"Nowadays, it seems like every summer brings with it a new rash of massive wildfires that rip through parts of the Western U.S. and put the lives and homes of thousands of people at risk. As a consequence, it might be wise for insurance agents to take the time to remind their clients about the risk such events pose, and have them determine whether their home insurance policies will cover the damages that can result from these fires. Obviously, these kinds of wildfires can have major impacts on communities, but also on the bottom lines of insurers that will have to shell out potentially massive payments for those affected by these incidents, according to a report from the Mountain Connection. In fact, the risk in these areas is so great that some insurers are now refusing to issue new policies to consumers who live in areas deemed at greater risk for these fires, or even canceling or altering the existing coverage plans they do have so that their costs will be limited or altogether eliminated if the home is damaged by a fire. However, some are going through less extreme measures as a means of reducing costs, the report said. Often, this involves requiring that homeowners who are able to retain policies involving this type of fire coverage put a number of safeguards into place so that their homes end up being better protected in the event that a wildfire does come to their areas. What do these protections entail? One of the biggest ways in which consumers might be asked to protect themselves from wildfires is by installing a flame-resistant roof, such as one made of metal or tile, the report said. The same is true of siding and decking on their homes, like those made from stone or stucco. Moreover, they can also install windows made with tempered glass and reinforced frames that will likewise not succumb so easily to the flames they might face. Consumers might not be happy with the added cost that comes with having to install these protective measures, but it might be wise for agents to remind them that these are likely to be better than having their policies canceled or otherwise altered so that they wouldn't be covered. If their agents are able to find them a little more flexibility in other aspects of their policy, that might serve to keep them a little more satisfied with their coverage overall."