As wildfires continue to increase in both frequency and intensity across California, property owners—especially landlords—are finding it harder to navigate the insurance landscape. What once seemed like an uncommon natural disaster has now become a seasonal certainty. The implications for property insurance are serious: rising premiums, dropped policies, and stricter requirements.

At CSIA (California Specialty Insurance Agency), we understand how devastating and disruptive these changes can be for landlords. That’s why we’re committed to helping property owners understand the evolving risk—and to offering insurance solutions that help protect what you’ve worked hard to build.

If you’re a landlord in California, this blog will help you understand how wildfire season is impacting your insurance options, what you can do to reduce risk, and how to protect your investment moving forward. Let’s dive into how you can stay ahead of the flames.

Why Wildfires Are Reshaping the Insurance Market

Wildfire Risk Is on the Rise
California’s hot, dry climate creates the perfect storm for wildfires, especially during the late summer and fall months. With the state ranked among the most wildfire-prone regions globally, insurers are becoming increasingly cautious. In 2024 alone, over 1,050,012 acres burned across California, according to CAL FIRE a stark reminder that wildfire risk isn’t theoretical; it’s real, constant, and growing.

Insurance Industry Response
For insurance companies, more wildfires mean greater potential for massive payouts. As a result, their underwriting criteria have tightened dramatically:

• Premiums have skyrocketed especially in areas near brush or forested land.
• Entire ZIP codes are being flagged as high-risk, prompting non-renewals.
• New conditions and exclusions are appearing in policies like mandatory defensible space, fire-resistant construction materials, and reduced fire damage payouts.

At CSIA, we’ve worked with clients who have faced sudden policy cancellations even without ever having filed a claim. Our role is to help landlords explore specialty markets and risk reduction strategies to stay protected despite these industry shifts.

What This Means for Landlords in California

Higher Costs and Limited Coverage
If you own rental property in regions like the Sierra Nevada foothills, Central Valley, or the suburban edges of Southern California, your current insurance may be in jeopardy. Fewer providers are writing new policies in these regions, and long-standing policies are being dropped with little warning.

Financial and Legal Implications

• Without adequate insurance, you could be exposed to tens or hundreds of thousands in out-of-pocket costs.
• Many lenders require proof of sufficient insurance to maintain or renew a mortgage.
• Some landlords are being forced into state-sponsored insurance plans that offer minimal coverage at maximum cost.

CSIA works directly with California landlords to review existing policies, explain gaps in coverage, and find more comprehensive, cost-effective alternatives.

Wildfire Season Is Now Year-Round

A New Normal for Risk
In the past, wildfire season was limited to just a few months. Today, that season has stretched from early spring through late fall—and in some years, it never fully ends. Persistent drought conditions and record-breaking temperatures have made wildfires a year-round concern, which means landlords need to think proactively, not reactively.

Planning Ahead Is Critical
Defensible space, structural upgrades, and proactive policy reviews are no longer optional. If you wait until fire season hits, it may be too late to get the coverage or approvals you need.

How CSIA Can Help

At CSIA, we specialize in working with California landlords to navigate these complex and rapidly changing insurance conditions. Whether your property is in a high-risk fire zone or you’re simply looking to future-proof your investment, our team is here to support you with:

• Access to wildfire-aware insurers that still serve high-risk areas
• Custom policies tailored for rental property owners
• Guidance on mitigation strategies that can improve your insurability
• Ongoing education and alerts to keep you informed

Wildfires are no longer a distant threat—they’re a reality that California landlords must face head-on. With rising costs, limited options, and increasing requirements, having the right insurance strategy has never been more important.

Let CSIA be your partner in protection.
We’ll help you stay covered, stay compliant, and stay one step ahead of wildfire season.