Wildfires aren’t just a seasonal threat in California — they’re permanently reshaping the homeowners insurance landscape. In the latest episode of All Things Wildfire, OP Almaraz sits down with Robert Feldman, CEO of WOWS Insurance Services, to unpack the full scope of the crisis and what homeowners, brokers, and real estate professionals need to do about it.
Who Is Robert Feldman?
With nearly 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Robert Feldman is one of California’s most respected experts on hard-to-place properties and fire zone coverage. He regularly speaks at the California Association of Realtors, educating agents across the state on how to make even high-risk homes insurable.
Robert works closely with insurance carriers, serves on statewide task forces, and is the founder of WOWS Insurance Services — a company designed to help homeowners secure coverage for large homes in wildfire-prone areas.
What Is the WOWS Insurance Program?
The WOWS Insurance Program is a cutting-edge initiative that aims to reinvent wildfire insurance in California. Designed for high-net-worth homeowners, the program offers smarter risk mitigation strategies, insurance placement, and a roadmap to protect properties that are increasingly difficult to insure.
In the podcast, OP and Robert take a deep dive into how WOWS is changing the game for both insurance coverage and wildfire defense.
🔥 Key Takeaways from the Episode
1. Fire Hardening Is No Longer Optional
In wildfire zones, simply having insurance isn’t enough — you need to actively fire harden your property with defensible space, ember protection, and other mitigation tactics. Insurance carriers are now demanding proof of action.
2. Understand Admitted vs. Non-Admitted Insurance
Not all policies are created equal. OP and Robert explain the critical differences between admitted carriers (state-regulated with stronger guarantees) and non-admitted carriers (more flexible, but riskier), and how this affects your protection and claim process.
3. The California FAIR Plan Has Gaps
Many homeowners are defaulting to the California FAIR Plan without realizing its limitations — especially in liability coverage, exclusions, and reconstruction caps. Relying on it alone could leave you exposed.
4. Realtors Are a Key Line of Defense
Real estate professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring a home is insurable before a transaction happens. Robert trains realtors on how to assess risk, understand fire maps, and guide buyers through the insurance maze.
5. Annual Mitigation and Neighborhood Collaboration Are Essential
One-time upgrades aren’t enough. Insurance carriers want to see a commitment to annual mitigation — and even better, neighborhood-wide collaboration. When entire communities invest in wildfire defense, carriers are more likely to insure them.
Why This Matters to You
If you’re a homeowner, this episode shows you how to protect your property and keep your premiums under control. If you’re a realtor or broker, it gives you the tools to help clients navigate wildfire risk, close deals, and avoid surprises.
This isn’t just an episode — it’s a wake-up call for anyone living or working in California’s wildfire zones.
Resources:
Email: robert@wowsinsurance.com
Company/Organization: WOWS Insurance Services
Social Media Profiles: https://www.instagram.com/bob.b.que/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertfeldman1/
https://www.instagram.com/wowsinsurance/
Closing Thoughts
This episode of All Things Wildfire serves as both a wake-up call and a guidepost for navigating wildfire disasters. Remember, preparation and community effort are key to reducing future risks. For more tips and updates, follow us on social media and visit our website.
