Home Insurance in LA Fire Zones.

Parts of Los Angeles County face high wildfire risk, and that shows up in home insurance. Some owners find it harder to get or keep coverage. California has created discounts for homes that are hardened against fire, and the roof is near the top of that list.

This page explains how the state's rules work. LA Roof Guide does not sell insurance or roofing. We cannot tell you what you will pay or save.

To see whether your address is in a mapped fire hazard zone, read fire hazard severity zones in LA.

Safer from Wildfires

Safer from Wildfires is a California Department of Insurance (CDI) program. CDI says insurers must give discounts to residential and commercial policyholders who take the listed steps. In CDI's words: "Every action under Safer from Wildfires will qualify you for an insurance discount."

The list of home and yard steps is:

• Class A fire rated roof
• 5-foot ember-resistant zone around the home, including fencing
• Ember- and fire-resistant vents
• Noncombustible material on the bottom 6 inches of exterior walls
• Enclosed eaves
• Upgraded windows (multi-pane) or shutters
• Vegetation and debris cleared from under decks
• Sheds and outbuildings moved at least 30 feet away
• Compliance with defensible space laws

There are also community-level steps, such as a Firewise USA neighborhood or a Fire Risk Reduction Community.

Where the roof fits

A Class A fire rated roof is the first item on CDI's list. CDI says "most roofs qualify including asphalt shingles, concrete, brick, or masonry tiles, and metal shingles or sheets." Wood shake shingles do not qualify. CDI says the Office of the State Fire Marshal keeps the list of tested and approved materials.

CDI's FAQ makes a practical point. When it is time to replace a roof, spending a little more for a fire-rated roof can make your property much safer.

For the building code side of Class A roofs, see Class A roofs and vents.

How big are the discounts?

CDI does not publish a single discount amount. Its FAQ says discounts depend partly on your property and the steps you have taken, and that different insurers may offer different discounts. CDI urges comparing companies.

The FAIR Plan has published its own figures. Its discount sheet, applicable as of November 15, 2025, says Dwelling Fire policyholders who earn all 12 discounts may see up to 16.4% off the wildfire portion of the premium. That is not 16.4% off the whole bill. The FAIR Plan says discounts are subject to change.

How to ask for a discount

CDI's FAQ says that after you finish a mitigation step, contact your insurer or agent and tell them. You may need to show proof, or an inspection may be required. CDI says the savings would show up at the start of your next policy period.

Your wildfire risk score

CDI says insurers typically give a home a "wildfire risk score." Under the regulation, the insurer must give you that score when you apply, before a renewal or non-renewal, and when you ask after finishing a mitigation step. The insurer must explain the score and how you could lower it. CDI says you can appeal the score with the insurer, and if the appeal is denied, ask CDI for help at 800-927-4357.

The California FAIR Plan

The FAIR Plan describes itself as an insurer of last resort. It offers basic fire insurance for properties that cannot get coverage in the traditional market. Its discount sheet calls it "a temporary safety net."

Key points from the FAIR Plan:

• It covers dwellings with up to 4 units, among other property types.
• You apply through a licensed agent or broker registered with the Plan. The Plan says there is no added cost for using a broker.
• The broker should first look for coverage in the traditional market.
• If you need more than basic fire coverage, your broker can look for a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy. The FAIR Plan describes this as additional coverage that adds up to the equivalent of comprehensive homeowners insurance.

CDI's residential guide also says a DIC policy or other supplemental coverage from private insurers should be considered alongside a FAIR Plan policy.

FAIR Plan roof discount

The FAIR Plan's structure discounts include "Has a Class-A Fire Rated Roof (meaning asphalt fiberglass composition shingles, stone, concrete or clay tile, or metal)." The other structure discounts cover enclosed eaves, ember-resistant vents, upgraded windows or shutters, and 6 noncombustible inches at the base of exterior walls.

Non-renewal rules

CDI's residential guide says a written notice of non-renewal must be sent at least 75 days before your policy expires.

After a declared wildfire emergency, the Insurance Commissioner can order a one-year moratorium on non-renewals and cancellations for homes inside or next to the fire perimeter. After the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires, CDI ordered this for properties within the perimeters or adjoining ZIP codes. CDI said the moratorium applied whether or not the home had a loss. CDI's website lets you check whether a ZIP code is included.

Getting help

CDI's Consumer Assistance Hotline is 1-800-927-4357 (TTY 1-800-482-4833). CDI says it can help with issues such as cancellation or non-renewal and unfair underwriting practices.

Related pages

• Back to roof damage and home insurance
• Roof insurance claim steps
• Class A roofs and vents
• Fire hazard severity zones in LA

This page is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Discount rules and amounts change. Confirm with your insurer, a licensed broker or CDI.