THE NON-RENEWAL, EXPLAINED

Non-renewed for wildfire risk: is it appealable?

A cancellation or non-renewal feels final. Often it isn't. If a wildfire model drove the decision, it's a score decision, and Colorado made score decisions challengeable.

Verified against official sources: August 2026.

A non-renewal notice reads like a door closing. But the question that matters is why it was issued. If your insurer non-renewed you because of a wildfire risk score or classification, that underlying decision is the same kind of decision an appeal exists to contest.PER C.R.S. § 10-4-124

Two things are true at once

You have a clock, and you cannot end up with nothing. A non-renewal starts a timeline to your coverage lapsing; that’s the urgent part. But there is always a floor: the FAIR Plan exists as a guaranteed backstop while you work the better options. The goal is never to accept the floor as your fate; it’s to keep it in your pocket while you do the two things below.

Your file does two jobs. The same documented evidence package that supports an appeal of a model-driven decision is also what makes your home placeable with another carrier, especially the independent agents and surplus-lines markets that will write a well-documented home. One file, two paths: challenge the decision, and line up placement so there’s no gap.

What to do, in order

1. Read the notice for the reason. If wildfire risk, a score, or a model is named, you’re on appealable ground. If the notice omitted your score or your rights, that’s a disclosure gap, and leverage.

2. Map your lapse date. Everything keys off when coverage actually ends. Earlier is better; every week earlier opens more markets.

3. Document your fire-safety work to the evidence standard. The same categories the regulation requires insurers to acceptPER Reg 5-1-28 § 5.G.5 are what make both the appeal and the placement stronger.

4. Bind the backstop, keep the exit plan. Secure the FAIR Plan floor if you need to, and keep working the documented placement; you’re not stuck with it.

Start here

The dropped-homeowner lane is free: upload your non-renewal notice, we read it, map your countdown, and open your placement file, all before any decision to appeal.

Open my placement lane, free →

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evenstate is an independent homeowner advocate. We are not an insurance company and no insurer pays us to influence your results. evenstate provides information and documentation support, not legal, tax, or financial advice. For tax credits, confirm eligibility with your tax professional.

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