Am I Covered In the of Case a Fire?

Posted November 25, 2019 in Fire Protection

4 Minute Read

Homeowners and renters who live in a fire-hazard area, such as certain locations in Southern California, are at a greater risk of experiencing a fire near their home.

Amid the flames of a wildfire, the last thing you want to think about is whether your insurance policy covers damage from fires.

If a small spark leads to a disastrous fire, you can feel more at-ease knowing that your insurance policy protects you.

Homeowners, condo and renters personal insurance coverage comes in handy to provide peace of mind in case of an emergency evacuation from smoke or fire.

These policies are in addition to a regular policy, so you would need to add on this insurance coverage to be protected.

General Guidelines for Fire Insurance Coverage

Dwelling coverage can include weather disasters such as rain, storms and fire damage.

Contents or personal property are typically included in renters, condominium and homeowners insurance plans.

Where you live plays a large role in what insurance policy you should get. Houses need to have comprehensive coverage, but what about rental properties and condos?

At Gallant Risk & Insurance Services, Inc., located in Corona, our team of professionals can advise you on what policy they recommend for your situation. Give us a call today at (951) 368-0700 or complete our online contact form to get in touch with one of our experts.

Homeowners

If you live in a house that you own, then your policy can include the home itself, your property, any surrounding units (garage, storage shed, detached structures, etc.) and your personal belongings.

Renters

When renting either a condo, house or apartment, you will not need to carry coverage for the property itself. Most renters insurance policies only include damage to your personal items.

Condominiums

Condo living can become complicated in a natural disaster because the Homeowners Association (HOA) gets involved. Every community has a list of rules and guidelines, but generally speaking, the HOA owns the dwelling and takes responsibility for the walls and ceilings.

Renters and owners of condos are typically responsible for everything inside, including appliances, cabinets, and anything else within the walls.

Preventative Measures to Make Your Home Safer

Taking preventative measures around your home can help avoid all types of fires, at least to reduce the risk of it quickly spreading.

• Clean away brush, dead leaves and excess items in your yard.
• Do not light fires on a windy day or after a dry spell. Always have a bucket of water or a hose ready to extinguish a fire and ensure the ashes are damp.
• Have a back-up plan and emergency kit in case of an immediate evacuation. Know who to contact, where to go, what to bring, and how to get there. Your worst-case-scenario hopefully will never need to be executed, but it helps to have these plans in mind, just in case.
• Have all major appliances inspected regularly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in a safe location, away from heat sources. These should be inspected by a fire department regularly.
• Never leave any fire unattended.
• Properly handle grease and other flammable items, storing them away from any heat sources.
• Prune all trees and plants from your yards, including cutting off dead branches.
• Repair loose or missing roof shingles.
• Secure your important documents in a fireproof safe that can easily be accessed in the event of a fire.
• Select fire-resistant plants or non-flammable options like gravel or sand for landscaping.
• Test your smoke alarms often.
• Use ashtrays or sand for cigarette butts; do not throw them on the ground.

Additional Tips

Scheduling regular maintenance and cleaning of your heating systems and other appliances will ensure that your devices are functioning properly and efficiently, as well as reduce dust and other factors that could cause sparks and potential fires or the breakdown of your machine.

You can read more tips and information at the National Fire Protection Association website or the Ready for Wildfire website.

What About Business Owners?

Fire insurance for business owners can usually cover fire damage through a basic business owners policy (BOP). Discuss your coverage details with your insurance agent to ensure that your business building, all structures, office equipment and inventory are all covered by your policy.

When a wildfire threatens to spread to your home, fire insurance has your back.

Every time a fire erupts in Southern California, it’s good to refresh yourself on how you can help prevent future fires. Taking the appropriate precautions year-round can help decrease the number of fires and ease of spreading fires when one does occur. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.