Before You Renew Your Home Insurance, Check the Wildfire Fine Print
Most homeowners renew insurance the same way they renew a subscription: check the price, wince if it went up, then move on. In Northern Nevada, there is a better question to ask this year: What exactly does the policy cover if a wildfire reaches your neighborhood?
Nevada law now allows a property insurer to exclude the peril of wildfire from a policy and allows wildfire coverage to be sold separately. An insurer cannot simply make that change casually; state regulators have said a carrier must file for approval before using a wildfire exclusion. Earlier in 2026, Nevada’s insurance commissioner told lawmakers that no carrier had done so at that time. That is reassuring — but it is not a reason to skip the fine print on your own current renewal.
1. Start with the declarations page
The declarations page is the fastest snapshot of what you are buying: the property insured, coverage limits, deductibles, premium and major endorsements. Compare it with last year’s version.
If something changed, circle it. Do not assume a higher premium means broader coverage, or that a similar premium means the terms stayed the same.
2. Ask one direct question: “Is wildfire covered?”
Do not settle for “fire is covered.” Nevada law distinguishes the peril of wildfire, so ask specifically whether your current policy includes wildfire and whether the renewal adds any wildfire exclusion or limitation.
If the answer is yes, ask the agent or carrier to show you where that coverage appears in the policy. If the answer is no or limited, ask what replacement or standalone options are available before the existing policy ends.
3. Review the deductible and your out-of-pocket exposure
A policy can technically cover a loss and still leave you with a much larger bill than expected. Check the deductible that would apply to a wildfire claim and whether any special deductible or endorsement changes the amount you would pay.
Also review your dwelling limit and other-structures coverage. Rebuilding after a major regional fire can cost more than a normal construction project because labor and materials are suddenly in demand across the same area.
4. Check temporary-living coverage
If a home is damaged or a neighborhood is evacuated, the immediate problem may be where you live next. Look for “loss of use” or “additional living expense” coverage and understand its dollar limit and time limit.
The Nevada Division of Insurance specifically advises residents affected by wildfires to check whether additional living expenses are included. That can matter almost as much as the repair coverage during the first weeks after a loss.
5. Do not cancel one policy until the replacement is active
If the renewal no longer fits your needs, shop before the expiration date. Ask about the full package — wildfire, liability, water damage, personal property, loss of use and deductibles — rather than comparing premiums alone.
Most importantly, do not cancel existing coverage until the replacement is confirmed and in force. A gap of even a few days can become a major problem if a fire or other loss occurs during that window.
The best time to understand the policy is before you need it
Wildfire insurance is not a reason for panic. It is a reason for precision.
Your renewal is the easiest time to verify what is covered, what is excluded and how much risk you would carry yourself. Save the declarations page, ask the wildfire question directly and keep the answer with your policy documents. The goal is simple: if you ever need the coverage, there should be no surprise about what you bought.
Additional Resources
For current guidance and additional homeowner information:
· Nevada Division of Insurance - Homeowners' Insurance - Overview of homeowners coverage, exclusions, premiums, deductibles, and consumer protections in Nevada.
· Nevada Division of Insurance - How to Read Your Home Insurance Policy - A practical guide to reviewing coverage, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and endorsements.
· Nevada Division of Insurance - 2026 Consumer's Guide to Home Insurance - The state's current consumer guide to home-insurance policy forms, pricing factors, and coverage choices.
· Nevada Division of Forestry - Wildfire Preparedness - State guidance on defensible space, evacuation planning, home hardening, and wildfire preparedness.
