A major insurer now offers a “wildfire deductible” that could cut your premiums, but it comes with a risk.
“So we got rid of all of our grass and we have a rock front. In our back yard we have turf,” said Rebecca Schoonover.
Schoonover has done everything she can to prepare for wildfires.
She's felt the heat before. More than a decade ago, the flames got very close.
“It was a very scary time. The fire actually got to within 100 feet of the house,” said Schoonover.
She's trimmed back the fire fuel, but her insurance hasn't gone down. It stands at nearly $1,200 a year with a $500 deductible.
That price may come down, thanks to a ”wildfire deductible endorsement.”
On Facebook, the phrase caught the attention of a Spring Valley homeowner after she saw it on her Allstate policy renewal.
10News contacted Allstate and uncovered the details.
It started in February. All policies in California now include that wildfire deductible. It's the same amount as a regular deductible and won't cost you more money.
Because wildfire coverage now has a separate deductible, you'll be able to increase it, from $500 in various increments, all the way up to $10,000.
Allstate says depending on your location, how much is covered and how high you're willing to make that deductible, you may be able to save a several hundreds of dollars.
“It’s a great idea. People who have done their work should be able to have a higher deductible and pay less,” said Schoonover.
Allstate says they came up with the wildfire deductible because of feedback from customers.
The insurer tells us they are the first company to include such a provision.
