Communities in Altadena and Pasadena are transitioning from recovery to rebuilding one year after wildfires swept through parts of Los Angeles County. The focus has shifted toward constructing homes and businesses designed to withstand future wildfire risks.
The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), along with state and local officials, continues to encourage rebuilding with resilience in mind. The approach aims to reduce future losses as climate-driven disasters increase in frequency and severity.
"As families rebuild after an incredibly difficult year, many are looking at ways to not only restore what was lost, but to build back stronger," said Sean Kevelighan (pictured above), CEO of Triple-I. "Climate-resilient construction can help protect homes and communities from future wildfire risks."
The fires ignited Jan. 7, 2025, destroying thousands of structures and displacing tens of thousands of residents. Property/casualty insurers have paid more than $22.4 billion to policyholders to date, with claims payments expected to rise as rebuilding moves from planning to construction.
More than 42,000 claims have been filed across homeowners, business and auto insurance lines, according to the California Department of Insurance. Nearly 40,000 policyholders received advance payments for immediate temporary housing and urgent repairs.
Brokers should inform clients obtaining permits and architectural plans about California's updated "Safer from Wildfires" regulations. These regulations now require insurers to offer premium discounts for homes that meet specific wildfire mitigation standards.
Brokers can also point clients to resources such as the partnership between the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3), which is providing free wildfire retrofits to Altadena households.
The initiative brings IBHS' Wildfire Prepared Home designation program to the area, aiming to improve neighborhood-level resilience following the Eaton Fire.
Meeting the Wildfire Prepared Home Plus standard can result in premium discounts ranging from about 4% to more than 40%, depending on the insurer. These improvements can also make it easier for clients to secure coverage in higher-risk areas.
