Allstate Wildfire Insurance Review
Big national carrier that paused new California home policies — and is filing to come back.
Reviewed by Tom Hunt, Wildfire Risk Expert
Editorial independence: This is an independent review compiled from public information. FireRisk.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or paid by Allstate, and earns no commission from Allstate. Any ratings, prices, or performance figures are attributed to their source and have not been independently verified by us — always confirm current details directly.
Founded
1931
Headquarters
Northbrook, Illinois
Financial strength
A+ (Superior)
Channel
National admitted carrier
One of the largest national personal-lines insurers, signaling a measured return to California.
FireRisk.ai rating
Our editorial scores for a wildfire-exposed home — appetite weighted heaviest. Not a financial rating; not carrier-supplied. See how all carriers rank →
Wildfire appetite & overview
Allstate stopped selling new homeowners policies in California in 2022 over wildfire and cost pressures. It is now among the first carriers — alongside Mercury and CSAA — to say it will file to write more policies under California’s new Sustainable Insurance Strategy framework, which lets insurers use catastrophe models and reinsurance costs in rates in exchange for covering more high-risk homes. Outside the hardest markets it remains a large, financially strong option.
Strengths
- +A+ (Superior) financial strength
- +Broad national presence
- +Filing to expand again under California’s new framework
- +Bundle and mitigation discounts
- +Large agent network
Watch-outs
- –Paused new California homeowners business since 2022
- –Limited appetite in high-hazard WUI
- –Re-entry tied to rate approvals
- –Returning gradually, not all at once
Exclusions & limitations
Items that a standard homeowners policy — including Allstate's — typically does not cover. Verify with your agent before binding.
- ✕Land and soil — the value of the land beneath your home is never covered; only the structure and its contents.
- ✕Vehicles — cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles are covered by your auto policy, not your home policy, even if destroyed in a wildfire.
- ✕Jewelry, art, and collectibles above sub-limits — standard policies cap payouts for valuables; a scheduled-property rider or floater is required for full value.
- ✕Business property and equipment — commercial inventory, business computers, and tools kept at home are typically excluded or capped.
- ✕Flood damage — water used to fight a wildfire (aerial drops, hydrant streams) can cause significant structural damage that a standard fire policy does not cover; a separate flood or DIC policy is needed.
- ✕Ordinance or law upgrades — if local codes require upgrading electrical, plumbing, or structural systems during a rebuild, those costs may not be covered without an ordinance-or-law endorsement.
Mitigation discounts & what saves you money
These are the hardening steps most widely recognized across the wildfire insurance market — including by Allstate where applicable.
- Class A roof: The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing materials — one of the most impactful factors in wildfire underwriting and pricing.
- Defensible space: Clearing and maintaining at least 30–100 feet of vegetation around the structure; required by law in many states and rewarded by virtually every carrier.
- Firewise USA community: Homes in NFPA-recognized Firewise communities often qualify for a documented discount at several carriers (USAA, AAA/CSAA, and others).
- Ember-resistant vents and screens: Vents are a primary ember-entry point; 1/8-inch or finer metal mesh screens meaningfully reduce ignition risk and are a common underwriting credit.
- Ignition-resistant siding and windows: Non-combustible or ignition-resistant exterior cladding and dual-pane or tempered-glass windows reduce heat and ember vulnerability and signal a hardened home to underwriters.
See also: how to improve your odds of being written — the Allstate-specific steps are in the qualifying section below.
How to improve your odds of being written
- 1Be in a moderate-risk ZIP for the best odds today
- 2Watch for its SIS expansion filings if you’re in a higher-risk California area
- 3Bundle auto + home
How to apply — step by step
The typical process for getting Allstate coverage. Exact steps vary by state and distribution channel.
- 1Get a quote online or through an agent. Allstate sells through agents — find a Allstate-appointed agent in your area and request a homeowners quote, or visit the carrier's website if online quoting is available.
- 2Provide your home details. Be ready with your home's square footage, year built, roof type and age, construction material, distance to the nearest fire station, and any hardening features (ember-resistant vents, defensible space clearance, Class-A roof, ignition-resistant siding). More detail means a more accurate quote and fewer surprises at underwriting.
- 3Schedule an inspection if required. Higher-value homes and high-hazard ZIPs commonly trigger an in-person or virtual inspection before coverage is bound — especially at Allstate. Have documentation of recent upgrades (permits, photos, receipts) ready to share.
- 4Review, then bind coverage. Read the declarations page carefully: confirm your dwelling limit covers a full rebuild at current labor and material costs, check the loss-of-use and personal-property sub-limits, and ask about any wildfire-specific exclusions or endorsements. Once you're satisfied, pay the first premium installment and your coverage is in force.
Recent developments
What's changed lately — dated so you can judge how current it is.
Stopped selling new California homeowners policies, citing wildfire risk and rising costs.
Among the first carriers to commit to filing for more California policies under the Sustainable Insurance Strategy.
Best for
Homeowners outside the most distressed wildfire ZIPs; bundlers.
How to get a quote
Through Allstate agents nationally — new California home business limited as of 2026, but expanding.
Bottom line
Solid where available, and trending back toward California. For now, like State Farm, not a dependable path for new coverage in the most distressed WUI areas.
Compare Allstate against carriers that fit your ZIP
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Allstate wildfire insurance FAQ
Does Allstate cover homes in high fire-risk areas?
Allstate stopped selling new homeowners policies in California in 2022 over wildfire and cost pressures. It is now among the first carriers — alongside Mercury and CSAA — to say it will file to write more policies under California’s new Sustainable Insurance Strategy framework, which lets insurers use catastrophe models and reinsurance costs in rates in exchange for covering more high-risk homes. Outside the hardest markets it remains a large, financially strong option.
Is Allstate financially strong enough to pay a wildfire claim?
Allstate carries an AM Best financial-strength rating of A+ (Superior), indicating its assessed ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations. Ratings can change, so confirm the current rating before buying.
Who is Allstate best for?
Homeowners outside the most distressed wildfire ZIPs; bundlers. Solid where available, and trending back toward California. For now, like State Farm, not a dependable path for new coverage in the most distressed WUI areas.
What does Allstate cover in a wildfire?
A standard Allstate homeowners policy covers direct fire and smoke damage to the dwelling structure, attached structures (like a garage), personal property inside the home, and loss of use — meaning additional living expenses if you're displaced by an evacuation order or because the home is uninhabitable. Debris removal is typically included, though it may be a sub-limit. Always confirm the specific endorsements and coverage limits on your quote, as policy terms vary by state and product.
How do I qualify for Allstate's best wildfire rate?
The biggest factors that influence your rate and eligibility with Allstate are your home's location (ZIP-level wildfire hazard score), the construction type and age of your roof, the amount of defensible space you maintain, and whether your home has ember-resistant vents, ignition-resistant siding, and dual-pane or tempered windows. Documenting and demonstrating those hardening steps — and mentioning any Firewise USA community membership — will put you in the best position for the lowest available rate. Bundling auto with home is also a common discount where Allstate offers both.
What's not covered by Allstate's standard policy?
Like almost all homeowners policies, a standard Allstate policy does not cover land value, vehicles (covered by auto insurance), flood damage including water dropped or pumped during firefighting, or jewelry and art above sub-limits without a scheduled-property endorsement. Business property and ordinance-or-law rebuild upgrades may also be excluded or capped. If you're pairing Allstate with a California FAIR Plan, add a Difference-in-Conditions (DIC) policy to fill the liability, water, and theft gaps.
Disclosure: This is an independent, research-based editorial review. FireRisk.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Allstate. The company name and any AM Best rating are used for identification and comparison only. This is not insurance or financial advice, and we are not a licensed insurance agency. Availability, appetite, ratings, and pricing change and vary by ZIP and home — verify everything directly with the carrier before purchasing. We may be compensated when you request quotes through a partner.