No matter what type of property you own, a fire can pretty much destroy any of it. In fact, fire is the first peril considered in most kinds of insurance policies. All Tennessee residents should be familiar with their homeowners, renters, or car insurance and how much fire coverage it provides.

Fortunately a Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you find the right homeowners insurance or other coverage to guard against devastating fire damage. They can also get you set up with additional fire insurance if it's right for you. But before we jump too far ahead, here’s a deep dive into fire insurance in Tennessee.

What Is Fire Insurance?

Fire coverage is already included in many standard policies, such as Tennessee homeowners insurance and car insurance, but it’s also available as a separate product. According to insurance expert Paul Martin, fire is usually listed first on most insurance policies because of the extreme threat to all kinds of property, and the common occurrence of the disaster. A Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you find the best fire insurance for your needs.

What Does Fire Insurance Cover in Tennessee?

Martin noted that fire protection is already included in most of your standard policies, but you can also buy just a fire and lightning policy. But in your homeowners policy, the included fire coverage works in this way:

• Coverage may include original replacement values of fire-damaged items, or it might subtract depreciation.
• Coverage begins after the policy’s deductible is met.
• Coverage reimburses up to 50% of your home’s value against fire damage.
• Coverage protects the dwelling and your personal belongings up to its limit.

Replacement value riders are also available and can cover the original value of fire-damaged items, if this coverage isn’t already included. A Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you review your homeowners insurance or other policy to determine how its fire coverage works.

What Doesn’t Fire Insurance Cover in Tennessee?

Fires that remain within their intended space, such as your fireplace or grill, are often excluded by most insurance companies and are known as “friendly fires.” Martin said that your homeowners or other policy is likely to exclude these types of fires, and that separate fire and lightning policies often exclude the following:

• Flood damage
• Mysterious disappearance
• Hail or wind damage
• Spoilage
• Theft and vandalism
• Owner negligence

If you’re concerned about natural water damage caused by flooding, your Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you add a flood insurance policy, as well as any other coverages you might be lacking.

Fire Stats for the US

Just how common and costly are fires in the US? Check out these stats and see for yourself.

Total number of reported fires in the United States in 2019, by type

In 2019, 481,500 fires were reported in structures, including homes, businesses, etc. Also in 2019, 189,500 fires were reported in highway vehicles, and another 33,500 fires occurred in other vehicles.

Total incurred losses due to fire in the US from 1990 to 2018 (in million US dollars)

Fire damage losses have greatly increased in recent decades. In 1990, a reported $9.49 million was lost due to fire. By 2018, this number had jumped four and a half times, to $43.58 million.

Since fires are so common in homes, cars, businesses, and more, that’s why it’s critical to review the fire coverage section of all your standard insurance policies with your Tennessee independent insurance agent.

Does Homeowners Insurance in Tennessee Cover All Types of Fires?

You’ll want to review your specific homeowners insurance policy to be sure of its coverage. However, typically homeowners insurance in Tennessee often covers these types of fires:

• Grease fires
• Forest fires
• Electrical fires
• Wildfires

If you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, it’s important to note that your homeowners insurance company may require you to purchase a separate wildfire insurance policy. But this exception applies more to residents in California than in Tennessee.

Does Car Insurance Include Fire Coverage in Tennessee?

If you want your car insurance to cover fire damage, you’ll need a comprehensive car insurance policy. Comprehensive car coverage protects your vehicle from fire damage as well as:

• Windshield breakage
• Wind and hail damage
• Theft and vandalism
• Flood damage

Your Tennessee independent insurance agent can help make sure your car insurance protects against fire and any other threats you may be concerned about.

Here’s How a Tennessee Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

When it comes to protecting home and car owners against devastating perils like fires, no one’s better equipped to help than an independent insurance agent. Tennessee independent insurance agents search through multiple carriers to find providers who specialize in fire insurance, home insurance, and car insurance, deliver quotes from a number of different sources, and help you walk through them all to find the best blend of coverage and cost.