Colorado’s FAIR Plan Sees Few Takers Despite Rising Home Insurance Challenges

Mount Crested Butte, Colorado village in summer with colorful sunrise by wooden lodging houses on hills with green trees

Homeowners insurance premiums in Colorado rose nearly 58% from 2018 to 2023 due to inflation, catastrophic losses, and repeated wildfire and hail damage, contributing to higher costs, reduced availability, and a national rate of one in seven homes being uninsured.

Mold Coverage in Homeowners Insurance: What Insurers Should Know

Damp buildings damaged by black mold and fungus, dampness or water. infiltration, insulation and mold problems in the wall of the house

Homeowners insurance policies generally cover mold damage if it’s caused by a peril covered under the policy, such as a burst pipe. However, damage resulting from neglect, flooding, or high humidity is typically excluded, creating potential gaps in coverage.

Wildfires Spark New Home Insurance and Building Standards

There can be many reasons for forest fires. Human-induced factors include negligence, leaving picnic fires unattended, discarding cigarette butts, and intentionally set fires. Additionally, climate change plays a significant role in the increasing frequency and intensity of forest fires. Drought, high temperatures, and winds contribute to the rapid spread of fires, making them more challenging to contain. Forest fires not only harm forests but also pose a significant threat to the millions of living creatures inhabiting them. Birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and many other species lose their habitats due to fires, putting them at risk of extinction. The damage inflicted on ecosystems and biodiversity by forest fires can take years or even decades to repair. The impacts of fires are not limited to natural life; they also affect human health. Fires release carbon dioxide and other harmful gases into the atmosphere, increasing air pollution and causing respiratory problems. Preventive measures must be taken at both individual and societal levels to prevent and control fires. Protecting forests, implementing preventive measures in fire-prone areas, and strengthening firefighting teams and equipment are crucial. Furthermore, raising awareness in the community and enhancing education on firefighting are essential.

The growing threat of wildfires has prompted a reevaluation of home insurance and building standards. As wildfires become more frequent and severe, insurance companies are adjusting policies and premiums to reflect the heightened risk.