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If you’ve ever found yourself living in a wildfire risk zone at the height of a long, dry summer, then you know how stressful it is. And it doesn’t help that every year the number of wildfires just seems to increase.
In 2024, an unbelievable 64,897 wildfires were reported, compared with 56,580 in 2023, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center. Per the Realtor.com® wildfire risk data, an estimated 20% of homes worth a total value of $8.8 trillion are currently at risk of wildfire damage.
While homeowners insurance offers some peace of mind for property owners in the path of a wildfire, renters often don’t have the same protections. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be done to protect themselves and their stuff.
First thing: Here’s why landlord insurance won’t protect renters from wildfire loss
Whether you’re renting an apartment, a home, or even part of someone else’s home, the thought might have crossed your mind: Will my landlord’s policy cover my property, too? Unfortunately, even if your landlord has homeowners insurance, that coverage typically won’t extend to your personal property as a renter.
“A landlord’s insurance only covers the structure of the building— not the tenant’s belongings or personal liability,” Jimmie Banta, vice president of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants. “Renters must obtain separate renters insurance to protect their property and cover temporary housing or liability.”
If that’s news to you, you’re not alone. In 2024, roughly 42% of people were projected to be without renters insurance, according to a study by the Joint Economic Committee.
“Many renters still mistakenly believe their landlord’s policy covers their belongings,” says Banta.
In fact, about the only financial protection renters get without renters insurance is the potential for lease termination.
“If the unit is completely destroyed, the lease obligation typically falls under state law,” says Banta. “The renter is no longer obligated to pay rent, and (in some states) the landlord must return any prepaid rent and the security deposit.”
How renters insurance covers wildfires, evacuations, and temporary housing
Wildfire evacuations can happen fast. Experts often recommend having a go-bag or evacuation checklist of essentials like passports and medications. But ultimately, you never want to risk your ability to evacuate safely to save personal property. This is where having a solid insurance policy comes in.
Much like homeowners insurance, renters insurance will cover reimbursement for property loss or damage in the event of a natural disaster like wildfire. Depending on your policy, it might even cover other expenses like temporary housing during a disaster event.
“If an apartment is completely destroyed in a fire, renters are entitled to reimbursement for their personal belongings up to the limits of their policy, minus the deductible,” explains Erika Tortorici, owner and principal of Optimum Insurance Solutions. “Most policies also include loss of use coverage, which helps with temporary housing costs while the renter secures a new place to live.”
And getting good coverage may be a lot cheaper than you think. According to ValuePenguin, the average cost of renters insurance in 2025 was just $23 per month.
Renters insurance might also come in handy if your belongings are damaged during the evacuation itself. Just keep in mind the things that it won’t cover, like any damage to your car.
“If you have renters insurance, wildfire damage to your personal belongings is generally covered up to your policy limit, whether the items are in your home or with you elsewhere,” says Tortorici. “Vehicles aren’t included under renters insurance. Wildfire damage to a car would fall under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.”
How to get renters insurance in wildfire high-risk areas
There are a lot of companies offering renters insurance these days, with one not-so-small caveat: Depending on where you live and the associated climate risks of that area, it might not be that easy to obtain.
“Numerous insurers have pulled back from offering standard renters policies in high-risk ZIP codes, or they’ve introduced higher premiums and deductibles for fire-related claims,” says Banta. Many of these high-risk ZIP codes can be found in states such as California and Wyoming.
In some cases, you might even be required to purchase additional coverage depending on the kinds of natural disasters you want protection from.
“Supplemental coverage may be necessary depending on the location and associated risks,” says Tortorici. For example, in some coastal states, renters policies might exclude wind and hurricane damage, and require additional coverage.
“While wildfire is generally included in renters insurance, flood damage is not,” says Tortorici.
If you want to get renters insurance, you should use the same tactics as you would for any other kind of coverage: Shop around, compare plans, and opt in well before you need it.
“Don’t underestimate the value of your personal property,” says Banta. “Get renters insurance, document your belongings with photos and receipts, and be sure you understand your policy limits and exclusions.”