SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — As multiple wildfires continue to burn across Utah, state insurance officials are encouraging homeowners and renters to review their policies to ensure they have adequate coverage before disaster strikes.

For residents like Jorgen Olsen, the smoky skies and active fire conditions are a stark reminder of the risks that come with Utah’s wildfire season.

“It’s crazy right now. It’s just unbelievable,” Olsen said. “You can see the haze down here.”

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Olsen, who has lived in Utah for years, said this year’s fire season is among the worst he has experienced and has prompted him to think about whether his property is adequately protected.

Like many homeowners, Olsen admitted he is not entirely sure what his insurance policy covers when it comes to wildfire damage.

“You know, that’s something I’m not really entirely sure of,” he said. “If it would cover natural disaster-type stuff.”

According to Tracy Klausmeier of the Utah Insurance Department, wildfire damage is generally covered under standard homeowners insurance policies.

“Fire is generally included in most homeowner policies,” Klausmeier said.

However, she cautioned that policyholders should carefully review their coverage and not assume every loss will be covered.

“They need to review the policy to make sure that there’s no exclusions or no specialty language in there that could exempt them from some coverage,” Klausmeier said.

Insurance experts said homeowners should pay particular attention to coverage limits and whether valuable personal belongings are fully protected.

“Any antiques that you have, jewelry that you have, firearms — all of those things can be insured, but they’re separate,” Klausmeier said. “They’re endorsements that are added to a traditional homeowner’s policy. So you want to make sure that all of your personal goods are covered.”

Renters should also verify that fire damage is included in their renters insurance policies, officials said.

With no statewide moratorium currently in place on homeowners insurance policies that include fire coverage, residents in many areas may still be able to obtain or update coverage. However, insurance availability can change depending on wildfire activity and insurer policies.

For Olsen, the growing number of fires across the state is reason enough to take a closer look at his insurance documents.

“This is bad,” he said. “It’s bad enough. It’s concerning for sure.”

Insurance officials recommend that homeowners and renters schedule time with their insurance agent to review their policies, identify any coverage gaps and ensure they understand what protections are in place before an emergency occurs.

A program was created to help homeowners take science-based, proven steps to significantly reduce wildfire risk to their homes and properties.

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