business purposes, it may need a separate policy or endorsement.
- Land damage. Insurance covers structures and belongings, not the land itself. Erosion or soil damage after a fire typically isn't covered.
Key Questions to Ask Before Wildfire Season
Now is the time to pull out your policy and make sure you're not caught off guard. Here are a few questions worth reviewing with your insurance agent:
Is your dwelling coverage enough to rebuild? Construction costs have risen significantly in recent years. If your coverage limits are based on an old estimate, you could face a serious gap between your payout and actual rebuilding costs. Ask about "extended replacement cost" or "guaranteed replacement cost" endorsements that provide extra protection.
What's your deductible? Some policies have separate, higher deductibles for fire or catastrophic events. Know what you'd owe out of pocket before a claim.
Do you have a home inventory? Documenting your belongings—with photos, videos, or an inventory app—makes the claims process much smoother. If everything is destroyed, you'll be glad you have proof of what you owned.
Are you in a high-risk area? If your home is in a designated wildfire zone, some insurers may have restrictions, higher premiums, or non-renewal policies. It's better to know now than to be surprised when your policy is up for renewal.
Simple Steps to Reduce Your Risk
Taking steps to protect your property can also help with your insurance. Many insurers offer discounts or more favorable terms for homes with:
- Defensible space cleared around the home (removing brush, dead trees, and debris)
- Fire-resistant roofing and siding materials
- Ember-resistant vents and enclosed eaves
Check with your local fire department or Idaho's Firewise USA program for specific recommendations based on your property.
Don't Wait for Smoke on the Horizon
Wildfire season moves fast, and so do insurers when conditions turn dangerous. In some cases, companies will pause writing new policies or making changes when fire risk spikes. The time to review your coverage is now—while you still have options.
Want help reviewing your homeowners policy before wildfire season? [Contact us] for a free, no-obligation coverage checkup. We'll make sure you're protected.