Nevada AB 376: Nevada Wildfire Home Insurance Guide 2026

by Crystal Bauer

If you own a home in Reno, pull out your homeowners policy this week. Since January 1, 2026, Nevada law has let insurers remove wildfire coverage from standard policies, and many owners have no idea whether theirs changed.

The Hawk Fire in August made this real for thousands of Northwest Reno families. Here is what happened, what the new law changed, and the simple steps every owner, buyer and seller should take now.

What happened in the Hawk Fire

The Hawk Fire started August 22, 2026, in the Peavine Peak area of Northwest Reno and burned about 15,000 acres. More than 40 homes were destroyed, and at its peak roughly 87,000 residents were told to evacuate. Investigators say it was human-caused.

It was also the first major fire under Nevada's new insurance rules. Many affected owners found themselves asking a question they had never had to ask: does my policy still cover wildfire?

What AB 376 changed

Assembly Bill 376 passed unanimously in June 2025 and took effect January 1, 2026. It gives insurers clear authority to:

Remove wildfire coverage from standard homeowners policies
Offer wildfire coverage only as a separate, standalone product
Test new insurance products outside some existing rules, with faster rate approvals

The law does not require strong notice to homeowners, so a policy can change at renewal without the owner realizing it. A related bill to create a state-backed FAIR Plan, a fallback for people who can't get coverage, did not pass. Nevada currently has no such safety net.

The key date is your renewal. Policies issued or renewed before January 1, 2026, generally still include wildfire coverage. Policies issued or renewed since then may not.

What it means for you

Homeowners. Your biggest risk is assuming you're covered. If your policy renewed this year, confirm in writing that wildfire is included, or whether you need a separate wildfire policy. Check that your dwelling limit reflects today's rebuilding costs, not what you paid for the home.

Buyers. Get insurance quotes early, ideally before you write an offer and certainly during escrow. In higher-risk areas, the cost and availability of wildfire coverage can change your monthly payment, and your lender will require coverage before closing. Ask whether a standalone wildfire policy is needed and what it costs.

Sellers. Insurance is now part of how buyers judge a home. Gather your current policy details, any defensible-space or fire-resistant upgrades, and Firewise community participation. Showing that a home is insurable, and well protected, removes a reason for buyers to hesitate.

Check your policy today

Find your declarations page and note your most recent renewal date.
Search the policy and endorsements for "wildfire" or "exclusion."
Call or email your agent and ask: "Is wildfire covered under my policy, yes or no?" Get the answer in writing.
If wildfire is excluded, ask what a standalone wildfire policy would cost.
Confirm your dwelling limit covers today's cost to rebuild.
Check your additional living expenses coverage, which pays for temporary housing after a loss.
Create a home inventory: walk through each room on video and store it in the cloud.
Clear plants and debris within five feet of your home and look at fire-resistant upgrades like ember-resistant vents.
Ask whether your neighborhood participates in Firewise USA, which may help insurability.

Let's talk about your home

Insurance has become one of the biggest factors in buying and selling in Reno, Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe. Whether you're planning a move or simply want to understand where your home stands, I'm happy to help you think it through and connect you with trusted local insurance professionals.

Call or text me anytime, or visit laketahoerenohomes.com.

Crystal Bauer, REALTOR® | eXp Luxury CA (530) 788-8251 | NV (775) 530-4747 eXp Realty of California | CA DRE #02099002 | NV S.0196277 120 Country Club Dr #63, Incline Village, NV 89451

This article is for general information only and is not insurance or legal advice. Review your specific policy with a licensed insurance agent.