Some Llano County homeowners at risk of losing insurance due to wildfires

LLANO COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Several homeowners in Llano and Burnet County told KXAN some insurers are pulling out of the area due to fire danger.

Those homeowners said they received notices from insurance companies that they are not renewing their homeowner's policy due to "wildfire risk."

State filings show insurance providers across Texas dramatically increased rates as companies worry about climate change and inflation pushing up costs to rebuild after natural disasters.

'It's scary'

Wildfires are sparking a different kind of problem for people in the area: a lack of insurance coverage for their properties.

"They were pretty much, you know, pulling out because of the brush fire risk. I was just like, wow. Then now what do I do?"

Nicole McNeese, uninsured homeowner

Nicole McNeese said she tried to insure the mobile home she inherited from her mother, but was told that wasn't possible.

"They asked me a few questions about the house," McNeese said. "Then they came back and told me that they weren't insuring mobile homes in the state of Texas because of risk of brush fires."

Shannon Hamilton with the Central Texas Water Coalition said the lack of water in the area isn't helping the situation.

"I know we're still suffering from a drought, especially in that area," Hamilton said. "We've gotten some rain and people think, 'Oh, the drought is over.' But for the people of Llano, they are being directly impacted by the lack of rain that's happened in the watershed."

McNeese said she'll continue looking for coverage, but the concern remains if she hits another wall.

"More and more people aren't going to have that coverage," McNeese said. "These are our homes. Maybe the premiums might be higher in a high-risk area, but to completely be denied. It's scary."

Fires in Llano County

The most recent wildfire in Llano County burned 707 acres in July 2023.

Officials said no homes were lost, but 12 were threatened. The blaze was likely started by someone in the area operating machinery, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.