OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Homeowners and landowners in Oklahoma are now dealing with another weather element that is affecting their insurance policies.

According to Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready, about two percent of Farmers Insurance customers will be affected by the latest change. The insurance company will not renew policies for people who live in an area where “wildfires are likely to occur.”

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“What we are seeing is that they will not be renewed from November onwards, just over 1,300 homeowners policies,” Mulready said.

Mulready said some of the company’s policyholders were affected even in Oklahoma County.

The ripe conditions for wildfires have put Oklahoma on the map for fire exposure, which Farmers Insurance monitors. The FEMA Fire Index Map showed Oklahoma as a high fire hazard area.

In early 2024, devastating wildfires swept through western Oklahoma, devastating farmers, ranchers and homeowners.

“The trend we’ve noticed is the gap between these historic years is closing and it’s getting warmer and drier,” said Andy James, chief fire management officer for the Oklahoma Forestry Service.

James said the fires are much harder to put out. The Forestry Service has spoken to the Insurance Commission about how fires have affected policyholders.

“There is a lot of cooperation and coordination between all the agencies in Oklahoma that are impacted by wildfires,” James said.

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News 4 reached out to Farmers Insurance for comment on the change. They sent us this statement:

Farmers will continue to offer auto, home and other personal lines products in the state. We regularly adjust our products, underwriting and pricing to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our customers. Those who may be impacted by underwriting changes are encouraged to discuss options with their Farmers agent.

This decision has some in Oklahoma wondering whether other insurance companies will follow suit.

“We currently have 113 insurance companies with active homeowners policies in Oklahoma. So there’s a lot of competition,” Mulready said. “But I don’t know of anyone else that has such broad coverage for wildfires.”

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