Tips for Managing Insurance and Recovery after a Wildfire

Navigate the challenges of wildfire recovery with practical tips on managing insurance and restoring your home, provided with expert guidance from the WFCA.

The recovery process after a wildfire can be overwhelming, but acting quickly and following these steps may make the process smoother and help you secure the compensation you need. Each insurer has specific procedures and deadlines that must be followed, so timely action is crucial. Knowing what to do and how to document your losses can make a significant difference in the efficiency of your claim.

Taking Action After a Wildfire

The first step after a wildfire is to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. An insurance adjuster may visit your property to assess the damage, and you will likely need to complete a “proof of loss” form. This form requires a description of each damaged item, including its approximate purchase date and the cost to repair or replace it—making a home inventory especially helpful.

Avoid discarding any damaged items, even if safe to do so, until an insurance representative has had the chance to assess the damage. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for filing your claim, such as whether repair estimates are needed, and ask your insurance provider about these details. Keep an eye on filing deadlines, as these vary by state and insurer. Meeting these deadlines ensures you don’t miss your opportunity to receive compensation for your losses.¹

Tips for Contacting Your Insurance Company

Insurance policies typically cover damage caused by wildfires, but acting quickly can help streamline the process and avoid missing deadlines. By initiating contact early, you can get guidance on how to assess and document the damage, as well as what to expect during the claims procedure. Here are the steps you should follow to reach your insurer and begin your claim³:

1. Locate Your Insurance Information: Find your policy number and any other details from your insurance documents, emails, or your insurance company’s website. Having this information handy will help speed up the process.
2. Contact Your Insurer:
   • Call: Use the claims hotline or customer service number listed on your policy or the insurer’s website to speak with a representative.
   • Online: Report your claim through your insurer’s website or mobile app, which may provide an easier way to submit documentation and track your claim.
   • Email: If available, email your insurer for specific claims instructions or to confirm the next steps.
3. Provide Necessary Information: When you contact your insurer, give them your policy number, describe the damage, and share your contact details. Be ready to explain the extent of the destruction, including any immediate concerns or safety issues.
4. Ask About the Claims Process: Inquire about the steps for filing a claim, any required documentation (such as a proof of loss form), and any time limits for submitting your claim. Understanding the process upfront will help you stay on track.
5. Keep Records: Save all communications with your insurer, including emails, texts, or written correspondence, for your records. This ensures you have documentation to reference in case of any discrepancies or delays.

Additional Actions to Support Your Wildfire Recovery

Recovering from a wildfire goes beyond filing insurance claims. By taking practical steps and connecting with local support networks, you can navigate the overall recovery process more smoothly. Here are additional actions to consider as you work toward rebuilding:

1. Get a PO Box set up and forward all your incoming mail to it. Be sure to list this PO Box as the mailing address on all forms you fill out throughout the recovery process.
2. Register with local agencies and shelters, including American Red Cross and FEMA among others. Most of the aid coming in will use these lists as a point of contact and will help to ensure that you stay informed. This will be especially important should FEMA be activated.
3. Establish longer-term rental residence. Bring your insurance company into the loop on it so they pay directly for rental. You should be able to get a ‘like property’ cover by your insurance so ensure that the place for you meets your needs while you work through all this. You could potentially be living here for 2 years, so choose wisely.
4. Save all receipts. Loss of use insurance will cover incidentals which include hairbrush, toothbrush, phone chargers, and other immediate necessities.
5. Allow for other to help and support you if they can. Do you have a friend that you can send to the store to buy you some basic clothes or comfort food? Let them do it – they want to help and you don’t need to spend time doing these errands and it may be more emotional taxing that you realize.
6. Purchase materials to allow you to return to your property safely, including sturdy boots, protective gloves, shovels, masks, etc.
7. Begin/review your list of itemized belongings. It is a difficult task but very necessary for your insurance claim. I would organize by room and list everything that was there with a replacement cost.
   • Replacement Cost refers to it would cost to replace the items now, no need to worry about what you paid for it originally.
   • Make sure you list everything, even if it is above and beyond your policy limit. This is very important because everything above and beyond the policy limit is considered a Loss and can be claimed as such on your taxes. See #10 for more on taxes.
8. Contact all your utilities and either freeze or cancel service.
   • Electric, gas, TV subscription, internet, newspaper delivery, etc.
9. You will also need to apply for permits, an unfortunately necessary task.
   • Debris Removal – as things wind down it will be necessary to remove the debris, this requires a permit usually. You may be able to have your insurance cover the debris removal, ask you insurance representative.
   • Erosion Control – If you are on any kind of hill or have sloped property you will need to put some sort of erosion control measures in place and will most likely need a permit.
   • Temporary Power Pole/Trailer On-site Permit – Establishing this earlier on can prove helpful in the rebuilding process.
10. When the time comes to filing your income taxes you will be able to claim a monetary loss of the value of all your items minus what you receive from your insurance company. A tax professional may be worth considering to aid in this process.⁴

Ensure Continued Protection by Maintaining Your Home Inventory

Whether you’re in the process of rebuilding or simply looking to prepare for unexpected events, it’s important to create and maintain a current home inventory. Start by going through each room of your home and documenting your possessions. Also, inventory items outside your home, including equipment in garages or shops, tools, vehicles, boats, ATVs, and outdoor furnishing. Make a detailed list of items, including their brand, model, serial numbers, and approximate purchase dates.

For valuable items, note their condition and estimated replacement cost. Take clear photographs or videos of your belongings from multiple angles to provide visual proof of their existence and condition. Store this inventory in a safe, easily accessible location, such as a cloud storage service, to ensure it’s protected in case of a disaster. A comprehensive home inventory not only helps streamline the claims process but also ensures you don’t miss any items when it’s time to file a claim after damage occurs.²