While we tend to think of wildfires as a risk in California and the Pacific Northwest, even “lower risk” Maryland faces its fair share of fires. Each year, the Maryland Forest Service and local fire departments respond to over 5,000 wildfire incidents, peaking in both Spring and Fall.
Maryland’s dry weather is a key contributor to the formation of field or forest fires. And, due to Maryland’s dense population, wildfires in Maryland can threaten more structures and people than fires in sparsely populated Western areas.
Depending on where you live, your property may have varying degrees of risk of sustaining damage from wildfires. The U.S. Fire Administration maintains an online searchable map for fire rick by community: Wildfire Risk in Maryland – Wildfire Risk to Communities
Even if you aren’t in a high-risk area, you should fully understand your insurance coverage in the event of a fire. Here’s what you need to know:
Does my homeowners’ insurance cover wildfire damage?
Standard homeowners’ insurance typically covers the structure of your home, other structures on your property (like a detached garage or shed), and your personal belongings in the event of fire damage. This includes fires caused by candles, grease, electrical malfunctions (e.g., faulty wiring), wildfires, and lightning. However, a standard policy may not cover all fire damage, including damage caused by nuclear hazards, arson, poor maintenance, or regular wear and tear. Your insurance agent can help you determine if any of these exclusions apply to your property.
What if my policy doesn’t cover fire damage, or I cannot obtain coverage due to wildfires?
Similar to flood insurance, some private insurance companies may exclude or not provide insurance coverage in high-risk areas. It is important to shop around as some insurers may have more risk tolerance than others.
For example, some insurers may be “non-admitted,” meaning they are not licensed in Maryland but can still legally provide coverage, including for “difference in conditions” to help address any coverage gaps. These “surplus lines” brokers specialize in risks that admitted carriers will not cover. All non-admitted insurers must apply annually with the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) to retain their ability to issue insurance policies in the state. You can find a list of eligible insurance providers through MIA’s online Company Search.
What do I do if my home is deemed ineligible for fire damage coverage?
Some insurance companies may not cover damage caused by a fire if they consider your area to be too high-risk based on fire maps or risk scores. If your insurance company deems your home to be in a high-risk area, there are some things you can do to help manage the costs. This includes contacting an insurance professional to discuss your insurance cost and needs, gathering and comparing quotes from multiple insurers, including surplus lines, and obtaining a wildfire-prepared certification from an organization like the Institute for Building & Home Safety.
If you are still unable to obtain insurance in the private market, the Maryland Joint Insurance Association may be able to offer a limited coverage policy, though it may be at a higher cost than private insurers. More information on these policies can be found at JIA Consumer Advisory.
Learn More
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a consumer site for homeowners to reduce their fire risk, called Firewise Living. This includes a Top Ten list of activities for homeowners to undertake, a Home Risk Assessment Checklist, and a Landscaping Fact Sheet.
Also, see Maryland Homeownership’s blogs on Understanding Your Insurance Policy and Why You Need Homeowner’s Insurance in Maryland.
