Every summer, wildfire season reminds Southern Oregon homeowners just how real the risk is. Whether you live in the hills above Roseburg, along the North Umpqua corridor, or in a rural community in Douglas County, taking a hard look at your insurance coverage before fire season peaks is one of the smartest things you can do.

Step 1: Review your dwelling coverage limits

Construction costs have climbed sharply in recent years. If your policy was written or last reviewed more than two years ago, your dwelling limit may no longer reflect what it would actually cost to rebuild. Ask your agent to run a replacement cost estimate — it takes minutes and could save you from a devastating shortfall.

Step 2: Understand your policy's wildfire exclusions

Most standard homeowners policies cover fire damage, including wildfire. However, some carriers in high-risk zones have added exclusions or non-renewed policies altogether. Read your declarations page carefully and call us if anything is unclear.

Step 3: Document your personal property

Create a home inventory — photos or video of every room, including serial numbers on electronics and appliances. Store it somewhere off-site or in the cloud. This documentation is invaluable when filing a personal property claim after a loss.

Step 4: Know your additional living expenses coverage

If a wildfire forces you to evacuate and your home is damaged, your policy's loss-of-use coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and other living expenses. Know your limit and how long it applies.

Step 5: Consider an umbrella policy

If a fire starts on your property and spreads to a neighbor's home, your liability exposure could exceed your standard policy limits. A personal umbrella policy provides an extra layer of protection — typically $1 million or more — at a surprisingly affordable premium.

Step 6: Work with an independent agent

As wildfire risk has increased, some carriers have pulled back from high-risk areas. An independent agency like Premier Insurance Group has access to multiple markets, including specialty carriers that still write coverage in wildfire-prone zones.

Don't wait until smoke is on the horizon. Call us at 541-672-9414 for a wildfire coverage review today.