Oregon wildfire insurance non-renewal? Here’s how to get the work done before your deadline.
If your insurer sent a notice canceling, non-renewing, or raising the premium on your Oregon homeowners policy because of wildfire risk, that letter is required to tell you two things: which characteristics of your property drove the decision, and which mitigation actions could change it. That list is a scope of work. We match you with licensed Oregon contractors who can complete it and give you the documentation to send back.
What Oregon law requires your insurer to tell you
Under ORS 742.277, an insurer that cancels, declines to renew, or increases the premium on a homeowner policy for a reason materially related to wildfire risk must send a notice that:
- Describes the property-specific characteristics that led to the decision
- Lists the wildfire risk mitigation actions you could take to improve the insurability of the property, if any exist
- If a wildfire risk score or classification was used, explains in plain language how it’s determined, the range of possible scores, where your property falls, and what effect mitigation could have
The statute defines “wildfire risk mitigation action” to include property-level work — establishing defensible space and hardening the structure — and community-level steps such as Firewise USA recognition or participation in a State Fire Marshal risk-reduction program.
Oregon law also bars insurers from using the state’s published wildfire hazard map as the basis for canceling, non-renewing, or raising premiums (SB 82, 2023). Insurers may still use their own risk models.
If your notice doesn’t include the mitigation list, you’re entitled to ask for it. Contact your insurer in writing and reference ORS 742.277. You can also file a complaint with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.
What’s typically on the list
The mitigation items insurers name most often fall into three groups. Each is a different trade, which is why finding one contractor who can do all of it is hard.
Vegetation and defensible space
- Clear all combustible material within 5 feet of the structure (Zone 0)
- Thin and space vegetation from 5 to 30 feet
- Remove tree limbs overhanging the roof or within 10 feet of the chimney
- Reduce ladder fuels — low branches, brush under trees — out to 100 feet on sloped lots
Structure hardening
- Install 1/8-inch metal mesh on attic, eave, and foundation vents
- Install metal gutter guards; clear gutters and roof valleys
- Replace wood fencing where it attaches to the house
- Address wood shake roofing or combustible siding
Documentation
- Dated before-and-after photos, organized by zone
- A written scope of work tied to the items in your notice
- Contractor license and insurance information
What it costs in Central and Southern Oregon
Costs depend on lot size, slope, and how overgrown the property is. Typical ranges:
| Work | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Zone 0–1 clearing, small lot | $800 – $2,500 |
| Full Zone 0–2 clearing, standard lot | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Steep or heavily wooded acre-plus lot | $5,000 – $15,000+ |
| Hazard tree removal (per tree) | $500 – $3,000+ |
| Vent screening and gutter guards | $400 – $1,500 |
| Annual maintenance after initial work | 30–50% of initial cost |
Some counties and fire districts offer cost-share or reimbursement programs for fuels reduction. The Upper Deschutes River Coalition, for example, reimburses approved defensible-space work up to a fixed amount per applicant. Ask your local fire district what’s available — the money is real, but the waitlists are long, which is a problem if your notice gives you 60 days.
Where we match homeowners in Oregon
Deschutes County — Bend, Sisters, Sunriver, La Pine, Tumalo, Redmond
Jackson County — Medford, Ashland, Jacksonville, Shady Cove, Eagle Point
Josephine County — Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Merlin
Klamath County — Klamath Falls, Chiloquin
Wasco and Hood River Counties — The Dalles, Hood River, Mosier
Don’t see your county? Submit a request anyway. We’re adding coverage as contractors sign on.
How it works
- Tell us what your notice says. The form takes two minutes. If you have the letter, note which items are listed and your deadline.
- Up to three licensed contractors contact you. Each is verified against the Oregon Construction Contractors Board before they receive your information.
- You choose, the work gets done, and you get the paperwork. Dated photos and a written scope you send to your insurer or agent.
There is no cost to homeowners. Contractors pay us a flat referral fee; it doesn’t affect your quote.
Every contractor we match is
- Licensed and active with the Oregon CCB
- Carrying general liability insurance
- Able to provide dated before-and-after documentation
- Familiar with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s defensible-space standards and the zone system insurers reference
Frequently asked questions
Will this get my policy reinstated?
Nobody can promise that. Insurers make their own underwriting decisions. What mitigation does is remove the specific items your insurer cited and give you documentation to submit. Many homeowners who complete listed items are renewed or find new coverage; some aren’t. We don’t contact your insurer on your behalf, and neither does the contractor.
My notice didn’t list any mitigation actions. What now?
Under ORS 742.277 your insurer must list them if any exist. Request the list in writing. If the insurer says no mitigation would change the decision, that’s useful information too — it tells you to focus on finding a new carrier rather than spending on work.
Does the Oregon wildfire hazard map affect my insurance?
Insurers are prohibited from using the state’s map to cancel, non-renew, or raise premiums. They can use their own models, which is usually what’s behind a notice.
How long does the work take?
Small-lot clearing and vent screening can be done in a day or two. Acre-plus fuels reduction runs several days to a couple of weeks depending on crew size and disposal. Tell contractors your deadline up front.
What if I already did some of this work?
Document it before anything else — dated photos of each zone and each hardened item. A surprising share of mitigation lists include work the homeowner has already done and never told the insurer about.
MitigateMyHouse is an independent referral service. We are not an insurance agency, public adjuster, contractor, or law firm. We do not perform mitigation work, guarantee any insurance outcome, or contact insurers on your behalf. Contractors are independent businesses; verify licensing and insurance directly before signing any contract. Legal references on this page are provided for general information and reflect Oregon law as we understand it as of [date]; confirm current requirements with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.