California Insurers Begin Giving 'Discounts' For Fire-Proofed Homes

"Under a new state program, property insurers must provide discounts for home wildfire mitigation. But some discounts are miniscule."

"California residents have become the first in the nation to receive state-mandated discounts on property insurance for protecting their homes against wildfire.

But the discounts, which aim to encourage mitigation, are being launched with little understanding of their effectiveness — and in many cases little savings.

Starting Sept. 1, State Farm policyholders in California who install or have fire-resistant windows became eligible for premium reduction of 0.1 percent. A hypothetical homeowner in a wildfire-prone area who pays a $13,800 premium would save $14, State Farm documents show."

Avery Ellfeldt reports for E&E News September 19, 2024.