(800) 253-1482Does Home Insurance Cover Wildfires in Tennessee?
Summary: Wildfire risk is rising in Tennessee, and while most home insurance covers it, high-risk areas may face exclusions. Tennessee doesn't offer FAIR Plans, so residents must shop private insurers, and with two wildfire seasons and year-round risk, reviewing your coverage yearly is key. Freedom Insurance Group helps you compare top-rated policies for wildfire protection, so you're not caught unprepared. Get a free quote today and find the right coverage for your home. Estimated Read Time: 3 mins
The threat of wildfire damage has become a growing concern for residents of Tennessee in recent years. Home insurance does cover wildfire damage for most homeowners with a standard policy. However, in high-risk areas, exclusions may exist, and additional coverage may be required.
How Homeowners Insurance Covers Tennessee Homes From Wildfires
With a standard HO-3 policy, your home insurance will cover wildfire damage in most cases. Damage from house fires that are not intentional is also covered by your policy.
Some insurance agencies will exclude wildfire damage from your policy, especially if you live in an area that has a high risk.
But for the most part, your homeowners insurance coverage will help you restore losses to your home’s structure, personal property, and the other structures on your property, and can even help with living expenses if your home suffers major damage.
Keep in mind that each coverage works together, but there are policy limits that exist, which is why it’s important to maintain the right level of protection as your risks evolve.
It’s recommended that all homeowners in Tennessee renew their risk of wildfires and their home insurance coverage at least once per year.
Note: Personal property may be covered by your home insurance, but vehicles need a separate policy. While a car insurance policy will help you restore your vehicle after damage, you will specifically need comprehensive coverage
Tennessee Wildfire Seasons and Laws
Tennessee experiences two wildfire seasons each year. The Spring fire season runs from mid-February to mid-May, as warming temperatures dry out vegetation, and the Fall fire season starts around mid-October when leaves drop and typically lasts until mid-December.
While these are peak times, wildfires can happen year-round, and the Tennessee Division of Forestry works to protect the state’s forests through wildfire suppression, firefighter training, and arson prevention.
During emergencies, they coordinate with volunteer firefighters and rescue teams. To help reduce fire risks, the state requires a burning permit for outdoor fires between October 15 and May 15.
Tennessee Doesn’t Offer FAIR Plans
Finding home insurance for wildfire areas that are prone to this risk isn’t always the easiest and typically comes with higher premiums.
In many states, residents can enroll in a FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plan, but unfortunately, Tennessee does not offer these options.
Therefore, if you live in an area with a high risk of wildfire, particularly those in counties such as Sevier or Monroe in East Tennessee, you’re going to have to shop through private insurance companies for coverage.
Keep in mind that some home insurance companies may exclude wildfire damage or refuse to issue a policy at all.
Despite these challenges, homeowners should compare multiple insurers, seek wildfire-specific policies or endorsements, and take proactive steps to improve their chances of qualifying for coverage.
Compare Home Insurance Policies to Cover Wildfire in Tennessee
Changing weather patterns and a growing population are only adding to the risk of wildfires in Tennessee. As the landscape changes for residents, homeowners insurance is forced to adapt.
The last thing anyone in the Volunteer State wants is to face the threat of a wildfire, much less without the peace of mind that, should the worst come, their insurance wouldn’t be able to protect them.
Here at Freedom Insurance Group, we only work with top-rated carriers that can deliver affordable protection that’s there when you need it.
Compare home insurance policies that cover wildfire damage from top-rated companies near you. Get a free, no-obligation quote from our tool below or call one of our agents using the number at the top of the page.
