California wildfire mitigation discount program

In accordance with California Insurance Code § 2644.9, we offer a Wildfire Mitigation Discount Program to administer state-mandated discounts for some wildfire mitigation steps taken by homeowners and their communities.

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California home damaged in wildfire

What does this mean?

California homeowners will be eligible for discounts based on community designations, being proactive to protect the structure of their home, and ensuring defensible space surrounding the home and property.
  • Working together as a community

    Insured property addresses will be verified to determine if the home qualifies under these community designations:

  • Protecting the structure of your home

    A primary determinant of a home’s ability to survive a wildfire is the structure’s ignitability. Under the program, premium discounts will be applied for the following mitigations:

    • Enclosed eaves - Enclosed eaves are either boxed-in roof eave soffits with a horizontal underside or an exterior covering applied to the underside of the rafter tails supporting the eaves. <See Figure 1.0 #1>
    • Ember and Fire-resistant vents - All vents on the foundation, gable, under eaves, and on the roof of the home should be covered in 1/8-inch or 1/16-inch non-combustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh screens. <See Figure 1.0 #2>
    • Multi-pane windows or non-combustible deployable shutters - All windows are multi-pane or equipped or have deployable shutters that cover the entire window with no openings. <See Figure 1.0 #3>
    • Class-A fire rated roof - Class-A is the highest-rated roof offering the most resistance to fire and typically made of materials such as composition, metal, clay, or tile. Wood shake roofs do not qualify as a Class-A rated roof. <See Figure 1.0 #4>
    • Vertical ground clearance - Six inches of non-combustible vertical clearance at the bottom of the exterior walls of the home, measured from the ground upward. <See Figure 1.0 #5>

     

    Wildfire infographic 1

  • Defensible space surrounding your home and property

    An additional determinant of a home’s ability to survive a wildfire is the quality of the surrounding defensible space.

    • Non-existence of combustible materials within 5-feet of the home - Removal of vegetative debris (e.g. leaves, branches, etc.) from your roof, gutters and within 5-feet proximity of your home, including flammable fencing, firewood and other fuel (e.g. propane tanks). <See Figure 2.0 #7 & 8>
    • Clearance of combustible vegetation and debris from decks and patios - Removal of all plant-based vegetation (e.g. leaves, needles, etc.) and other ignitable debris. <See Figure 2.0 #6>
    • Lack of combustible structures within 30-feet of the home - Non-existence of ignitable physical structures, including: fences, gazebos, gates, walls, outbuildings, etc. <See Figure 2.0 #9>
    • Fuel clearance of 100-feet around the home and property lines - Creation of defensible space by removing flammable materials such as trimming trees, elimination of brush and lawn debris from the yard, and other compliance to local ordinances and state law under Section 4291 of the California Public Resources Code (PRC 4291). <See Figure 2.0 #10>

    Wildfire infographic 2

Window in home with a view of woods

California wildfire mitigation discount program FAQs

  • Who is eligible for these discount(s)?

    All California policyholders with an active homeowners or condo policy. 

  • How are the discounts applied to my policy?
    Policyholders will receive a questionnaire through the mail. You will be prompted to answer questions about your home and property to determine your eligibility for each mitigation-specific discount. Upon receipt of your response, discounts will be applied with the renewal of your policy.
  • How do I respond to the questionnaire?
    The questionnaire will include instructions to submit your response via mail: "Return the completed, signed and dated questionnaire using the enclosed postage-paid envelope."

  • Will I be required to provide evidence or proof of actions taken to mitigate wildfire risk?
    Policyholder response to the questionnaire will be sufficient; however, we understand circumstances may change over time. It is your responsibility to notify us of any changes with applicable proof or documentation. Please contact wildfiremitigation@horacemann.com to help us learn more about your discount eligibility. Without your help, we cannot apply premium-reducing factors for which you might be eligible.
  • What should I do if I don’t receive the questionnaire?
    Please contact your Horace Mann agent or call 800-999-1030, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. We’re here to help!
If you have any questions or concerns about the Wildfire Mitigation Discount Program, we encourage you to find your local agent or contact our Customer Care Center, M-F, from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT at 800-999-1030.