A Wildfire Prepared Home is a designation awarded by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) to homes that meet strict fire-resistant standards. This nonprofit organization collaborates with leading scientists to test wildfire resilience. In a recent demonstration, IBHS set fire to two tiny homes—one Wildfire Prepared and the other not. The result? The prepared home survived, while the other burned quickly.
How to Get a Wildfire Prepared Certification
To earn this certification, homeowners must follow IBHS’s stringent requirements, including:
- Removing all combustible materials within five feet of the home.
- Creating defensible space to reduce fire risk.
- Following specific construction and landscaping guidelines to minimize exposure.
Once a home is certified Wildfire Prepared, homeowners can notify their insurance providers for potential benefits.
Do Insurance Companies Offer Discounts?
When major insurance providers were asked about benefits for Wildfire Prepared Homes, several offered incentives:
- Mercury, USAA, and Farmers: Provide discounts for certified homes.
- CSAA: Offers a unique advantage by reversing cancellations or committing to insuring a home for three years.
However, it’s important to note that certification does not guarantee coverage, and homeowners must recertify every three years to maintain their status.
Growth of the Wildfire Prepared Program
Since the launch of the Wildfire Prepared Program in 2022, more than 1,200 homes in California have received certification. As wildfires become more frequent and severe, this initiative is helping homeowners take proactive steps to protect their properties and potentially lower insurance costs.
Financing Your Wildfire Prepared Home Upgrades
If you’re considering upgrades to make your home Wildfire Prepared, securing fast and flexible financing is crucial. Traditional loans can take time, but private money loans offer a quick and accessible solution to fund necessary improvements, such as defensible space landscaping, fire-resistant materials, and home modifications.
At Pacific Direct Mortgage, we specialize in providing:
- Fast funding to get your wildfire preparedness projects started immediately.
- Flexible loan terms tailored to your needs.
- Financing options for home improvements, real estate investments, and more.
Protect your home and your investment. Contact us today to explore financing options for making your property Wildfire Prepared!
