California Homeowners Insurance Information

What can I do if I receive a cancellation notice? 

If you receive a cancellation notice, the State Insurance Commissioner’s office suggests you contact your insurance carrier and discuss any efforts you have made to protect your home from wildfire and the efforts that the City La Verne and the La Verne Fire Department (LVFD) makes each year to reduce the fire risk. You should also visit the State of California Insurance Commissioners page at https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/5-residential/index.cfm.

To assist you with this conversation, here are some of the ways the City of La Verne and the LVFD  work together to reduce the fire risk in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones of La Verne.

• The City of La Verne has an active Vegetation Management program in place.  The Los Angeles County, Department of Agricultural Commissioner/ Weights and Measures is responsible for the Hazard Abatement Program conducted pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code sections 13879 and 14875-14922. The Los Angeles County abatement of hazardous vegetation, which includes weeds and brush, is a joint enforcement and clearance effort between both the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures (ACWM) and the City of La Verne. Over the past decade, the program has provided a defensible space for firefighters, which evidently, saves many homes from fire and almost certainly preventing the start of fires overall. If your property is on the Weed Abatement list or has been inspected and you have received a notice from the County of Los Angeles ACWM, proceed with their instructions for compliance of the Fire Code.
• Depending on the area, dry weeds, brush or neglected vegetation within 100 feet up to 200 feet from a home or other structure, or 10 feet of a road, are considered a hazard.  If your vacant parcel is not within 100 feet of a home or other structure, it has been included in the Program because of the potential for tumbleweeds (Antelope Valley only) or accumulations of trash. Please contact us if you are not sure how much you are expected to clear or if you have any questions.
• As part of the program, the La Verne Fire Department conducts Wildland Urban Interface inspections each year from May to August to ensure compliance with the California Fire Code and other laws related to vegetation, which includes proper clearance of combustible vegetation and defensible space.  LVFD requires property owners to maintain their property hazard free.
• LVFD is an active sponsor and supporter of Firewise USA (https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa). Firewise USA is a program designed to help communities reduce the risk of wildfire damage through education, planning, and proactive measures. It encourages residents to work together to assess their wildfire risks and implement strategies for prevention, such as creating defensible space around homes and improving community infrastructure.  This program may allow residents to obtain discounts on their homeowners insurance as well as maintain their insurance. Residents should join Firewise USA to enhance their safety, protect their property, and foster a sense of community. Participation provides access to valuable resources, expert guidance, and support from other communities that have successfully reduced wildfire risks.
• LVFD personnel encourage local residents, especially those living within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or adjacent to designated open spaces to participate in the Ready, Set, Go program. Although the City of La Verne has had a long-standing requirement of Class A roofs and vents on chimneys, a homeowner can take steps to further harden their home.   LVFD outlines this information on the LVFD website and in the Ready, Set, Go brochure.   Learn more about Ready, Set, Go! (PDF). *Hardening one’s home includes retrofitting your home with ignition resistive features.
• The City of La Verne is committed to reducing the fire fuel in our open space areas by conducting annual weed abatement. The work is performed to provide a buffer or fuel modification zone between structures and the open space. This work is required pursuant to the California Fire Code.