Wildfire Season Insurance Preparedness: 5 Policy Must-Haves to Protect You
If you live or work in Arizona, you know the heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous. With below-average rainfall, above-average temperatures, and rapid development near open land, Arizona is bracing for another intense wildfire season in 2025. The real question is: Is your insurance ready for wildfire season before the flames get too close?
Wildfires Can Start Anywhere. Are You Covered?
You don’t need to live near a forest or canyon to be at risk. Many recent Arizona wildfires have sparked in neighborhoods, grasslands, and right off major highways. As more homes and businesses push into open spaces, the wildland-urban boundary continues to shrink, and the risk rises.
In 2024 alone, more than 1,300 structures were damaged or destroyed by wildfires across Arizona, including in areas not previously considered high-risk. Whether you’re in Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott, or a growing Phoenix suburb, you could be impacted by smoke, fire damage, power outages, or evacuation. When disaster strikes, your insurance is your first, and sometimes only, line of recovery for a wildfire.
Why Reviewing Your Insurance Before Wildfire Season Matters
Defensible space, sprinklers, and emergency kits are critical, but insurance is what helps you rebuild. An adequate insurance policy covers your property, pays for temporary living arrangements, and rising costs of repairs or cleanup. However, not all policies are created equal, and many fall short against wildfire loss.
Three Reasons to Review Your Coverage Now
Rebuilding Costs Are Rising
Labor, materials, and construction prices have surged across Arizona. If your property is insured based on outdated values, you may be underinsured when it matters most.
Not All Policies Fully Cover Wildfire Loss
Some carriers have tightened restrictions or raised deductibles in high-risk wildfire zones. It’s essential to understand exactly what is covered and what is not.
Temporary Living Expenses Can Add Up
Evacuations or damage may leave you without a livable home or functioning business. Ensure your policy includes sufficient loss-of-use or business interruption coverage.
Wildfire Season Checklist: Five Key Insurance Policy Details to Review Today
- Replacement Cost – Is your property insured for current rebuilding costs, not just market value?
- Loss of Use / Business Interruption – Does your policy cover relocation, meals, and income loss?
- Debris Removal – Post-fire cleanup is expensive and not always included.
- Inventory Documentation – Do you have a recent list (with photos) of your belongings?
- Policy Exclusions – Are there wildfire-specific exclusions or gaps you should address?
Why Choose Shepherd Insurance for Wildfire Protection
At Shepherd Insurance, wildfire preparation is a year-round priority. With offices in Payson, Prescott, and Tucson, we understand Arizona’s unique wildfire risks and the coverage options that matter most. Our team lives and works in high-risk areas, and we know what can happen if you’re not prepared.
Whether you’re insuring a home, business, or both, we take the time to get it right. Connect with a Shepherd advisor to review your policy, understand your risk, and protect what matters before, during, and after wildfire season.
