Colorado’s wildfire season is shifting. While June used to mark the start of risk, recent patterns show Castle Rock homeowners now face peak wildfire threats from late July through October. Drier summers, expanding development near open space, and stronger wind events mean fire can travel faster—and start closer—than ever before.
In 2023 alone, more than 160,000 acres burned across Colorado, including several fast-moving grassland fires that threatened Douglas County neighborhoods. With these trends continuing, now is the time to review your insurance coverage, harden your property, and create a safety plan that protects what matters most.
Castle Rock’s Hail Risk at a Glance
Castle Rock experiences frequent severe weather from May through August. Hailstones in this region regularly exceed two inches in diameter, causing damage to roofs, siding, skylights, and gutters. Even newer homes with Class-3 shingles are not immune.
Because roofing contractors and material suppliers get overwhelmed during peak season, delayed repairs and higher labor costs are common. These delays can impact your recovery timeline—and if your policy lacks certain endorsements, the insurer may not cover the full expense.
What to Review in Your Homeowners Policy
A standard HO-3 policy may appear comprehensive but often includes limitations that reduce payout during wildfire events. Focus your review on these critical areas:
- Coverage A (Dwelling): Is your rebuild limit based on current construction costs in Douglas County? Inflation and material shortages have pushed rebuild prices up 20–30% in some areas.
- Ordinance & Law Coverage: If local codes require updated fire-resistant roofing, venting, or defensible landscaping, does your policy include this upgrade coverage?
- Personal Property Limits: High-value items like jewelry, firearms, or collectibles may have sub-limits that fall short during a full-loss fire claim.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE): How long will your policy pay for temporary housing and meals if you’re displaced for months?
If you’re unsure about any of these areas, Rocky Mountain Insurance Advisors can provide a fast, no-cost policy review tailored to Castle Rock’s fire zone classifications and home valuations.
Build a Defensible Space That Works in Castle Rock
Creating and maintaining defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from wildfire. In Castle Rock’s semi-arid climate, where neighborhoods back up to open space, fire can spread in minutes. Here’s how to structure your defensible space across zones:
- Zone 1 (0–5 feet): Remove mulch and wood piles near your home’s foundation. Replace with gravel or hardscaping. Keep gutters clean and roof free of pine needles or debris.
- Zone 2 (5–30 feet): Trim tree branches at least 6–10 feet from ground level. Space shrubs apart and mow grass regularly. Consider fire-resistant plants like ice plant, red yucca, or blue flax.
- Zone 3 (30–100 feet): Thin out small trees and brush to slow down fire movement. Remove ladder fuels—vegetation that allows fire to climb from ground to tree canopy.
Colorado State Forest Service recommends homeowners reassess defensible space every spring and after heavy winds or growth. These measures not only improve safety—they may also qualify your home for insurance discounts from certain carriers.
Store Smart and Prioritize What Matters
In a wildfire emergency, time is limited. Make critical decisions ahead of time so you’re not scrambling during an evacuation.
- Photograph or video every room in your house and save the files to cloud storage. Include closets, drawers, and garages. This visual inventory helps settle claims faster and more accurately.
- Back up essential documents—IDs, insurance policies, titles, and medical files—on a USB drive and in cloud storage.
- Create a go-bag with essentials for each family member: medications, chargers, clothing, pet supplies, and a printed evacuation route.
We also recommend downloading Douglas County’s emergency alert system to your phone. Wildfire warnings are often hyperlocal, and minutes count.
Your Wildfire Insurance Questions, Answered
Is wildfire insurance included in my homeowners policy?
Usually, yes—but coverage limits and rebuild expenses vary. A policy review can confirm whether you’re fully protected.
Can I get insurance discounts for wildfire mitigation?
Yes. Carriers may offer credits for fire-resistant roofing, ember-proof vents, and defensible space maintenance.
What happens if I’m evacuated but my home doesn’t burn?
Your Loss of Use coverage may reimburse you for hotel stays and meals during a mandatory evacuation, even if your home isn’t damaged.
Can I still make changes to my policy once fire season starts?
Yes—but not always. Some insurers pause coverage adjustments or new policies once a fire is within a certain radius of your ZIP code. It’s best to make changes before wildfire season peaks.
Why Castle Rock Homeowners Trust Rocky Mountain Insurance Advisors
At Rocky Mountain Insurance Advisors, we understand the wildfire challenges Castle Rock homeowners face because we live here too. From the foothills of Castle Pines to the open ridgelines of Founders Village, no two properties have the same exposure—and no single policy fits every home.
Our team offers:
- Customized coverage reviews
- Carrier comparisons to find wildfire-friendly options
- Help documenting your home and belongings
- Guidance before, during, and after a claim
We don’t just sell policies. We build relationships—helping families prepare, respond, and recover with confidence.
Take Control of Wildfire Season Before It Starts
Wildfires move fast. Preparation shouldn’t be rushed. Let Rocky Mountain Insurance Advisors help you safeguard your home with coverage that’s built for Castle Rock conditions. Call 303-663-9457 to talk with a local advisor who understands what matters most—because we live here too.