As the smoke began to clear in some parts of Southern California on Friday, the toll of several large wildfires became more visible. As many as 10,000 homes and other structures have burned since Tuesday, leaving behind massive devastation that spans entire neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area.
If your home has been destroyed or damaged by wildfire, here’s what you need to know about the insurance claims process, your rights as a homeowner and how to prepare for what comes next.
What should I do if my home is destroyed or damaged?
Once you and your family are safe and the damage to your home can be assessed, you’ll need to call your insurance company to begin the claims process. Since that process can take months, it’s important to contact the company as soon as possible.
If your home has been completely destroyed and a state of emergency declared, your insurance company is required by law to issue a minimum payment up front, even if an adjuster hasn’t seen your property. This includes one-third of the replacement value of your personal belongings and a minimum of four months’ rent for the local area.
Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy carefully, including your limits. Start documenting and creating a paper trail to support your claims process. If you have photos of your property and vehicles prior to the fire, you can use those to help fill out your home inventory if you haven’t submitted one already.
After checking to see if your home is habitable, documenting the damage, and initiating the insurance claims process, contact your mortgage lender or landlord about the next steps.
Overwhelmed? California residents can find resources and a help hotline for filing a wildfire insurance claim here.
Do insurance policies cover wildfire damage?
Depending on your policy, where you live, and the coverage you’re paying for, your homeowners (or renters) insurance may or may not cover damage to your home or belongings caused by wildfire.
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What to Do if Your Home Is Destroyed or Damaged in a Wildfire
