The Insurance Mistake Homeowners Discover After Wildfires - Diane Delaney

In this episode of All Things Wildfire, OP Almaraz sits down with returning guest Diane Delaney, with Private Risk Management Association (PRMA), to unpack what the insurance industry has learned one year after the Palisades wildfire—and what must change going forward.

Drawing from PRMA's nationwide survey of high-net-worth homeowners, Diane reveals a striking disconnect: while over 95% of respondents say they feel confident in their insurance coverage, nearly 70% fear exclusions and gaps at the time of claim. This gap has become painfully clear in catastrophe-prone regions like California, where wildfires, wind-driven embers, and insurance non-renewals are forcing homeowners and brokers alike to rethink how insurance is used.

The conversation explores why insurance can no longer be treated as a commodity, and why brokers must evolve into true risk management advisors—having ongoing, consultative conversations that address lifestyle changes, life stages, and worst-case scenarios. From wildfire mitigation and water-leak detection systems to rebuilding realities and self-insurance risks, this episode highlights how proactive planning can protect not just property—but livelihoods and peace of mind.

Diane also shares how PRMA is investing in education, learning tracks, and AI-powered role-play tools to help brokers sharpen difficult conversations around rate increases, coverage gaps, and resiliency. Together, OP and Diane emphasize a central message: you either invest in resilience early, or you pay far more later when disaster strikes.

Key Highlight

• 95% vs. 70% disconnect: Homeowners feel confident in coverage—yet fear exclusions when claims happen
• Why insurance doesn't protect your lifestyle unless it's designed to
• How wildfires exposed major gaps in homeowner understanding during real-time claims
• Why brokers must shift from transactional sales to ongoing consultative partnerships
• Real wildfire and water-damage stories that show the true cost of being under-prepared
• The growing importance of leak detection devices, mitigation, and prevention tools
• Why insurance should be viewed as catastrophic protection—not home maintenance
• How PRMA is modernizing broker education with learning tracks and AI role-play tools
• Why resilience investments feel expensive—until disaster makes them unavoidable

In This Episode:

• What one year after the Palisades wildfire has revealed about insurance gaps
• Insights from PRMA's nationwide survey of high-net-worth homeowners
• Why many insured homeowners still feel unprotected at claim time
• How wildfire, flood, wind, and water risks intersect
• Why prevention and mitigation improve insurability—not just safety
• The emotional and financial toll of rebuilding after catastrophe
• How brokers can deliver real value in a hard insurance market
• PRMA's 2026 initiatives: learning tracks, education, and AI-based coaching

Key Takeaway:

Insurance works best before disaster strikes. When homeowners, brokers, and carriers collaborate proactively—focusing on resilience, communication, and realistic expectations—insurance becomes a powerful tool instead of a painful surprise.

Learn More:

Visit privateriskmanagement.org to explore PRMA members