LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Los Angeles fires revealed the importance of having home insurance.
However, as FOX5 discovered some home owners up in Mt. Charleston realized keeping their coverage was even more challenging than getting it in the first place.
“Everywhere you look there is a beautiful view,” said Misty Haji-Sheikh, a Mt. Charleston home owner.
Its a view that is impossible to miss, and hard to think about losing.
Misty and her husband Michael spend their time admiring their mountain home.
However, the thought of their insurance company dropping their coverage is always on the back of their mind.
This is because they already lived through it.
Last summer, the couple received a letter from their insurance company, stating they would not be renewed.
“They had said we need to see your house, now that was in February 2024 before any of those fires, so we said ok, and they found 3 things wrong and we fixed what we could and they were supposed to come back,” Misty explained.
According to Misty, the insurance agent never came back.
“Instead they sent a letter, they didn’t look at the pictures we sent or the documentation we sent and said no you now have to do 10 things that were virtually impossible,” she shared.
One of the things their insurance company wanted them to do was clear vegetation 100 feet from their house.
They did what they could around their house, but 100 feet would also mean their neighbors homes and out in the wilderness behind their house.
“Yup it was unreasonable” Misty said.
The Nevada Division of Insurance told FOX5 , an insurance company must notify the home owners 30 days before their coverage expires which is what this company did.
However, once the coverage expired, the couple was left without insurance for two weeks before they signed with an affiliate company.
“Two weeks, it could be one day, if they don’t cover you for that one day you are hosed,” Michael said.
The LA fires showed us just how fast flames can spread. Those who live on Mt. Charleston live with that risk year round. That is why campfires are banned within a mile of homes.
For now the couple is also taking measures into their own hands by fire proofing their house as best as possible.
They wrapped aluminum screen around their porch so they can protect their home all while continuing to take in the mountain view.
Earlier this year, NV Energy proposed a wildfire self insurance policy to the Nevada Public Utilities Commission.
This would create a dedicated fund of $500 million to cover any costs if a wildfire was caused by their equipment.
Whenever there are high winds, NV energy shuts off power in Mt. Charleston to mitigate the fire risk.
If you are a homeowner, there may be several reasons an insurance provider may chose to not renew you such as:
– the fire risk level in your area
– the condition of your home
– the number of claims you file
Your insurance may cancel your policy for:
-not paying premiums
-if you are suspected of fraud
If you are dropped from your insurance provider, they have to explain in writing why.
Here are some steps you can take:
-Let your mortgage company know
-Shop for a new policy and get quotes from at least three companies
If you feel that you have been treated unfairly you can file a complaint with the Nevada Division of Insurance.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
Alice J. Roden started working for Trending Insurance News at the end of 2021. Alice grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. A writer with a vast insurance industry background Alice has help with several of the biggest insurance companies. Before joining Trending Insurance News, Alice briefly worked as a freelance journalist for several radio stations. She covers home, renters and other property insurance stories.