Triple-I urges wildfire preparedness

The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) is urging preparedness as wildfire season approaches.

The peak of California’s 2023 wildfire season is expected to occur between August and November as an exceptionally wet winter has likely delayed its start, Triple-I said.

However, portions of Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington state face a higher risk of wildfires earlier in the summer, as those states saw drier-than-average winters.

“The US has incurred a significant loss of life and property damage over the past five years due to wildfires in multiple states,” said Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications at Triple-I. “Everyone who lives in a wildfire-prone community should make sure they have adequate financial protection for their property and possessions while also taking steps to make their home or business more resilient to the impacts of wildfire.”

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Triple-I offered the following wildfire-preparedness tips:

• Review your insurance coverage: Damage caused by fire and smoke is covered under standard homeowners, condo, and renters insurance policies. Standard homeowners and condominium owners' policies cover wildfire-related damage to a property’s structure and outbuildings, as well as personal belongings houses in the premises, Triple-I said.
• Cover your vehicles: Comprehensive auto insurance protects vehicles against fire-related damage.
• Make sure your possessions are adequately covered: Residents of wildfire-prone areas should consider the out-of-pocket cost of replacing damaged furniture, electronics and other possessions, Triple-I said. Homeowners insurance, condo insurance and renters insurance provide coverage for loss or damage to personal property due to a wildfire.
• Make your home more resilient: Triple-I’s Resilience Accelerator creates tools to help residents, businesses and policymakers build more resilient communities.

Triple-I recently partnered with the National Insurance Crime Bureau to highlight how homeowners can protect themselves from dishonest contractors in the wake of natural disasters.

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