California Home Insurance in High Fire Risk Areas

Wildfires are a constant threat for California homeowners; approximately 13 million of the state's 14.5 million residential properties face some degree of wildfire risk. At-risk homes in California were built before the year 2008, and their common vulnerability is a vent design which can allow wildfire embers into attic spaces, starting fires inside the home.

To prevent this scenario, homeowners can install ember-resistant vent screens on top of their home's exposed vents. These "Ember Screens" are cut-to-size Class 7A fire-code approved mesh strips that are designed to be fastened over pre-2008 home vents. By blocking dangerous fire embers from entering your home, Ember Screens provide crucial protection during wildfire events.

Ember Screens are so effective that insurance companies are actively encouraging homeowners to install them on all of their home's vents. Below, we'll explain how Ember Screens work, show you how to install them yourself (or you can have us do it for you if you're in San Diego), and review the various insurance company standards for California home hardening so you can leverage your efforts when talking to your insurance company.

Home Vents Are a Wildfire Weak Point

During a wildfire, windblown embers can travel miles, landing on homes at random. All it takes is a single gap or opening for an ember to enter an attic, crawl space, or other hidden area—potentially igniting the structure from within. In fact, research shows that a significant number of homes burn down from embers entering through roof and vent openings.

The vents on older homes are particularly vulnerable because:

• Home vents often have large openings, sometimes with existing ¼-inch mesh that blocks rodents but easily allows embers to slip through
• Some older vent covers are made from combustible, melt-prone materials (e.g., plastic)
• Some home vent designs may create a "negative pressure" environment that draws in air—and embers—if there's wind outside

Once burning embers accumulate inside a home, they can smolder for hours, eventually igniting insulation or wood framing. This is why current building codes in fire-prone California jurisdictions now require ember-resistant vents, or the installation of fine 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch non-combustible metal mesh, as outlined in California Building Code Chapter 7A.

Ember Screens vs. Full Retrofits

Most people have heard about specialized "ember-resistant vents" which feature integrated baffles and metal frames. These kinds of ember-resistant vent retrofits are effective but expensive.

Fortunately, California codes and insurer discounts don't require advanced vent retrofits for older homes, which means homeowners can simply cover each of their home's vents with properly-sized Ember Screens.

Homeowners who want to retain their California home insurance in high fire risk areas have two options:

1. Purchase purpose-built ember-resistant vents and hire a contractor to install them
2. Buy Ember Screens, one for each home vent, and fasten them securely yourself

Both routes are equally recognized by insurers under the "Safer from Wildfires" framework. At Total Screen, we sell cut-to-size Ember Screens for homeowners to install on their vents, and we also offer professional installation service for our San Diego-based customers.

Bottom line: If you're in California, you can get Ember Screens shipped to your home, ready for DIY installation (or call a handyman to install them).

Steps to DIY Install Ember Screens

If you're handy—or have a trusted person nearby to help—the following approach can protect your vents successfully. For detailed guidance, see our complete ember mesh screen installation guide.

1. Measure Your Vents: Carefully measure the width and height of each vent opening. Common vent sizes include 3.25"x22" (under-eave vents), 18x13.5 (gable vents), & 12x13.5 (ground vents). Take a photo of each vent, which will serve as your "Before" photo for later comparison.
2. Cut Metal Mesh to Fit: Cut your various sizes of vent from a metal mesh that's Series 7A Approved, such as Wildfire Ember Mesh, ideally 1/16- to 1/8-inch gauge. If you order Ember Screens from us, we'll cut pieces to the measurements you provide, then ship them to you.
3. Clean the Surrounding Surface: Remove dust, debris, or old vent materials. If the vent perimeter is thick wood, 6mm staples will probably be fine; if it's metal flashing, then try 3/4" self-tapping screws.
4. Secure Tightly: Use staples or screws every few inches around the perimeter to anchor the Ember Screen. Make sure there are no gaps where embers could sneak in. The mesh should remain taut and flush to the vent's frame.
5. Double-Check Overlaps: Look carefully around each corner and edge to confirm the Ember Screen fully blocks the vent openings. If you see a small gap, consider removing a nearby fastener to release the surface tension and flatten that section back out.
6. Document Your Work: Take your "After" photos of each vent because you may need these later to show your insurance agent. This also helps you keep track of which vents you've completed around the home.

Qualifying for Insurance Discounts

California's Safer from Wildfires regulations mean that insurance companies must factor in a homeowner's wildfire mitigation efforts—even DIY improvements like Ember Screen installation.

Installing Ember Screens can help you:

• Maintain coverage in high-risk wildfire zones
• Potentially reduce premium costs on your California home insurance in high fire risk areas
• Satisfy insurance requirements which might otherwise lead to non-renewals

Basic Steps to Claim Your Discount

1. Notify Your Insurer: Don't wait for renewal. As soon as you've updated your vents with Ember Screens, contact your insurance agent. Explain you've installed ember-resistant mesh screens and want to confirm you qualify for wildfire or home-hardening discounts.
2. Submit Documentation: Email or upload your before-and-after vent photos. Some insurers will accept a quick phone call to confirm if you're already in a lower-risk tier, but high-risk areas typically expect pictures or an in-person inspection.
3. Ask About Specific Credits: Each insurer has different discount structures. Some (like Horace Mann) allow you to self-certify via a questionnaire. Others (like Farmers or CSAA/AAA) may want an official inspection from an organization like IBHS. Be sure to inquire what your carrier requires for proof.
4. Check Renewal Notices: If your coverage was previously at risk of cancellation, they might reconsider after you've shown that you've hardened your home with Ember Screens. Watch for changes in your renewal policy. If you don't see a discount applied, follow up to ensure the insurer acknowledges the improvements.

Insurer-Specific Requirements and Links

Below is a summary of how different insurance providers in California handle Ember Screens:

1) Allstate

• Accepts DIY/homeowner installed Ember Screens; no contractor needed
• Often requires only photos or a conversation with your agent to apply a discount
• The discount for Ember Screens alone might be modest, but each action helps lower wildfire-risk rating
• https://www.insurance.ca.gov

2) State Farm

• Allows DIY/homeowner installed Ember Screens
• Very small discount (fractions of a percent) if you install just one measure like Ember Screens, but it grows if combined with other mitigations (Class A roof, cleared defensible space, etc.)
• Larger credits (up to a few percent) require an IBHS inspection
• https://www.statefarm.com

3) Farmers Insurance

• Will accept DIY/homeowner-installed Ember Screens, but typically requires professional third-party verification (e.g., IBHS) to grant any discount
• The discount can be quite small—sometimes offset by inspection costs—unless you complete a comprehensive set of measures
• https://www.farmers.com

4) Mercury Insurance

• DIY/homeowner installation of Ember Screens is allowed, as long as you cover all vents with Class 7A approved, 1/8-inch or finer metal mesh
• Mercury may ask for photo evidence or conduct a spot inspection
• Potential wildfire discount can reach up to ~18%, but you typically must combine vents with other measures (Class A roof, multi-pane windows, eave enclosure, etc.)
• https://www.mercuryinsurance.com

5) Nationwide / Crestbrook

• Recognizes DIY/homeowner-installed Ember Screens; no professional contractor certificate needed by default
• They might request photos or do a routine home inspection to confirm
• The discount levels vary widely; multiple improvements typically yield more savings
• https://www.nationwide.com

6) CSAA / AAA of Northern California

• DIY/homeowner installation is acceptable, but property-level discounts often require an IBHS inspection
• Tends to bundle multiple home-hardening items (vents, roof, enclosed eaves) into an "all-or-nothing" certification, so single measures alone might not yield a noticeable discount
• https://csaa-insurance.aaa.com

7) USAA

• Encourages members to undertake DIY wildfire measures, including Ember Screens
• Typically a trust-based approach, but in very high-risk areas, they might ask for photos or do a spot inspection
• Discounts aren't always singled out per item; it's folded into USAA's rating system
• https://www.usaa.com

8) Liberty Mutual / Safeco

• Accepts homeowner-installed vents but generally requires an IBHS "Wildfire Prepared Home" certificate for major discounts
• Can offer up to ~21% off the wildfire portion of your premium if you complete all home-hardening measures and your community is Firewise
• Ember Screens alone won't unlock that discount—must combine with other improvements
• https://www.libertymutual.com

9) Horace Mann

• Very friendly to DIY. You simply fill out a self-certification questionnaire stating you installed Ember Screens
• No inspection required initially. They can spot-check if needed, but typically your word and signature suffice
• Each measure (like Ember Screens) can earn an incremental discount on your wildfire premium
• http://www.horacemann.com

10) California FAIR Plan

• The state's "insurer of last resort." As of August 2023, offers a 10% discount for "Structure Hardening," which requires ember-resistant vents plus four other actions (e.g., enclosed eaves, Class A roof, multi-pane glass, 6-inch noncombustible clearance)
• Requires a FAIR Plan inspection, and it's all-or-nothing for each category. Missing even one element (like vents) means no 10% discount
• https://www.cfpnet.com

Beyond Vent Screens: Other Critical Home Hardening Tips

Installing Ember Screens is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce the chance of embers infiltrating your home. Insurers and fire experts both agree that a whole-home approach is the best way to reduce overall fire risk for communities. Consider these additional steps:

• Defensible Space: Clear at least 5 feet around the perimeter of your home of anything combustible—wood piles, dried leaves, mulch. This "Zone Zero" can dramatically slow or prevent direct flame contact.
• Class A Fire-Rated Roof: If you still have an older wood shake roof, upgrading to Class A composition or tile roofing is a major factor in both fire safety and unlocking bigger insurance credits.
• Upgrade Windows and Doors: Single-pane windows can shatter under intense heat or direct flame contact, letting embers blow inside. Dual or multi-pane tempered glass resists heat better.
• Gutters and Fencing: Use metal gutter covers to reduce leaf buildup. If possible, replace any wooden fence sections within 5 feet of the house with a noncombustible material (metal or masonry).

These other improvements can help your home survive a wildfire and also help you gain more insurer recognition and deeper premium discounts. The more you do, the more likely you'll keep your California home insurance in high fire risk areas.

Ordering Ember Screens from Total Screen

At Total Screen in San Diego, we carry specialized Ember Screen mesh rated for wildfire vent protection. Here's how we can help:

• In-Person Service (San Diego County): We'll cut and install Ember Screens for your vents, ensuring a tight fit. Great for homeowners wanting a pro installation.
• DIY Orders (Statewide Shipping): Not located in San Diego? No problem. Send us your vent dimensions, and we'll cut custom mesh squares or rectangles. Then we'll ship them directly to your doorstep with a straightforward how-to.

Either way, you'll have the Ember Screens you need to meet California's current guidelines and potentially earn your wildfire insurance discounts.

What About the California FAIR Plan?

If you've already lost coverage from a traditional insurer—or can't find a private carrier willing to cover you—the California FAIR Plan is your fallback. While it's typically more expensive than a standard homeowner's policy, the FAIR Plan now offers new "home hardening" discounts as well:

• 10% for Comprehensive Structural Hardening (including Ember Screens)
• 5% for Immediate Surroundings (cleared space, no combustibles near home, etc.)
• +10% More if Your Community is Firewise

Be aware that each discount requires a pass/fail inspection by the FAIR Plan's own representatives. Ember Screens are a requirement for getting the 10% structural discount; if you skip the vents or have one unprotected vent, you'll lose the entire discount.

Summing It All Up

• Vents are Key: Fire scientists, insurers, and building codes point to home vents as a major ember vulnerability. Blocking dangerous fire embers with 1/8-inch or 1/16-inch mesh, Class 7A rated, is essential to prevent fire entry.
• DIY or Professional: Do-It-Yourself installation of Ember Screens is absolutely valid for insurance coverage purposes. You'll likely earn insurance considerations for your Ember Screens, regardless of who installed them. Many insurance companies simply need photos or an inspection to confirm.
• Leverage Discounts: Talk about your options with your insurer. Some are flexible (like Horace Mann), only needing a short form. Others (like Farmers, CSAA, Liberty) require IBHS or in-house inspections. Regardless, California Law now compels them to credit your wildfire mitigation steps.
• FAIR Plan for Last Resort: Even this high-risk insurance pool offers up to 14.5% off the wildfire premium if you install Ember Screens plus other structural measures and pass inspection.
• Recommended Extras: Clearing the first 5 feet around your home, upgrading to a Class A roof, and strengthening windows & doors all multiply your level of protection—and your potential discounts.

Protect your household by proactively reducing potential wildfire risks. Ember Screens effectively reduce ember entry points on your home, thus preventing catastrophic attic or crawl-space fires. When you provide documentation of your home-hardening efforts and share that documentation with your insurer, you can reap meaningful benefits on your California home insurance in high fire risk areas.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're located in San Diego County, Total Screen is here to help with professional installation—just give us a call. Elsewhere in California? We'll ship cut-to-size Ember Screens statewide, along with instructions for straightforward DIY vent covering.

Protect your home, keep your coverage, and enjoy potential premium savings.

Want More Information?

(NoFollow, open in new window), so you can see official guidelines for yourself:

• California Department of Insurance https://www.insurance.ca.gov
• CAL FIRE's Ready for Wildfire Vent Guidance https://www.readyforwildfire.org
• IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Program https://ibhs.org/wildfireprepared
• FAIR Plan Hardening Discounts https://www.vulcanvents.com/california-fair-plan-insurance-discounts-when-home-hardening

We hope this helps you take charge of your fire preparedness—and maybe save some money on insurance too.

Let us know how we at Total Screen can support you, whether it's shipping you Ember Screens to somewhere in California, or letting us handle everything for you, right here in sunny San Diego.

Your home's safety (and your budget) may both benefit from these simple upgrades.