Published: May 13, 2026
WOWS Fire Insurance Services Co-Founder Robert Feldman recently sat down with the Advisory Insights podcast for a compelling 38-minute conversation that shed light on one of the most critical issues facing homeowners across the Western United States — the growing wildfire insurance crisis.
With nearly 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand perspective to a topic that is becoming increasingly urgent for homeowners, agents, and carriers alike. His specialty in insuring properties located in fire zones and hard-to-place risks has positioned him as one of the most recognized voices in this space, and his appearance on Advisory Insights proved to be both timely and eye-opening.
Throughout the episode, Robert speaks candidly about the dramatic shift in the insurance landscape across California and the broader Western U.S., where major carriers have been pulling out of high-risk markets at an alarming rate, leaving thousands of homeowners without viable coverage options. He dives into the complexities of underwriting in fire zones, explaining how wildfire risk scores, mitigation measures, and geographic aggregation all play a significant role in a carrier’s ability and willingness to offer coverage in certain areas.
Robert also touches on the importance of fire hardening and mitigation as not just an individual responsibility, but a collective, community-driven effort. He emphasizes that homeowners who take proactive steps — such as installing fire-resistant roofing, maintaining defensible space, and implementing automatic water shut-off devices — are far better positioned to secure and maintain coverage in today’s restrictive market.
As someone who serves on multiple task forces and insurance panels, working directly alongside senior leadership at major carriers, Robert offers a rare inside look at the conversations happening at the highest levels of the industry. He speaks to the collaborative efforts underway to address the crisis and the ongoing push to develop sustainable, long-term solutions that protect both carriers and the homeowners who depend on them.
At the heart of Robert’s message is a commitment to advocacy, education, and access — ensuring that homeowners in even the most challenging markets are not left without options.
That commitment is exactly what drove Robert to found WOWS Fire Insurance Services. As a premier wholesale insurance provider, WOWS was built to fill the critical gap left by a retreating standard market. By working hand in hand with retail brokers and agents, WOWS specializes in placing coverage for large homes and high-value properties in fire zones and hard-to-place risk areas across the Western United States. Through strong carrier relationships, deep market expertise, and an unwavering dedication to finding solutions where others see dead ends, WOWS is actively reshaping the way the insurance industry approaches wildfire risk — one policy at a time.
To listen to Robert’s full conversation, tune in to the episode on Spotify here: Robert Feldman – WOWS Fire Insurance Services on Advisory Insights.