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4 Things To Know About Forest Fires & Your Insurance

By June 7, 2023Insurance

Forest fires are common on the west coast and the flames, fall out of ash and air quality of smoke can have a large impact on many people. From displacing people from their homes to businesses losing thousands in forest fires there are many areas insurance can help protect your home, health, and business.

Forest Fires In Canada Impact Pennsylvania & Northeast

Strickler Insurance is located in Lebanon Pennsylvania, so why would we cover information on forest fires? Presently, Pennsylvania and the entire northeastern United States is blanketed by smoke from the forest fires in Canada. With the air quality at an all time low and people staying indoors to remain healthy we thought it would be essential to provide some information for you regarding 

1. Your Home Insurance Covers Wildfire Damage

If you lose your home to a wildfire it is protected. In areas that have a large number of forest fires you can expect higher insurance premiums to compensate for the cost of replacing your home with each forest fire.

2. Your Home Is Covered For Smoke And Ash Damage

In most home insurance policies you are protected from the other damages that can occur during a wildfire. Many people are lucky and do not lose their homes to a fire, but they do experience the fallout of ash damaging their homes. This can also be covered by your insurance.

3. Is My Business Covered For Loss Of Income?

If you are in Pennsylvania and a number of employees called in sick due to the air quality, you would not qualify for loss of income. Business interruption insurance provides protect for more clear and obvious losses. Now if your business was burned down by a forest fire and you have loss of income insurance it is likely you would receive coverage for a percent of the funds lost while your business is not able to operate as it is being rebuilt.

4. Indoor Air Quality Lawsuits In Connection To Wildfire Smoke

There is always the potential your business could have a liability lawsuit against them. Bad indoor air quality can result in a costly lawsuit. While you cannot control the air quality outside, if it is found you have neglected your HVAC maintenance and operation resulting in bad indoor air quality you could be held liable. This is why business liability insurance is so important.

Contact Strickler Insurance For Homeowners Insurance

Contact us at Strickler Insurance for quality homeowners insurance that will protect your home from wildfires and house fires. We would love to help you keep your family safe and your business operating. Learn more about our wide range of insurance services.