Does Homeowners Insurance Protect Against Fire & Wildfire in North Carolina?

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North Carolina homeowners face a variety of natural risks, from hurricanes along the coast to fire and wildfire damage in the western part of the state. If you’re wondering, “Does my homeowners insurance protect against fire & wildfire in North Carolina?”, the answer is yes—but with important conditions.

Most homeowners insurance policies protect against fire, including accidental fires, lightning strikes, and, in many cases, wildfires. However, coverage for wildfire damage may vary depending on your location. For instance, if you live near the Blue Ridge Mountains, your insurer may require additional wildfire endorsements. On the other hand, those in urban areas typically receive standard fire protection without extra conditions.

Because insurance policies differ, it is essential to understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how to ensure your home is fully protected in North Carolina. In this guide, we will walk you through the coverage details, exclusions, and best ways to enhance your fire insurance policy.

The short answer is yes, but with important considerations. Standard homeowners insurance covers most fire-related damages, but wildfire coverage may depend on your location—especially if you live in a high-risk area like the Appalachian Mountains or rural parts of the state.

This guide will break down what’s covered, what’s not, and how to ensure your home is fully protected in North Carolina.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fire Damage in North Carolina?

Most North Carolina homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage under the dwelling coverage portion of the policy. That means if a fire damages your home, your insurer will help pay for repairs or rebuilding.

What Fire-Related Costs Are Covered?

✔ Dwelling Coverage – Repairs or rebuilding of your home’s structure.
✔ Personal Property Coverage – Replacement of damaged belongings (furniture, appliances, electronics, etc.).
✔ Additional Living Expenses (ALE) – Covers hotel stays and living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after a fire.

Example of a Fire Insurance Claim in NC

Imagine an electrical fire starts in your Charlotte home, damaging your kitchen and living room. Your policy will likely cover:

The cost of repairs to your home’s structure.
Replacement of damaged belongings like furniture and electronics.
Hotel and food costs while your home is being repaired.

📌 Tip for NC Homeowners: Fires caused by faulty electrical wiring are among the leading causes of house fires in North Carolina. Regularly inspecting your home’s electrical system can help prevent a fire.

You can file your claim here: ALLCHOICE Insurance Claim Center

DID YOU KNOW? In 2022, over 5,000 wildfires burned across North Carolina, damaging thousands of acres of land.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires in North Carolina?

Wildfire coverage in North Carolina depends on your location and your specific policy. While most standard policies cover wildfire damage, some homeowners in high-risk areas—such as western NC near the Blue Ridge Mountains—may need additional wildfire insurance.

How Wildfire Coverage Works in North Carolina

Standard policies may cover wildfires, but insurers might require higher premiums in high-risk zones.
If wildfire coverage is excluded, you may need a separate fire insurance policy.
Homes near heavily wooded areas or in drought-prone regions may have higher deductibles or require additional coverage.

📍 NC Wildfire Risk Areas:

Western NC (Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock) – Higher wildfire risk due to dense forests.
Central NC (Piedmont Region) – Lower risk, but urban sprawl increases fire hazards.
Eastern NC (Coastal Plain) – Wildfires are less common but still occur in dry conditions.

🔥 Fact: The 2016 Party Rock Fire near Lake Lure burned over 7,000 acres, highlighting the wildfire risk in NC.

If you live in a wildfire-prone area, check your policy for exclusions and consider adding extra fire protection.

What Fire Damage Might Not Be Covered?

While most fires are covered, some exclusions exist in North Carolina:

❌ Arson (by the homeowner) – Intentionally setting fire to your home is fraud and won’t be covered.
❌ Poor Maintenance/Necessity Neglect – If your insurer finds faulty wiring or lack of maintenance contributed to a fire, they might deny the claim.
❌ Vacant Homes – Fires in homes left vacant for more than 60 days may not be covered unless you have a special policy.
❌ Wildfire Exclusions – Some policies exclude wildfire damage in high-risk NC areas unless you have additional coverage.

📌 Tip for NC Homeowners: If your home is near a state or national forest (like the Pisgah National Forest), you should double-check your policy for wildfire exclusions.

How Fire Insurance Works & Filing a Claim in North Carolina

Steps to Take After a Fire

1️⃣ Ensure safety – Call 911 and evacuate.
2️⃣ Document the damage – Take photos and videos of all affected areas and belongings.
3️⃣ Contact your insurance provider – File your claim ASAP.
4️⃣ Work with an adjuster – The insurance company will send a claims adjuster to assess damages.
5️⃣ Receive compensation – Once approved, you’ll get a payout for repairs and losses.

📌 Tip: Keep a home inventory list of your belongings to speed up the claims process.

DID YOU KNOW? Fire insurance claims cost an average of $79,785 per claim.

How to Strengthen Your Fire Coverage in North Carolina

To ensure maximum protection, consider these options:

✔ Increase Coverage Limits – Especially if you live in a high-risk wildfire zone.
✔ Add Wildfire Insurance – Supplemental fire insurance may be required in some parts of western NC.
✔ Fire-Resistant Home Improvements – Metal roofing, fireproof siding, and defensible space landscaping can reduce wildfire risk.
✔ Check State & Federal Assistance – NC homeowners affected by wildfires may qualify for FEMA assistance or state relief programs.

The Final Verdict - Homeowners Insurance Fire Coverage in North Carolina

For most North Carolina homeowners, fire damage is covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, if you live in a wildfire-prone area, your policy may require additional coverage to fully protect your home.

✅ Check your policy to confirm fire and wildfire coverage.
✅ Upgrade your policy if you live in high-risk wildfire zones.
✅ Take fire prevention steps to protect your home.

To ensure your home is fully protected, contact an ALLCHOICE Insurance Advisor today for a customized fire insurance review.

How to get Homeowners Insurance

Current ALLCHOICE clients:

Give us a call at 1-844-540-0463 or Get Your Homeowners Insurance Quote Online NOW .

New ALLCHOICE customers:

Check out the Member Center or call us at 1-844-540-0463 to see if product is availbale and included in your policy.