Risk Scores & Insurance
Wildfire Risk Scores and Your Insurance
Insurance companies use wildfire risk scores to make underwriting decisions. Understanding how these scores work — and what you can do to improve yours — is essential for homeowners in high-risk areas.
Wildfire risk scores have become a central tool in insurance underwriting decisions across the western United States. Companies like Verisk and CoreLogic provide carriers with property-level risk scores that combine dozens of data points — location, vegetation, slope, construction type, and more — into a single number that influences whether a carrier will write your policy, at what premium, and with what conditions.
Insure Pacific helps homeowners understand their wildfire risk scores, identify which factors are driving their score, and take steps to improve their insurability. As an independent agency with access to specialty markets, we also know which carriers are more or less sensitive to specific risk factors — allowing us to match your property with the markets most likely to offer favorable terms.
For a free assessment of your property's wildfire risk profile and insurance options, call Insure Pacific at (541) 238-7775 or request a free quote online.
How Wildfire Risk Scores Work
Wildfire risk scores are composite measures that combine multiple data inputs to estimate the probability and potential severity of wildfire damage to a specific property. The two most widely used commercial risk scoring systems are Verisk's FireLine and CoreLogic's Wildfire Risk Score. Both systems are used by insurance carriers to make underwriting decisions, though the specific factors and weightings differ between systems.
Location-based factors are the most heavily weighted components of wildfire risk scores. These include the property's proximity to wildland vegetation (forest, brush, grassland), the type and density of surrounding vegetation, local slope (fire spreads faster uphill), historical fire frequency in the area, and the property's position within state and federal wildfire risk maps. These factors are largely fixed and cannot be changed by the homeowner.
Property-specific factors that can be influenced by the homeowner include construction type (roof material, siding material, deck material), defensible space (vegetation clearance within 30–100 feet of the structure), and the presence of ember-resistant features (vents, gutters, eaves). Some risk scoring systems also consider the age and condition of the roof, the presence of a fire suppression system, and the property's distance from a fire hydrant or fire station.
State wildfire risk maps — including California's Fire Hazard Severity Zone map, Oregon's wildfire risk map, and similar systems in other states — are also used by carriers in underwriting decisions. Properties in the highest risk categories on these maps face the greatest insurance challenges, regardless of their commercial risk score.
Key Factors in Wildfire Risk Scores
How Risk Scores Affect Your Insurance Options
Understanding the relationship between your risk score and your insurance options.
Low Risk Score (0–25)
Standard admitted carriers typically write properties with low risk scores at standard rates. Multiple carriers compete for your business, keeping premiums competitive.
Moderate Risk Score (26–50)
Standard carriers may write with conditions (roof requirements, defensible space documentation) or at higher premiums. Some carriers begin to decline at this level.
High Risk Score (51–75)
Many standard carriers decline. Surplus lines and specialty wildfire insurers become the primary options. Premiums increase significantly.
Very High Risk Score (76–100)
Most standard carriers decline. Surplus lines and specialty markets are the primary options. State FAIR Plans may be the only admitted market option.
Score Improvement Strategies
Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, documented defensible space, and state wildfire preparedness certifications can improve your score with some systems.
Carrier-Specific Sensitivity
Different carriers weight risk factors differently. An independent agent can identify which carriers are most favorable for your specific risk profile.
Why Homeowners Choose Insure Pacific for High-Risk Properties
Risk score expertise, specialty market access, and independent advocacy for homeowners in high-risk areas.
Risk Profile Analysis
We help homeowners understand their wildfire risk score, identify which factors are driving their score, and develop strategies for improvement.
Carrier-Specific Knowledge
We know which carriers are more or less sensitive to specific risk factors — allowing us to match your property with the most favorable markets.
Specialty Market Access
We have relationships with surplus lines carriers and specialty wildfire insurers that write high-risk properties that standard carriers decline.
Risk Mitigation Guidance
We advise on which improvements have the greatest impact on your risk score and insurability with specific carriers.
Independent Advocacy
We work for you, not for any insurance company — giving us the freedom to shop your risk across multiple markets.
50+ Carrier Access
We shop admitted carriers, surplus lines markets, and specialty wildfire insurers — finding coverage where others cannot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about wildfire risk scores and insurance
More Wildfire Insurance Resources
Explore wildfire insurance by state and learn more about managing your coverage.
Get in Touch
Ready to protect what matters most? Contact us today for a no-obligation insurance review. Our experienced agents are here to help you find the right coverage for your needs.
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