Wildfire Season in Central Oregon: Is Your Homeowners Insurance Ready?

Wildfire season is a fact of life in Central Oregon. With dry summers, high desert winds, and an abundance of natural vegetation, the region faces an increased risk of wildfires every year. For homeowners, that means preparation is more than just clearing brush from your yard—it also means reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you’re financially protected in the event of a disaster.

The Growing Risk of Wildfires

Central Oregon has seen a noticeable increase in wildfire frequency and severity over the past decade. Areas near Bend, Sisters, La Pine, and Redmond are especially vulnerable during peak summer months. Even if your home isn’t directly in the forest, embers can travel miles, igniting homes in suburban neighborhoods.

This growing threat makes it essential to understand how your insurance policy responds to wildfire damage and whether it provides adequate protection.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Typically Cover?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage, including damage caused by wildfires. That means your home, detached structures (such as garages or sheds), and personal belongings are typically protected. Policies may also include coverage for additional living expenses (ALE), which helps pay for temporary housing and meals if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

However, not all policies are created equal, and many homeowners don’t realize they’re underinsured until it’s too late.

Key Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent

To ensure you’re prepared for wildfire season, ask your homeowners insurance agent the following:

• Do I have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage?
• Replacement cost coverage pays for the full cost of rebuilding your home using similar materials, whereas actual cash value takes into account depreciation.
• What is the current replacement cost estimate for my home?
• Building costs in Central Oregon have risen significantly. Ensure your policy accurately reflects today’s construction costs.
• Is my personal property coverage sufficient?
• Take inventory of your belongings and update your policy if you’ve made any significant purchases or renovations.
• Does my policy cover landscaping or fencing?
• Fire can destroy more than just your home. Some policies allow you to add extra coverage for outdoor structures and landscaping.

Additional Protection Options

Some homeowners choose to add extended dwelling coverage, which increases your coverage limit by a set percentage—typically 25% to 50%—in case rebuilding costs exceed your base policy. This can be especially helpful if many homes in your area are damaged simultaneously, causing labor and material costs to skyrocket.

Consider fire mitigation discounts as well. Some insurers offer lower premiums if you take steps to reduce fire risk, like installing metal roofs, using fire-resistant landscaping, or maintaining defensible space around your home.

Be Proactive—Review Your Policy Today

Wildfires can strike with little warning, and once evacuation orders are issued, it’s too late to update your insurance. That’s why reviewing your coverage before wildfire season begins is crucial. A quick call to your Central Oregon insurance agent could make all the difference in how well you recover if the worst happens.

In Central Oregon, being ready for wildfire season isn’t just about preparing your property—it’s about protecting your future.

Get an affordable homeowners insurance quote by calling us at (541) 318-8835 or click here to connect with us online.