The phone rings, and it’s another homeowner asking about insurance. On the one hand, you’re glad they called you. On the other hand, you already know it’s going to be another case of sticker shock and an uphill battle to get the policy through underwriting. In wildfire-prone regions, eligibility guidelines have never been stricter. Premiums are high, and for many, obtaining coverage is nearly impossible.
Now more than ever, your role as a broker takes shape in a high-stakes environment. Understanding defensible space and explaining it confidently to clients positions you as a trusted advisor. Partnering with a personal lines MGA adds the underwriting guidance to place homes in fire-prone regions and helps homeowners obtain and maintain the coverage they need.
What Is Defensible Space?
Defensible space is a structured, compliance-driven fire protection strategy. Cal Fire defines it in three zones, each working together to form a protective buffer:
- Zone 0 (0–5 feet): The most critical area, designed to keep embers from igniting the home itself
- Zone 1 (5–30 feet): Managed space that reduces fuel by clearing dead vegetation and creating separation between plants, trees, and structures
- Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Extended clearance that slows fire spread by thinning vegetation, reducing ground fuel, and adding space between trees and shrubs
These measures are not arbitrary, and what underwriters are looking for is more than just “yard work” to “clean up” the area. Defensible space is outlined by a series of structured, data-driven steps developed by wildfire professionals.
Consider that through such efforts, the Getty Museum stood resilient amid early 2025 wildfires in California while surrounding neighborhoods burned. Its leaders attribute it to having implemented expert strategies and continually following best practices for wildfire preparedness. Homeowners can apply the same level of proven guidance to protect their own properties.
Clients often see defensible space requests as just another requirement, but in reality, these steps are grounded in data and backed by insurers who share the same goal: protecting homes from loss. Carriers don’t emphasize defensible space to make things harder. They do it because the numbers show it works. These measures measurably reduce the likelihood of catastrophic fire damage.
Addressing Common Pushbacks
“It’s too much work.”
Defensible space isn’t endless yard work. It’s structured upkeep. Framing it as seasonal maintenance with a huge payoff (insurance eligibility and wildfire protection) helps clients see the value.
“It costs too much.”
Clearing vegetation or hiring tree services can feel expensive, but the alternative may be paying unaffordable premiums or losing coverage altogether. Present it as an investment in insurability.
“I already have insurance, so why should I bother?”
Carriers reevaluate properties regularly, especially after major fires. Compliance today can improve renewal odds and stabilize premiums in the future.
“My neighbor hasn’t done anything, so why should I?”
Insurance eligibility is tied to each property individually. Acting now keeps coverage intact regardless of what the neighbor does.
“It won’t stop a big fire anyway.”
Many homes are lost to flying embers, not direct flames. Defensible space directly addresses ember risk and has been proven to reduce catastrophic losses. It doesn’t guarantee survival, but it dramatically improves the odds.
Why Brokers Should Discuss Defensible Space With Clients
Wildfire regions remain some of the toughest areas for placing homeowners insurance, but they also hold enormous potential. Brokers who understand defensible spaces and can effectively guide clients through how to achieve them position themselves at the center of that opportunity.
Securing the homeowners policy is the pivotal step. In many areas, it’s one of the most challenging coverages to place, and that makes it the policy that opens the door to everything else in the household. Once the home is protected, doors open to auto, recreational vehicles, umbrellas, and potential business lines. Brokers who can consistently deliver on homeowners coverage in challenging markets and clearly explain what homeowners policies protect stand to build the deepest, most valuable client relationships.
How To Create Defensible Space
As a broker, you don’t need to be a fire inspector. But having a clear, confident way to explain defensible space to clients helps to improve the odds that they’ll make the changes that will get them the approval of the policy. A straightforward narrative helps homeowners understand what’s required and why it matters.
Cal Fire produces several resources and illustrations that can be shared for added clarity. When speaking to clients, the explanation for how to create defensible spaces can be summarized fairly simply.
- Within the first 5 feet of the home: Keep the area free of combustible materials such as mulch, firewood, or wooden fencing. Hardscape is best here, and decks should be kept clear.
- Within 30 feet of the home: Clear and separate vegetation. Remove dead plants, trim trees so their branches are at least 10 feet apart, and create spacing between shrubs and structures.
- Within 100 feet of the home (or up to the property line): Mow grass to a maximum of 4 inches, prune lower tree branches up to 6 feet from the ground, and create both horizontal and vertical spacing between plants.
It’s important to frame defensible space as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time task. Consistent seasonal upkeep is what keeps the home protected when fire season comes.
A Personal Lines MGA Supporting Brokers in High-Risk Areas
You don’t have to figure this out alone. At Cochrane & Company, we’re a personal lines MGA with the tools, expertise, and risk-eligibility guidance to help brokers write homes that other markets may decline. We understand wildfire risk, and we work with brokers to place homes backed by defensible space plans.
While others find restrictions and roadblocks, you can find opportunity. By helping you carve out margins in wildfire-prone regions, we give you the edge to grow your book and give your clients peace of mind.
Connect with Cochrane & Company for access to underwriting guidance, risk-reduction resources, and personal lines solutions that help you say yes where others say no. As an experienced business and personal lines MGA, we specialize in high-risk markets and difficult-to-place property and casualty risks. Our goal is to help you protect more households, place more policies, and grow your book with confidence.
FAQ About Defensible Space
Is defensible space legally required?
Yes. In California and many other high-risk states, defensible space up to 100 feet is mandated by law, although the exact requirements can vary by county. Some carriers even require proof of compliance before issuing or renewing a policy.
Can defensible space affect insurance premiums?
Absolutely. Some carriers won’t write policies without it, while others may offer more favorable rates when homes are compliant. For homeowners, it can be the difference between finding affordable coverage and being declined altogether.
How can a homeowner show proof of defensible space?
Proof may come from a fire district inspection, photos, or documentation from licensed contractors who perform clearance work. Many counties also conduct their own defensible space inspections and issue compliance reports.
What if a neighboring property doesn’t have defensible space?
Carriers focus on your property. By creating defensible space, homeowners strengthen their eligibility even if neighbors don’t act. Brokers can also encourage clients to engage with homeowners associations or local fire districts to promote community-wide mitigation.
About Cochrane & Company
For more than six decades, Cochrane & Company has been proudly at the forefront of the insurance industry. Our experience as a business and personal lines MGA has enabled us to innovate in powerful ways, reimagining the E&S market, and providing technology solutions that make it easy to do business with us. Licensed in all 50 states, we proudly serve clients across the nation, providing personalized and powerful solutions to help you become an even better partner for your clients. Speak to one of our experienced professionals today by calling (855) 967-0069.