Protecting Your Hill Country Home from Wildfire Risk — and Insurance Sticker Shock

Living in the Texas Hill Country means wide-open views, winding roads, and the kind of sunsets that make you stop mid-sentence. But it also means you’re surrounded by cedar, oak, and limestone terrain that can turn from scenic to risky when wildfire season hits.

At Dowd Insurance Agency, we know that being in or near a wildfire zone can affect your homeowners insurance rates and coverage options. But here’s the good news — there’s a lot you can do to help protect your home and keep your insurance costs in check.

Let’s walk through some smart, practical steps to mitigate wildfire risk and possibly lower your premiums.

🔥 1. Create Defensible Space (Your First Line of Defense)

Think of defensible space as a safety buffer between your home and potential wildfire fuel. It gives firefighters room to work — and gives your insurance company confidence in your risk profile.

Here’s how to do it:

• Clear at least 100 feet of space around your home by removing dry grass, brush, and low branches.
• Trim tree limbs within 10 feet of your house or chimney.
• Keep gutters, decks, and the roofline clean of leaves and debris.
• Swap out highly flammable plants (like junipers) for fire-resistant landscaping.

👉 Pro Tip: Many insurance carriers now use aerial imaging to evaluate wildfire exposure. Keeping your property maintained and tidy can actually influence how your risk is scored.

🏠 2. Build (or Retrofit) with Wildfire-Resistant Materials

When it comes to wildfire resilience, construction materials matter. If you’re building new or remodeling, consider these insurance-friendly building features:

• Class A fire-rated roofing (like metal, tile, or asphalt shingles).
• Non-combustible siding, such as stucco or fiber-cement, instead of vinyl or untreated wood.
• Tempered or double-paned windows to resist radiant heat and flying embers.
• Ember-resistant vents and enclosed eaves to block sparks from getting into attics.

These upgrades can help you qualify for more competitive rates and coverage options. Even partial retrofits — like upgrading your roof or sealing vents — can make a noticeable difference to insurers.

🚒 3. Improve Access and Document Everything

Insurance companies don’t just assess your home — they also look at how easy it is for emergency services to reach you. Consider these factors:

• Is your road wide enough for a fire truck?
• Is there a hydrant or water source nearby?
• Are you located on a steep slope surrounded by thick vegetation?

You can’t change your geography, but you can document your mitigation work — photos, receipts, and inspection reports — to prove your commitment to risk reduction. Some carriers even require this before issuing or renewing coverage.

💡 4. Review Your Homeowners Policy Carefully

When you live in a wildfire-prone area, it’s important to understand how your policy is structured. Look for:

• Wildfire or named peril deductibles — sometimes listed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
• Any coverage limits or exclusions related to wildfire damage.
• Whether your home is insured through a standard carrier or surplus lines market, which may offer fewer consumer protections.

If you’re unsure, that’s where your independent agent (that’s us!) can help.

🤝 5. Partner with a Local Independent Agent Who Knows Wildfire Risk

At Dowd Insurance Agency, we specialize in helping Central Texas homeowners navigate wildfire exposure. We’ll:

• Review your property’s wildfire-risk factors.
• Identify cost-effective mitigation steps that can improve your eligibility with more carriers.
• Shop multiple insurance companies to find coverage that fits both your needs and your budget.
• Keep you updated on changing wildfire-zone underwriting standards.

Because when it comes to wildfire risk, the best defense is preparation — and the right insurance partner by your side.

🌲 Final Thoughts

Wildfire risk doesn’t have to mean insurance headaches. With a little effort — clearing defensible space, upgrading to fire-resistant materials, and keeping documentation handy — you can help protect your home and potentially lower your premiums.

And when you’re ready to review your coverage or explore better options, the team at Dowd Insurance Agency is here to help.

👉 Request a free homeowners insurance quote today.