Wildfire Season and Farms

Wildfire season has become a defining challenge for farmers across California. Rising temperatures, prolonged drought, and shifting weather patterns have increased the frequency and severity of wildfires, leaving agricultural operations more vulnerable than ever.

Farm and crop insurance policies offer valuable support, but they also contain exclusions that can catch farmers off guard.

What Farm Insurance Typically Covers During Wildfires

Farm insurance is designed to address a wide range of agricultural exposures, and many policies include wildfire-related coverage for physical assets and operational losses.

• Damage to dwellings and farm structures—Most farm policies include coverage for homes, barns, sheds, silos, and other structures damaged or destroyed by wildfire. This often includes repair or replacement costs, depending on the policy’s terms.
• Equipment and machinery—Tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and other essential machinery are generally covered if damaged by fire. This can be crucial for maintaining operations after a wildfire event.
• Livestock losses—Some policies include coverage for livestock killed or injured by wildfire. However, limits may apply, and additional endorsements may be needed for high-value animals.
• Farm personal property—Tools, supplies, feed, and other movable property may be included in wildfire coverage, depending on the policy.
• Additional living expenses—If a primary residence on the farm becomes uninhabitable, many policies include coverage for temporary housing and related expenses.

What Crop Insurance Covers During Wildfires

Crop insurance plays a separate but important role. Federal crop insurance programs often include wildfire as a covered cause of loss.

Coverage may include:

• Loss of crops due to direct fire damage
• Reduced yield caused by smoke exposure
• Losses from mandatory evacuation or inability to access fields

However, crop insurance rules vary by crop type and program, so farmers should review their specific policy terms.

What Farm and Crop Insurance May Not Cover

Despite broad coverage, several exclusions can leave farmers exposed during wildfire season.

• Loss due to negligence
• Damage unscheduled property
• Loss of income not directly tied to crop loss
• Water system damage
• Losses from power shutoffs

Review Coverage Before Wildfire Season

Wildfire risk is no longer limited to remote areas. Farms across the state face increasing exposure. Reviewing insurance policies before wildfire season helps ensure that coverage aligns with current risks and operational needs.

A proactive review can make a significant difference in the event of a wildfire.

Sanguinetti & Co. Insurance Brokers, Mark Twain Insurance Services works with farmers and agricultural businesses across California to help them understand their insurance options and address wildfire-related exposures.

Our goal is to help farmers make informed decisions that support long-term resilience. Contact an agent at Sanguinetti & Co. Insurance Brokers, Mark Twain Insurance Services  for a personalized quote.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.