Buying Property Near a National Forest? Here’s What to Know About Fire Scores & Insurability

If you’re searching for your dream home in Arizona, especially in areas like Prescott or anywhere near a national forest—you’ve likely imagined crisp mountain air, pine-covered trails, and cozy views. But there’s one crucial step many buyers overlook until it’s too late: checking if the home can be insured affordably.

As fire season approaches and fire bans begin rolling out across Yavapai County and other high-risk zones, it’s more important than ever to understand what fire scores mean for your insurance eligibility.

What is a Fire Score?
A fire score is a risk rating assigned to properties based on their exposure to wildfire threats. Insurance carriers use this score to determine how insurable a home is—and in some cases, whether they’ll even offer a policy at all. It factors in:

• Proximity to fire-prone areas (like national forests)
  
• Accessibility for emergency response
  
• Availability of nearby water sources
  
• Construction materials and defensible space around the home
  

Why This Matters for Arizona Buyers

Many parts of Arizona are classified as moderate to high wildfire risk. In the Quad Cities and surrounding areas, we’ve already seen insurance carriers deny policies or dramatically increase premiums due to poor fire scores.

Unfortunately, most buyers discover this after they’ve fallen in love with a property—and in some cases, after they’re under contract.
What You Can Do About It
Here’s how to protect yourself and your investment:

• Contact Your Insurance Broker Early: At VIP Insurance Professionals, we can run a property’s fire score before you make an offer. If it’s high risk, we’ll give you honest insights and options—before you’re financially committed.
  
• Ask About Alternative Carriers: Not all insurance companies treat fire risk the same. We work with multiple carriers to find the right fit—even for hard-to-place properties.
  
• Consider Scheduled Property Coverage: If you’re moving to a rural area with valuable equipment (like mountain bikes, solar setups, or UTVs), let us help you schedule those items properly.
  

Fire Bans Are the Warning Bell
Fire restrictions are already being issued across Arizona, signaling an early and intense fire season. That’s not just a red flag for campers, it’s a sign for homebuyers to move carefully and make sure they’re protected.

Don’t Wait Until Escrow to Find Out Your Dream Home Isn’t Insurable
Let VIP Insurance Professionals help you stay ahead of wildfire risk with smart, proactive coverage options. Whether you’re in escrow or just browsing Zillow, we’re ready to run a fire score and offer expert advice.