The issue of non-renewal and increased premiums for all types of insurance is not specific to Arizona. Many states are experiencing the same problems as Arizona homeowners. More frequent occurrences of severe weather events, combined with rising home values, and increased construction and labor costs are having a detrimental effect on insurers and consumers alike. Proactive approaches to mitigating risk by consumers, active and careful shopping, and understanding the policy provisions are important steps to take. Additionally, consumers are encouraged to:

• Speak with their agent to understand the types of risks an insurer looks at when determining whether or not to write the risk and what premium they will charge to write the risk.
• Decrease the severity of risk around their home; do everything possible to mitigate risk. Examples include creating defensible space, using fire-resistant materials to build, and mitigating the possibility of flood waters from entering your property. Homeowners may also consider the installation of a leak detector to mitigate the possibility of water damage inside the home.
• Get involved in organizations where they can become informed of wildfire/flood mitigation strategies.
• Be active in shopping and work with their agents to find those insurers willing to provide coverage and then compare those policy costs. It’s also important to remember that cost should not be the sole factor considered as adequacy of coverage and service are also important considerations. View Arizona licensed insurers who may offer coverage in areas of the state at higher risk for wildfire.   
• Beware of unscrupulous workers who show up at their residence uninvited after their home sustains damage, such as from a storm or wildfire. It is not uncommon after a community suffers widespread damage for individuals and companies to show up uninvited with offers to inspect and then fix the damage. These workers are often opportunistic and victimize homeowners and insurance companies through deficient work, costly bills to the insurer, and the possibility of the homeowner being asked to pay costs declined by the insurance company. Prior to engaging with anyone they did not invite, including independent adjusters, consumers should contact their insurer for an inspection of damage and a referral to a licensed contractor both the consumer and the insurer have confidence in.
• Prior to signing any agreement or contract with an individual representing themselves as a contractor or independent adjuster, ensure they are licensed, insured, and have a complaint history you are comfortable with. Contractor licenses can be found at https://roc.az.gov/ and adjuster licenses can be found at https://difi.az.gov/license-search.
• Understand that filing a claim for a loss that is close to the required deductible can result in increased premium at renewal. Filing a claim should be the last consideration as insurance is intended to address damage that cannot otherwise be financially covered out-of-pocket by the consumer (i.e. catastrophic events).
• Work closely with their insurance company or agent to ensure the company is making coverage decisions based on accurate information, ensure adequacy of insurance (not too much, not too little), and consider raising deductibles to lower premium costs. Deductibles (the amount the policyholder must pay out-of-pocket) can change the cost of insurance. 
• Understand the importance of reading and becoming familiar with the coverages included with their policy. As an example, the difference between “actual cash value” and “replacement” coverage of your home can be significant. Learn more about these differences.