Standard homeowners’ insurance policies in Kentucky usually cover wildfire damage. However, the extent of that coverage depends on your policy limits, exclusions, deductibles, and other fine print details.
At Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, we help Kentucky homeowners in Fort Mitchell, Florence, Louisville, Covington, and beyond handle insurance disputes. If your claim is denied or delayed, our fire damage insurance claim attorneys can step in to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Are Wildfires a Risk in Kentucky?
Kentucky’s wildfire risk is higher than in 52% of U.S. states, with some areas showing particular vulnerability. The risk to homes is highest in the eastern portion of the state, including Perry County, Knott County, Leslie County, Pike County, and Martin County. The area in and around Daniel Boone National Forest also has an increased wildfire likelihood.
In recent years, shifting climate conditions and extended drought periods have been major drivers of wildfire activity in Kentucky. Even a small spark can spread quickly in these conditions and cause a brush fire that endangers homes near wooded or rural areas.
What Wildfire Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Typically Cover?
Fire is a covered peril in most standard HO-3 policies. That means if a wildfire damages your property, your insurance should cover your losses.
Your policy will outline what types of property damage and expenses are included, such as the home itself, detached structures, and personal belongings. Coverage limits vary between policies, so it’s important to review your policy’s declarations page or talk with your insurer to understand what’s covered.
Dwelling Coverage
This pays to repair or rebuild the main structure of your home if a wildfire damages it. Coverage may apply to the walls, roof, floors, foundation, or built-in fixtures.
Other Structures
Your policy may also cover damage to buildings and features not attached to your home, such as a garage, shed, barn, or fence.
Personal Property
Homeowners’ insurance often covers furniture, clothing, appliances, electronics, or other personal belongings damaged in a wildfire.
Loss of Use
If a wildfire makes your home uninhabitable, loss of use coverage pays for temporary housing, such as a hotel stay or rental home. It may also cover any additional living expenses you incur due to the damage to your home, including food expenses and pet boarding.
Debris Removal and Fire Suppression Costs
Policies often include limited benefits for the costs of removing debris from the home or suppressing the fire.
What’s Not Covered? Exclusions and Limitations To Know
Homeowners’ insurance policies in Kentucky often include exclusions or limitations that may prevent full payment. Common ones include:
- Negligence or lack of maintenance: Policy exclusions for neglect (failure to use reasonable means to preserve property after a loss) or for maintenance/wear-and-tear may limit or bar coverage in some scenarios.
- Intentional fire or fraud: The policy may not cover your damages if you set the fire on purpose or misrepresent your damages.
- Wildfire deductibles: Some policies require homeowners to pay a separate, higher deductible for wildfire losses.
- Excluded property: Your policy may leave out certain items, such as vehicles or landscaping.
- Underinsurance: If the cost of rebuilding exceeds your policy limits, you may need to pay the difference out of pocket.
- Policy lapse: Insurance won’t pay for your damages if your coverage expired before the fire.
Review your policy each year so you know exactly what it will cover if disaster strikes. Coverage details can change annually, especially if you live in a rural or wooded area.
What to Do if Your Wildfire Insurance Claim Is Denied or Delayed
A wildfire can turn your life upside down in minutes, and a delayed or denied claim only adds to the turmoil. You don’t have to sit and wait idly while your insurer drags its feet—you have options to challenge their decision and push your claim forward:
- Request a written explanation: Ask the insurer to put in writing the reason they denied your claim, or to explain the reason for the delay.
- Review your policy language: Compare the denial letter with your policy to see if the insurer applied the terms correctly.
- Document every loss: Keep photos, receipts, and a written inventory of damaged property and expenses.
- Challenge the decision or delay: File an appeal, ask for a reinspection, or escalate your claim with the insurance company if the process stalls.
- Follow up in writing: Send letters or emails requesting a status update, and keep copies to build a record of any delays.
- Speak with an attorney: Our property damage insurance claim lawyers can explore your legal remedies and take action on your behalf.
As Attorney Meagan Tate explains, “Kentucky law, like Ohio, handles most insurance disputes with property and casualty insurers under general contract law. Disputes are usually resolved through direct negotiation, appraisal, or litigation. Kentucky has also passed the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act (“UCSPA”). Under Kentucky’s UCSPA, an insurance company is required to deal in good faith with a claimant with respect to a claim which the insurance company is contractually obligated to pay in order to protect the public from unfair trade practices and fraud. If the insurance company violates any provision of this act, they may be sued not only for breach of contract, but also for bad faith.”
Speak with a Kentucky Property and Casualty Lawyer Today
You’re dealing with enough stress after a wildfire. Let Lawrence & Associates handle the legal burden while you focus on rebuilding your life. Our team is here to help you understand whether your homeowners’ insurance covers wildfires and push back against the insurer’s tactics.
While you don’t necessarily need a lawyer to handle a fire insurance claim, our trusted legal guidance can mean the difference between rebuilding and struggling to make ends meet. Call us today at (859) 251-3045 for a free, confidential consultation or fill out our online form to get started.
