Fire resistant materials discount is one of the most valuable ways to lower your homeowners insurance premium. Many insurers reward homeowners who build or upgrade with fire-resistant construction materials. These discounts typically range from 5% to 50% off the wildfire portion of your premium. The savings depend on the materials used and your insurer’s specific program.
For example, switching from wood-frame construction to non-combustible materials can save hundreds of dollars per year. In wildfire-prone states like California and Colorado, the fire resistant materials discount has become especially important. As wildfire risk increases nationwide, more insurance companies now offer meaningful incentives for fire-safe construction. Homeowners who invest in Class A roofing, fiber cement siding, and ember-resistant vents stand to benefit the most from these programs.
How the Fire Resistant Materials Discount Works
The fire resistant materials discount rewards homeowners for using construction materials that resist ignition and slow fire spread. Insurers evaluate your home’s roof, siding, windows, vents, and decking. Each component receives a fire resistance rating. Homes built with non-combustible materials cost significantly less to insure than wood-frame homes. In most cases, your insurer will require documentation of the materials used during construction or renovation.
To qualify, your home typically needs Class A fire-rated roofing as defined by ASTM E108. This is the highest fire resistance classification. Qualifying roof materials include asphalt composition shingles, concrete tiles, clay tiles, metal roofing, slate, and fiber cement. However, roofing alone is not enough for maximum savings. Insurers also look at siding materials such as brick, stucco, stone, and fiber cement. Ember-resistant vents with fine metal mesh are another key factor.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) offers a Wildfire Prepared Home certification. This third-party verification makes it easy for insurers to confirm your home qualifies. Many major carriers now accept IBHS certification as proof of eligibility for the fire resistant materials discount. The certification covers ember protection, direct flame resistance, and radiant heat defense.
How Much Can You Save with a Fire Resistant Materials Discount?
Savings from the fire resistant materials discount vary widely by insurer, state, and level of mitigation. As a baseline, non-combustible construction is typically 30% to 45% cheaper to insure than standard wood-frame homes. Masonry construction saves 15% to 30% compared to frame. However, specific wildfire mitigation discounts can stack on top of these base-rate differences.
For example, Mercury Insurance offers up to 37.5% off the wildfire portion of your premium for IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home certification. Their top-tier Wildfire Prepared Home Plus discount reaches 50%. USAA provides up to 20% for IBHS certification. AAA/CSAA Insurance offers a combined 20% through its “My Home Hardening” program. Adding wildfire-resilient materials to new construction costs only about 3% more. As a result, the investment pays for itself quickly through premium savings.
| Insurance Company | Fire Resistant Materials Discount | Typical Savings Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | IBHS WPH / WPH+ certification | Up to 37.5%–50% |
| State Farm | Wildfire mitigation + IBHS certification | Up to 10% |
| AAA/CSAA Insurance | My Home Hardening discount | Up to 20% |
| USAA | IBHS WPH + Firewise community | Up to 20–25% |
| Liberty Mutual | Community + IBHS certification | Up to 21% |
| American Family | IBHS WPH certification | Up to 15% |
| Farmers | Completion discounts for mitigation | 5%–15% |
| Travelers | IBHS certification discount | 5%–10% |
Which Insurance Companies Offer This Discount?
California leads the nation in fire resistant materials discount programs. The state legally requires insurers to offer wildfire mitigation discounts through its Safer from Wildfires framework. Mercury Insurance, State Farm, AAA, USAA, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, Travelers, Safeco, and Nationwide all participate. The California FAIR Plan also offers up to 16.4% off for completing all 12 hardening measures.
Outside California, USAA stands out. It offers wildfire mitigation discounts in at least 10 states. Colorado passed HB 1182, which requires insurers to publish wildfire-risk scoring and offer premium credits for verified mitigation. Montana allows insurers to provide discounts for fire-resistant materials and noncombustible landscaping. Typically, carriers in wildfire-prone Western states are most likely to offer a fire resistant materials discount.
Even in states without wildfire mandates, construction type affects your base premium. Homes built with brick, concrete, or steel framing receive lower rates than wood-frame homes. For example, fire-resistive construction with a 2+ hour fire rating earns the lowest premiums nationwide. Ask your agent specifically about construction-type credits. Many homeowners miss the fire resistant materials discount simply because they never request it.
How to Apply for the Fire Resistant Materials Discount
Start by documenting your home’s construction materials. Gather receipts, contractor invoices, and product specifications for your roofing, siding, windows, vents, and decking. In most cases, you will need proof that materials meet Class A fire ratings. Keep manufacturer certifications and warranty documents on hand. Your insurer may also accept photos of the installed materials.
Consider getting IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home certification. This independent verification is accepted by most major carriers. The certification process evaluates your roof, exterior walls, windows, vents, eaves, and surrounding vegetation. Achieving certification unlocks the highest fire resistant materials discount tiers. The cost of upgrades to meet IBHS standards adds roughly $2,000 to new construction.
Contact your insurance agent to request a premium re-evaluation. Provide all documentation and certifications. Some insurers require a home inspection to verify improvements. For community-level discounts, join a Firewise USA recognized community. USAA offers an additional 5% for Firewise membership. Finally, compare quotes from multiple carriers. The fire resistant materials discount varies significantly between companies. Shopping around ensures you get the maximum benefit from your investment in fire-safe construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials qualify for a fire resistant materials discount?
Class A rated roofing is the most important qualifying material. This includes metal roofing, concrete tiles, clay tiles, asphalt composition shingles, and slate. For siding, brick, stucco, fiber cement, and stone typically qualify. However, your insurer may also evaluate windows, vents, eaves, and decking materials.
Is the fire resistant materials discount available in every state?
Not all states mandate this discount. California requires it by law. Colorado introduced similar requirements in 2026. In most cases, insurers in wildfire-prone Western states offer the largest discounts. However, construction-type credits that reward non-combustible materials are available nationwide from most carriers.
Can I get a fire resistant materials discount on an existing home?
Yes. You do not need to build a new home to qualify. Upgrading your roof, siding, vents, or windows to fire-resistant materials can earn the discount. Typically, your insurer will require documentation of the upgrades and may send an inspector. As a result, keep all receipts and product certifications from your renovation contractor.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on home insurance regulations and consumer protection:
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): fema.gov
- FloodSmart (National Flood Insurance Program): floodsmart.gov
- USA.gov — Housing: usa.gov/housing
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.