Wildfire Insurance Cost Calculator
Carriers are dropping wildfire-zone homes — California FAIR Plan is the last resort. Premium scales with CalFire hazard zone, defensible space, roof material, and brush proximity. This estimates by zone.
| Base per $1000 dwelling | — |
| Zone multiplier | — |
| Roof discount/load | — |
| Defensible space discount | — |
| Market multiplier | — |
| Annual premium | — |
Wildfire risk has driven major insurers out of California and Western states. Premium depends on CalFire WUI zone, roof material, defensible space, and which market you're in (private vs surplus lines vs FAIR Plan).
CalFire Wildland-Urban Interface Zones
CalFire maps every parcel into Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Very High = 3-5× the premium of non-WUI. Maps updated 2024 — homeowners can appeal designation with mitigation evidence.
Defensible Space Requirements
California Public Resources Code §4291 requires 100ft of defensible space: Zone 0 (0-5ft, ember-resistant), Zone 1 (5-30ft, lean/green), Zone 2 (30-100ft, reduced fuel). Insurers verify compliance via aerial/in-person inspection — non-compliance = non-renewal.
Roof and Building Hardening
Class A roof (metal, clay tile, slate, composition shingle) is mandatory in High/Very High zones for new construction. Wood shake roofs add 40-80% to premium where insurance is available at all. Ember-resistant vents, double-pane windows, and Class A siding earn 10-25% discounts.
FAIR Plan and DIC Policies
FAIR Plan = California's insurer-of-last-resort for properties unable to find private coverage. Caps at $3M dwelling, fire-only (no liability, theft, water damage). Most FAIR policyholders add a Difference-in-Conditions (DIC) wraparound for full coverage. Combined cost can exceed standalone private by 50-100%.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: California FAIR Plan, CalFire FHSZ Maps.