Placer County Says New Rating Will Lower Fire Insurance Costs
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — When the 2015 Lowell Fire approached Tom and Sarah Fugate's backyard, they couldn't believe it spared their home.
"It's God's gift to us," said Tom Fugate.
But two summers after the fire, the Fugates faced a new threat.
"We received a letter with essentially a 30-day notification that our fire insurance was canceled," said Tom Fugate.
They quickly got on the phone, calling 8 different insurance companies. But it was the same answer every time.
"Declined," said Sarah Fugate.
No insurer was willing to write them a policy. Because their home is located in a high fire area.
"There's simply more fuel," said Cal Fire's Mary Eldridge.
But she says there's good news on the horizon. A fire rating service improved Placer County's standing from Class 6 to a Class 4. The agency ranks communities on a scale of one to 10- with one being the best.
A lower rating may mean cheaper fire insurance for homeowners. That's because a lot of improvements went into the revised rating.
"The fire department itself has improved its response capabilities. We've improved our dispatching system, we've improved our prevention efforts. And our water delivery system," said Eldridge.
The Fugates say it's a relief knowing they can count on Cal Fire.
But the California insurance marketplace they're not so sure about.
"The new fire rating may help people down in Roseville or Rocklin but won't help people in east Placer County that are up here in the woods," said Sarah Fugate.
Cal Fire says all homeowners should call their insurance companies again.
Ask about the new rating, and ask the companies if they can offer insurance at a better, lower cost.
