As a proud Del Sur homeowner myself, I understand the unique challenges and privileges of living in this beautiful, tight-knit community. Our stunning neighborhood, with its modern homes, open spaces, and proximity to nature, brings a sense of serenity—but also responsibility. With fire season now a year-round concern, particularly after the devastating Los Angeles fires this month and recent outbreaks in San Diego, I want to share insights to help you protect your home, navigate the evolving insurance landscape, and feel confident in your preparedness.
First, I want to express heartfelt sympathy to anyone who has experienced losses or knows people affected by these fires. The destruction caused by wildfires is deeply personal and heartbreaking, reminding us of how critical preparation and awareness are. Let’s work together as neighbors to ensure our community is as fire-resilient as possible.
Fire Readiness in Del Sur
Here are some key tips to improve fire readiness:
Clear Brush and Trim Trees: Keep vegetation and encroachments away from your property. A defensible space can significantly improve your home’s survivability.
Inspect Eaves: Many Del Sur homes, like my own Valencia built in 2011, have enclosed eaves—critical for reducing the spread of fire to your roof. If your home does not have enclosed eaves, consider upgrading.
Fire Sprinklers and Soaking: Install outdoor sprinklers behind your house and use them to soak your property if a fire is nearby. Combine this with hosing down your home to maximize protection.
Escape Plan: Develop a plan for evacuation, ensuring you have essential items packed and ready.
Review Your Coverage: Double-check your insurance coverage to ensure it reflects today’s market values. Many Del Sur homeowners, myself included, have seen their property values double in recent years along with construction costs.
Lowering Insurance Costs
With wildfire risks increasing, premiums have climbed, but there are steps you can take to reduce costs:
“Firewise” Certification: The Firewise USA® program, led by the NFPA and supported by CAL FIRE, helps California communities enhance wildfire resilience. It fosters collaboration among residents, fire departments, and stakeholders to improve home and community fire resistance, aligning with the state’s wildfire preparedness strategy.
An HOA which has the Firewise Certification, could earn you premium discounts.The discount on the policy may not be huge, BUT, CA Fairplan policy holders will likely see a larger discount due to being in a Firewise Community. Not all Insurance carriers offer this discount either, but it’s worth asking! We notified the Del Sur HOA of this program, and they have since applied to get Del Sur certified!
Home Safety Features: Installing systems like ADT/SimpliSafe fire alarms or hiring a professional plumber to install “Flow by Moen” water shutoff devices can possibly reduce rates by a few hundred of dollars.
Bundle Policies: Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling multiple policies, such as home and auto.
Evolving Insurance Landscape
Wildfires have profoundly impacted the California home insurance market. Here’s what you need to know:
Farmers Insurance Insights: While some companies limited new policies, Farmers Insurance never left California and now writes up to 9,500 new policies monthly. Their reinsurance through Zurich Insurance Group ensures stability even after large-scale losses.
CA Fair Plan Risks: If the CA Fair Plan is overwhelmed by fire claims, it may trigger reinsurance and assessments that could affect all policyholders. Be prepared for potential increases in your premiums if these scenarios unfold.
For Condo & Townhome Owners
If your HOA is underinsured, any shortfalls could result in hefty assessments for homeowners. Check your policy to see if it covers such scenarios. For example, the policies at my condos and townhomes caps assessments at $50,000, covering up to that amount if the HOA issues a claim to owners.
Final Thoughts
Del Sur is more than a neighborhood—it’s a community. By sharing resources and staying proactive, we can mitigate risks and ensure our homes remain safe and insurable. If you have questions or need recommendations for insurance agents or fire-readiness vendors, don’t hesitate to reach out. My experience as a homeowner and real estate professional has connected me with trusted experts, and I’m happy to share those contacts.
Let’s stay informed, prepared, and supportive of one another during these challenging times. Together, we can make Del Sur a model of resilience and readiness.