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San Diego County approves program to help homeowners seek wildfire‑insurance discounts
Summary
The Board of Supervisors directed County Fire to implement the Wildfire Prepared Home certification and staff assistance program to help homeowners in unincorporated areas apply for insurer discounts; supervisors said the step is limited but potentially helpful amid rising fire insurance costs.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Oct. 22 to direct County Fire to implement the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's Wildfire Prepared Home program in the county fire protection district and to assign county staff to help residents through the application and inspection process.
Supporters said the program is a practical step to help homeowners struggling with sharply higher fire insurance premiums and, in some cases, cancelled policies. Supervisor Jim Desmond moved the measure and Supervisor Joel Anderson seconded; the board of directors for the Fire Protection District approved the motion unanimously, with all directors present and voting aye.
County staff described the program as a two‑tier certification that can make homes eligible for insurer discounts tied to the level of mitigation achieved. The county's role will be to facilitate inspections and provide technical assistance; actual discounts are determined by private insurers.
"Fire insurance is one of those issues we hear about most from constituents," Desmond said, adding the program is a “baby step” the county can take while acknowledging that state regulators control insurers. Anderson and other supervisors praised County Fire staff and said outreach to homeowners in high‑risk areas will be essential.
Why it matters: Many San Diego County homeowners in high fire hazard areas have seen dramatic premium increases or lost coverage entirely. The board framed the action as a locally controlled mitigation measure that may enable some residents to obtain lower rates, while noting it will not replace broader state or market‑level reforms.
What’s next: County Fire will stand up a staff position to help residents navigate certification and inspections. Supervisors said the program should be paired with continued advocacy to state regulators and insurers. No changes to insurance regulations were made by the board; the vote authorizes county implementation support and outreach.
The Fire Protection District motion passed with all directors present and voting aye.
