How an uptick in wildfires affects the insurance market:
From the Source:
"The recent plague of wildfires in Southern California and in neighboring states seems to have more people checking on their homeowners policies – and more people concerned about the threat of wildfires may be taking some mitigation steps insurers have been harping on for so long.
The fires have garnered ample coverage by the media, and California Gov. Jerry Brown in May said the state is gearing up for its worst fire season ever.
Agents for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. are reporting getting several calls a day that have been spurred by wildfires. Agents usually field a few calls a day regarding coverages, and none related to wildfire concerns, according to the Novato, Calif.-based carrier.
'Agents are getting a lot of calls from policyholders making sure they have the proper coverage,' said Kathleen Stalter, risk services manager at Fireman’s Fund. 'I think it’s human nature to sit back and say ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ and then it happens. I think in a lot of ways it’s a wakeup call to say, ‘OK, it’s time to take this seriously.’'
...Many more homeowners and community leaders have also actively been seeking advice on how to prepare for wildfires, according to the Firewise Communities Program."
Above: California Fire Capt. Mark Miller lights a backfire as he and a crew try to knock down a brush fire near Oriole Court in Carlsbad, Calif., on May 14. Credit: AP Photo/U-T San Diego, Hayne Palmour IV