This week, thousands of residents and visitors were evacuated from Jasper, Alberta, as wildfires threatened the town. Final damage estimates are not yet available. Last year Canada endured a record-breaking wildfire season that affected nearly every region—from the West Coast to the Atlantic provinces and the North. Insured losses from severe weather-related events reached about $3.1 billion in 2023. Six large wildfires alone generated around 17,000 insurance claims and roughly $1.1 billion in insured losses. As of mid‑July, there were more than 100 uncontrolled fires across the country, according to the National Wildland Fire Situation Report.
Because of the widespread risk, many homeowners and renters in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec are asking whether their home insurance covers wildfire and smoke damage. Below is what you need to know about coverage, claims and how to prepare.
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Does home insurance cover wildfire and related damage?
Yes. Standard home insurance policies—whether for homeowners, tenants or condo owners—typically cover damage caused by wildfire and smoke, provided the fire was not started intentionally by the policyholder. Coverage usually includes both structural damage and loss to the contents of the home.
Home insurance can also cover reasonable additional living expenses if you must relocate because of an evacuation order, damage to your property or unsafe conditions nearby. Eligible costs often include temporary accommodation, meals and fuel. Coverage for additional living expenses applies only to amounts above what you would normally spend. For example, if you normally spend $100 a week on groceries but spend $500 a week while displaced, you can typically claim the $400 difference as additional living expenses.
Indirect impacts may also be covered. If a wildfire causes a power outage resulting in spoiled food in your freezer or refrigerator, that loss can be eligible for compensation under many policies. Before filing small claims, check whether the loss exceeds your deductible and consider how a claim might affect future premiums; some insurers and brokers recommend paying minor losses out of pocket to avoid premium increases.
What if your car is damaged in a wildfire?
Auto insurance does not automatically cover fire damage. Only comprehensive or “all perils” auto policies include coverage for fire, and these options are typically optional additions. Review your auto policy to confirm whether fire-related damage is covered and what limits apply.
Can you change your policy during a wildfire emergency?
If you live in an area directly threatened by wildfires and do not already have home insurance, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain new coverage during the emergency. Insurers can temporarily suspend the sale of new policies in areas facing an imminent threat. Existing policies are generally renewed, and during declared states of emergency insurers may extend coverage for a limited period if renewal is prevented by the crisis.
Major changes to active policies—such as lowering a deductible or increasing coverage limits—may be restricted until the emergency passes. If you are considering adjustments, contact your insurer or broker to understand what is possible while the situation is active.
How to make a claim for wildfire damage
Start by documenting the damage thoroughly. Create a detailed inventory of destroyed and damaged items and, when it is safe to do so, collect supporting documentation such as purchase receipts, photos, warranties and any other proof of ownership or value. Keep damaged items unless they pose a health risk, as insurers often request to inspect them.
Your insurer will ask you to complete a proof-of-loss form listing the property damaged and the estimated value. After you report the loss, the company will assign an adjuster to investigate and assess the claim. In some cases the adjuster must wait for the appropriate authority to declare the property safe to inspect.
Remember to retain receipts and records for additional living expenses—temporary accommodation, meals and transportation—as these are often reimbursable when displacement is a result of wildfire or related damage.
How long do you have to file a claim?
If your home is affected by wildfire, notify your insurer as soon as possible. Many insurers operate 24‑hour claims lines and advise reporting losses promptly to accelerate payments. You do not need to have a complete damage estimate immediately; insurers typically allow time to gather evidence. In many jurisdictions policyholders have up to two years to submit or supplement a claim, providing time to collect receipts, documentation and professional estimates.
Read more about home insurance
- Home insurance: Are you covered for wildfires, floods and other climate-related disasters?
- Watch: Climate change in Canada and the rising cost of home insurance
- How does flood insurance work?
- How does earthquake insurance work?