How to Get Property Insurance for Mountain Homes in High-Risk Areas

How to Get Property Insurance for Mountain Homes in High-Risk Areas

If you're looking to buy a mountain home in Colorado, you’re probably dreaming of panoramic views, fresh pine air, and crackling fireplaces—not dealing with complicated insurance requirements. But here’s the truth: getting property insurance in wildfire-prone areas of the Rockies isn’t always straightforward.

Whether you're eyeing Evergreen, Conifer, or Clear Creek County, insurance carriers are tightening coverage, and some buyers are left scrambling. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve—and get your mountain dream home properly insured.

 


 

1. Understand Why It’s Harder to Get Coverage

In recent years, wildfires and natural disasters have pushed many large insurance companies to re-evaluate their risk tolerance. That means:

  • Stricter underwriting standards

  • Coverage caps by zip code

  • Longer application processing times

  • Some insurers won’t take on any new policies in high-risk areas

Even if your neighbor is insured, you may be denied simply because that company has hit its local limit.

 


 

2. Fire Mitigation Can Make or Break Approval

One of the biggest things you can do to improve your insurability is proactively reduce wildfire risk.

🔥 Start with:

  • Clearing brush and thinning trees 30 feet from the home

  • Installing fire-resistant roofing and siding

  • Cleaning gutters regularly and removing flammable materials near the foundation

  • Adding a defensible space with gravel or hardscaping

Bonus tip: Some counties offer mitigation programs or even grants to help with the cost. Ask us—we’ve got resources.

 


 

3. Shop Smart: Use a Wide Network of Insurers

We’ve seen buyers spend weeks trying to get quotes from just one or two big-name carriers. Don’t do that. At Moxie Property Group, we provide our clients with a vetted list of 33+ local and national insurers that are willing to write policies in mountain zones.

🧭 Consider:

  • Regional carriers specializing in wildfire zones

  • Independent brokers who can quote multiple options

  • The Colorado FAIR Plan (as a last resort)

Every buyer’s situation is different, so casting a wide net is key.

 


 

4. Ask the Right Questions Before You Buy

Before going under contract, ask the seller:

  • Who insures the property now?

  • What was their last premium and coverage level?

  • Have they ever been denied or canceled?

You should also review the CLUE report (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) to see the home’s claim history.

 


 

5. Don’t Wait Until Closing

Some buyers assume insurance is something to handle in the final week before closing. Not in the mountains.

🚨 Instead:

  • Start shopping as soon as you're under contract

  • Share inspection reports with insurers for faster approval

  • Work with your real estate team to build in time for quote shopping

 


 

Protect Your Investment—Before It’s Too Late

Securing property insurance in Colorado’s mountains takes strategy, timing, and local insight. But with the right team and prep work, you can protect your home, your money, and your peace of mind. At Moxie Property Group, we help our clients every step of the way—from fire mitigation referrals to insurance carrier introductions.

 


 

📞 Contact Us

🏡 Moxie Property Group
📞 (303) 578-1220
💻 [email protected]
📺 YouTube Video

 

Work With Us

Take the first step towards finding your dream home and contact us today. Experience the Moxie difference as we guide you through this exciting journey with unwavering dedication and expertise. Together, we'll make your Colorado home ownership dreams a reality!

Follow Us on Instagram