With thousands of structures lost to recent wildfires in Los Angeles, many homeowners and business owners face the daunting task of recovery.
The two most important things to know are:
This guide provides practical steps to help you navigate the insurance claims process and begin rebuilding.
Act Quickly: Once you and your family are safe, call your insurance provider to file a claim. Provide detailed information about the damage.
Expect Delays: Wildfire claims can take months or even years to resolve, depending on the extent of the damage and the volume of claims in your area.
Advance Payments: If your home is destroyed during a state-declared emergency, insurers must pay at least one-third of the estimated value of your belongings and four months of rent upfront.
Cash Advances: Request advances for living expenses, such as renting furniture or buying essentials.
Start a Recovery Diary: Keep detailed notes of conversations with your insurer, including dates, names, and summaries of discussions. Document conversations with detailed follow-up emails capturing the key takeaways.
Inventory and Photos: Before cleaning or removing debris, be sure to communicate with your insurance adjuster, photograph the damage and list all destroyed property.
Save Receipts: Document all expenses, including hotel stays and pet boarding, to support your claim.
Paper Trails: Send follow-up emails to confirm what was discussed with your adjuster.
Get a Second Opinion: Review settlement offers with a construction professional before accepting.
Public Adjusters: Consider hiring a public adjuster to advocate for you, but note they charge a fee.
Policy Limits: Insurance typically covers rebuilding or repairing your home to its original quality but not upgrades.
Business Claims: For businesses, gather records of damaged inventory, equipment, and financial documents to support claims for property damage and business interruption coverage.
Local Assistance Centers: Obtain replacement documents (e.g., passports, licenses) and property tax reassessments. Mental health resources are also available.
Federal Aid: Register with FEMA if the disaster is federally declared.
Pause Before Signing: Avoid making hasty decisions or signing documents under pressure. Vet contractors and adjusters carefully.
Limited Options: FEMA may provide some assistance, but rebuilding without insurance is challenging. Seek local resources to piece together support.
What’s Covered: Renter’s insurance typically covers personal belongings and temporary housing but not structural damage, which is the landlord’s responsibility.
Recovering from a wildfire is a complex process, but with careful planning and persistence, you can navigate the challenges ahead. Stay organized, seek professional advice when needed, and prioritize your safety above all else.