If you’ve done wildfire mitigation work, you need documentation to prove it.

Under California's Safer from Wildfires regulation (10 CCR §2644.9), insurers that price for wildfire risk must factor certain mitigation measures into their rates. Eligibility and savings vary by insurer and policy; ask your agent. Either way, an insurer can only credit work you can prove. This checklist covers the documents that support your insurer's review of wildfire risk reduction.

Complete Documentation Checklist

Zone Zero (0-5 Feet) Documentation

Zone Zero clearance photosRequired Before and after photos showing 0-5 foot zone cleared of combustible materials, vegetation, and debris
Ground cover documentationRequired Photos showing non-combustible ground cover (gravel, pavers, concrete) within 5 feet of structure
Combustible storage verificationRequired Documentation showing firewood, propane tanks, and combustibles moved outside Zone Zero
Gutter and roof valley photosRecommended Documentation of cleared gutters and roof valleys free of leaves and debris

Defensible Space Documentation

Zone 1 (5-30 feet) clearance photosRequired Photos showing reduced fuel load, ladder fuel removal, and irrigated plantings
Zone 2 (30-100 feet) fuel reductionRequired Documentation of grass mowing, tree spacing, and branch removal
Defensible space inspection reportRequired Official inspection from CAL FIRE, local fire department, or certified inspector
Tree spacing documentationRecommended Photos showing minimum 10-foot spacing between tree crowns

Home Hardening Documentation

Ember-resistant vent installation recordsRequired Installation certificates, product specifications, and photos of ember-resistant vents
Chapter 7A product and installation recordsRequired Documentation showing Class A roof assembly, fire-resistant siding, or other materials the WUI code lists
Fire-resistant coating applicationRecommended Product specifications, application records, and photos of intumescent coatings on wood surfaces
Window and door screeningRecommended Documentation of 1/8-inch metal mesh screening on vents and openings
Eave and soffit enclosureOptional Photos showing enclosed eaves and non-combustible soffit materials

Insurance-Specific Documentation

Contractor license recordsRequired The CSLB license number of each contractor who did the work
Date-stamped photosRequired All photos must include date stamps showing when work was completed
Maintenance scheduleRecommended Documented plan for ongoing vegetation management and system maintenance
Before/after comparison photosRecommended Side-by-side documentation showing transformation and risk reduction

Understanding Regulation 2644.9

That is why the checklist above matters: under Regulation 2644.9, insurers can only credit the measures you document. Eligibility and savings vary by insurer and policy; ask your agent.

Our Documentation Package

What We Provide

Every wildfire mitigation project includes a package built for insurance submission:

  • Date-stamped before/after photography of all zones
  • Zone Zero clearance verification with measurements
  • Chapter 7A product listings and installation records for all installations
  • Ember-resistant vent installation records and specifications
  • Fire-resistant coating product data sheets
  • Licensed contractor verification
  • Maintenance recommendations with schedule

We keep these records on every mitigation project for Peninsula homeowners, so the paperwork is ready when your insurer asks. Your insurer decides coverage and pricing.

Getting Started

If you're facing non-renewal or FAIR Plan placement, start now: documentation takes time to compile, and insurers review on their own schedules. For Atherton-specific permits and rates, see wildfire insurance in Atherton.

Contact us for a free wildfire risk assessment. We'll point out the measures that reduce your home's wildfire risk and set up a clear documentation path for your insurer.

Written by McDermaid Restoration & Remodeling, a family run painting and remodeling company on the Bay Area Peninsula.Updated

Topic

Wildfire Mitigation Wui Zone