Insurance for Wildland Fire Contractors
Coverage reviews for contractors whose crews, vehicles and equipment mobilize quickly, cross state lines and operate in demanding fire environments.
Request a Wildland Coverage ReviewCall 1-800-452-6826
Your insurance needs to match the operation you are running now
A policy written for an ordinary contractor may not account for seasonal payroll, emergency mobilization, specialized apparatus, remote worksites or revenue-producing equipment far from your home base.
Crews and seasonal payroll
Classification, payroll estimates, states of hire and states of work can affect workers’ compensation. Review changes before adding employees or entering another jurisdiction.
Vehicles and modifications
Water tanks, pumps, toolboxes, communications equipment and other installed upgrades may not be reflected by a vehicle’s standard value. Report material changes before a loss.
Mobile equipment and income
Confirm where tools, gear, trailers and specialty equipment are covered and whether business-income protection depends on damage at a scheduled location or to specifically insured property.
Coverage commonly considered
The right program depends on operations, contracts, equipment, employees, locations and carrier eligibility.
Business protection
- General liability
- Commercial auto
- Inland marine for mobile tools and equipment
- Commercial property and equipment breakdown
- Business income and extra expense when appropriate
Crews and contracts
- Workers’ compensation for covered work-related injuries
- Employer’s liability
- Umbrella or excess liability when available
- Certificates and endorsements required by the agreement
- Separate accident, disability or life options when appropriate
Workers’ compensation generally addresses covered work-related injury or illness; it is not blanket off-duty protection. Accident, disability and life products are separate and subject to their own terms.
Operations we can review
Availability varies by state, operation and underwriting appetite. Tell us exactly what you do so we can determine whether an appropriate market is available.
Engines and tenders
Apparatus, tanks, pumps, trailers, drivers and mobilization.
Hand crews
Crew structure, payroll, classifications and work states.
Mobile catering
Kitchen units, food-service liability, vehicles and property.
Shower and sanitation
Trailers, mobile equipment, vehicles and camp operations.
Camp support
Eligible administrative, communications and supply services.
Equipment rental
Generators, light plants, portable offices and mobile equipment.
Prescribed fire
Coverage must be reviewed for burn work and contract requirements.
Other incident support
Share your agreement and scope so the exposure can be evaluated.
Three insurance conversations for fire contractors
Each video includes a written summary for accessibility and search visibility.
Certification does not replace an insurance review
Summary: Training or certification may demonstrate qualifications, but it does not broaden an insurance policy. Disclose prescribed-fire and wildland work and confirm that the policy matches the actual scope.
Why specialized experience matters
Summary: Wildland contractors combine seasonal staffing, mobile equipment, specialized vehicles, emergency dispatch and contract requirements. An agent should ask how, where and when the business operates.
Does coverage follow you across state lines?
Summary: Do not assume every policy automatically follows crews into a new state. Workers’ compensation, auto and policy-territory provisions may differ. Tell your agent where employees are hired, based and dispatched.
What to review before the 2027 season
- Update operations.
List every service, including prescribed-fire or new support work. - Update people and places.
Confirm payroll, classifications, hiring locations and anticipated work states. - Update vehicles and equipment.
Report purchases, sales, values, modifications, tanks, pumps and trailers. - Review agreements.
Send current solicitations and insurance requirements early.
Requirements vary by solicitation and agreement. Verify your own documents and use official sources such as SAM.gov.
Request a Wildland Contractor Coverage Review
Send us your current policies, equipment schedule, estimated payroll, operating states and applicable insurance requirements. We’ll help identify questions or potential gaps before mobilization or renewal.
Schedule a Coverage ReviewContact Bancorp Insurance
Agency licensing and carrier access do not guarantee availability for every operation or state.
Wildland fire contractor insurance FAQs
What insurance does a wildland fire contractor typically need?
Depending on the operation, common coverages include general liability, commercial auto, inland marine, property, workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, umbrella or excess liability, and potentially business-income or separate accident-related products.
Does Bancorp insure wildland contractors nationwide?
Bancorp Insurance is licensed in all 50 states, but a specific wildland program may not be available for every operation or jurisdiction. Availability depends on the risk, state, carrier appetite and policy terms.
Does commercial auto cover tanks, pumps and aftermarket equipment?
Not necessarily at their full value. Coverage depends on how the vehicle and attached equipment are described, valued and scheduled. Report modifications and retain invoices, photographs and equipment records.
Does workers’ compensation follow a crew into another state?
Do not assume it does. Policy states, hiring locations, principal work locations and state law can matter. Discuss anticipated mobilization states with your agent before work begins.
What are lay-up or seasonal credits?
Some carriers may offer seasonal arrangements for eligible vehicles during reduced use. Availability, restrictions and savings vary. Never place an operating or dispatch-ready vehicle into a reduced-use status contrary to carrier rules.
How quickly can Bancorp issue a Certificate of Insurance?
Timing depends on whether coverage is in force, whether the request matches the policy, and whether endorsements or carrier approval are required. Send requirements early. A certificate is evidence of coverage and does not amend the policy.
Does RXB2 certification mean prescribed-fire work is insured?
No. A professional qualification does not amend an insurance contract. Disclose prescribed-fire activities and obtain confirmation of applicable coverage.
Can business-income coverage protect revenue after equipment damage?
Potentially, if the cause, property, location, waiting period and loss meet policy terms. Review the coverage trigger rather than assuming every equipment loss qualifies.
What should contractors provide for a preseason review?
Provide current policies, payroll by class and state, driver information, updated vehicle and equipment schedules, modifications, expected operations and states, and applicable insurance requirements.
General information only; not legal, contract-compliance, safety or coverage advice. Only an issued policy and its endorsements determine coverage.
