Wildfire Season in the Inland Empire: Is Your Home Insurance Ready?

Living in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire means enjoying stunning mountain views, sunny weather, and a lifestyle that's hard to beat. But it also means living with wildfire risk. Every year, fire season reminds us that the beauty of Southern California comes with real dangers, and being prepared starts with making sure your homeowners insurance is up to the task.

Why Wildfire Risk Is Increasing in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County is the largest county in the United States by area, and much of that land includes wildland-urban interface zones where neighborhoods meet undeveloped terrain. Properties in foothill areas near the San Bernardino National Forest face particularly high wildfire exposure, but even urban areas aren't immune to smoke damage, ember showers, and evacuations.

Drought conditions, rising temperatures, and strong Santa Ana winds have made wildfires more frequent and more destructive across Southern California. For homeowners, this means it's more important than ever to review your coverage before disaster strikes, not after.

What Does Standard Homeowners Insurance Cover?

A standard homeowners policy typically covers damage to your home's structure, personal property inside the home, and liability if someone is injured on your property. Most policies also include additional living expenses, which helps cover temporary housing costs if your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered event.

However, the details matter. Not all policies offer the same level of protection, and some may have limitations or exclusions related to wildfire damage. That's why a thorough policy review is essential, especially if you haven't looked at your coverage in a few years.

Key Questions to Ask About Your Policy

Before wildfire season hits, sit down with your insurance agent and ask these important questions:

Are my coverage limits up to date? Construction costs and home values have increased significantly in recent years. If your dwelling coverage limit hasn't kept pace, you could be underinsured. Make sure your policy reflects the actual cost to rebuild your home, not just its market value.

Do I have replacement cost coverage? There's a big difference between replacement cost and actual cash value. Replacement cost pays to rebuild or replace damaged property at today's prices, while actual cash value factors in depreciation. For wildfire-prone areas, replacement cost coverage is essential.

What about my personal belongings? Your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal items add up quickly. Make sure your personal property coverage limits are sufficient and consider creating a home inventory to document what you own. Photos and receipts make the claims process much smoother.

Am I covered for additional living expenses? If a wildfire forces you to evacuate and your home is damaged, you'll need somewhere to stay. Additional living expense coverage helps pay for hotel stays, meals, and other costs while your home is being repaired. Check your policy limits to make sure they're adequate.

Do I need separate fire insurance? In some high-risk areas, standard homeowners policies may exclude or limit wildfire coverage. If your home is in a designated high-risk zone, you may need to explore the California FAIR Plan or supplemental fire insurance to fill the gaps.

How FOCO Insurance Can Help

At FOCO Insurance, we understand the unique risks that San Bernardino homeowners face. Our team has been protecting Inland Empire families for over 19 years, and we know how to build a homeowners policy that accounts for California's specific challenges, including wildfire exposure.

We'll review your current coverage, identify any gaps, and compare options across multiple carriers to make sure you're fully protected at a price that works for your budget. Whether you're in a foothill neighborhood near the mountains or a more urban part of the city, we'll tailor your policy to your location and your needs.

Take Action Before Fire Season

The worst time to think about your insurance is after a wildfire has already started. Take 5 minutes now to start a conversation with our team. Call us at (866) 315-7564, visit our office at 2075 E Highland Ave, Suite G in San Bernardino, or get an instant quote online.



With over 500 five-star Google reviews, FOCO Insurance is the agency San Bernardino families trust to protect what matters most. Don't wait for the smoke to remind you. Get covered today.