The end of December, 2021 was devastating for many Colorado families. Just 2 days after smoke was first reported, the Marshall fire had claimed 1,084 homes totaling losses more than $513 million. Nearly two dozen businesses were damaged or destroyed as well.

While we were fortunate as a community to only suffer 2 human casualties as a result of the Marshall fire, as time has passed, one lesson has become abundantly clear; some home owners are woefully under-insured for a complete home loss. As the climate continues to change, more and more areas and neighborhoods will be situated in flood and or fire zones so finding home insurance coverage is going to be crucial.

Getting flood and fire protection is not as easy as just increasing your current coverage, however. We checked with our home insurance broker account rep at The Insurance Loft, Jeff Neuhalfen, and he confirmed our suspicions about the increasing expanse of weather related insurance zones. Jeff also informed us that not all carriers will cover a homeowner for fire or flood loss due to the risk involved, so it’s important to double check whether your carrier will insure you in these circumstances, or if you need to look elsewhere for coverage. This status update begs the question, then, ‘how do I know if I’m in a flood or fire zone?’ Jeff provided us with 2 helpful links you can utilize to substantiate whether you are in either of these areas. 

The first is Fema’s site, FloodSmart. On this page, you can check the current flood zones and maps, and also research where you can purchase insurance if you find out you need it. Unfortunately, according to Jeff, FireLines are a bit less clear cut. “Fireline scores are going to be a bit more tricky, as every single carrier has their own Fireline scores depending on their appetite for business and that changes each and every year after the claim payouts & wildfires. There is a general risk analysis they can do here again with the address. It also has some great downloadable brochures on their site.” You can find these resources for Verisk HERE. For a map with the general FireLine boundaries for Colorado, you can go HERE, The best bet to find out if your home is in a FireLine boundary, and the ramifications of this delineation is to call your insurance agent.

Although the risk of losing a home to one of these natural disasters is generally minimal overall, if it happens, the aftermath is overwhelming. Making sure you are completely covered to rebuild your home in case of total loss is a fairly quick and straightforward process compared to the work and financial bearing you’ll have if you are not covered adequately. 

If you have follow up questions, one of our knowledgeable agents would be happy to help get you to the right resource for your concern. Please feel free to reach out to us at (720) 902-7236.

Or, you can also go to the source of all things insurance, Jeff Neuhalfen at The Insurance Loft. Jeff is not only an accomplished roller skater, he’s an awesome human, and an even better insurance broker who is happy to chat with you to discuss your insurance needs and then shop the carriers to find you the best rate. You can contact him directly at jeff@theinsuranceloft.com.