California’s Homeowners Insurance is in Crisis

Here’s What You Need to Know In this episode of All Things Wildfire, OP Almaraz sits down with Robert Feldman, CEO of WOWS Insurance, to break down the skyrocketing premiums, shrinking coverage options, and the wildfire-driven shakeup hitting California's insurance market.

Robert Feldman is an insurance professional with nearly 25 years of experience. Robert’s specialty is insurance in fire zones and hard to place risks. As an industry professional, Robert has served as a speaker at the California Association of Realtors. Robert travels the state educating realtors about how to secure insurance for homes that are deemed uninsurable. Robert serves on many task forces and insurance panels, working directly with senior leadership of many insurance carriers to solve the state’s current insurance crisis. To that end, Robert is the founder of WOWS Insurance Services, designed to deliver insurance solutions for large homes that struggle to secure insurance in California.

OP and Robert dive into the WOWS Insurance program, a bold initiative aiming to transform how high-risk homes stay insured.

You’ll learn:

Why fire hardening is no longer optional

The difference between admitted vs. non-admitted insurance

What the California FAIR Plan doesn’t cover

The hidden power of realtors in keeping homes insurable

Why neighbor collaboration and annual mitigation are now essential

Whether you're a homeowner, broker, or real estate pro — this episode is your wake-up call.

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What if we could detect and suppress wildfires within minutes—not hours? In this episode of All Things Wildfire, we sit down with Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Dryad Networks, to explore the cutting-edge technology redefining wildfire defense. From solar-powered IoT sensors that detect fires in their earliest stages to SilverGuard, an autonomous drone system poised to revolutionize fire suppression, this conversation dives deep into the future of wildfire resilience.

We uncover how parametric insurance could reshape wildfire risk models and why collaboration between tech innovators and insurance providers is essential. Carsten shares Dryad’s bold vision: a world where wildfires are extinguished before they can spread—using AI, sound wave suppression, and a fast-reacting web of intelligent systems.

Key Takeaways: Dryad’s SilverNet detects ignition in minutes—before smoke is even visible. 85% of wildfires are caused by human activity, increasing the need for early intervention. Parametric insurance may unlock faster claims and incentivize prevention tech. Autonomous drones and sound wave suppression may be the future of firefighting. A call for industry collaboration to achieve fully integrated wildfire response systems. If you're in wildfire prevention, insurance, or technology—this is a must-listen episode.

In this conversation, OP Almaraz and Paul Brady discuss the complexities of wildfire risk and insurance. Paul shares his unique background in wildfire mitigation and how it informs his work at Green Shield Risk Solutions. They explore the challenges of modeling wildfire risk compared to other perils, the importance of understanding wildfire behavior, and the innovative solutions being developed to assess and mitigate these risks. The discussion emphasizes the need for better communication and understanding between insurance providers and homeowners regarding wildfire risks and safety measures. In this conversation, Paul Brady and OP Almaraz discuss the complexities of insurance coverage in wildfire-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of community efforts, vegetation management, and the role of designations like Firewise. They explore the challenges faced by homeowners with high-value properties, the dynamics of the real estate market, and the future of insurance models in the context of increasing wildfire risks. Innovations in insurance products aimed at high-value homes are also highlighted, along with the need for standardized mitigation practices to restore confidence in the insurance market.

Highlights:

• Paul Brady has a unique background in wildfire mitigation and insurance.
• There is a significant gap in the insurance industry's understanding of wildfire risk.
• Wildfire risk modeling is more complex than modeling for other perils like floods.
• Wildfire behavior is influenced by topography, weather, and fuels.
• The radiant heat from a wildfire can cause significant damage to nearby structures.
• Green Shield Risk Solutions aims to make homes more insurable against wildfires.
• Their technology utilizes updated aerial imagery for risk assessment.
• Homeowners can order wildfire risk reports directly from Green Shield.
• Defensible space around properties is crucial for wildfire safety.
• Community efforts are essential in mitigating wildfire risks. HOAs can benefit from hiring firms to visualize community impact.
• Firewise designation can positively influence insurance coverage.
• Reducing vegetation can lower risk assessment models over time.
• High-value properties face unique insurance challenges post-wildfire.
• The real estate market is affected by insurance availability and risk perception.
• Wildfire risk is becoming a nationwide concern, not just localized.
• Insurance companies are hesitant to insure properties in high-risk areas.
• Standardizing mitigation practices is crucial for restoring insurance confidence.
• Innovative insurance products are being developed for high-value homes.
• Community efforts in wildfire mitigation can lead to better insurance outcomes.

This episode of All Things Wildfire serves as both a wake-up call and a guidepost for navigating wildfire disasters. Remember, preparation and community effort are key to reducing future risks. For more tips and updates, follow us on social media and visit our website.