This is Part 2 of a three-part guide on Rebuilding After the California Wildfires. You can jump to Part 1: How To Avoid Scams and Find a Trustworthy Contractor or Part 3: Getting A Fair Estimate to Rebuild or Repair Your House
If you have home insurance which covers wildfire loss, filing a claim is the best route for replacing or repairing your home. Remember that insurance companies are competitive, for-profit businesses and you must approach your claim as a business negotiation. Your insurance policy is a legal contract from which you are entitled full and fair reimbursement, and California has more laws to protect insurance policyholders than any other state. Not sure where to start? Here are some first steps.
Get a Complete and Current Copy of Your Homeowners Policy
It’s unlikely that you remember exactly what was included in your insurance policy when you bought it, and you may no longer have the documents with you. Reach out to your insurance company requesting a complete and certified copy of your policy mailed to the address at which you are now staying. You can find a template for this here.
Ask for an Additional Living Expense (ALE)
While you are getting back on your feet, you will need funds to pay for living expenses. The ALE section of your policy may provide a cash advance for covering expenses incurred from the disaster such as temporary rent, eating out (if you have no cooking facilities), clothes and toiletries, and transportation to travel further from your temporary home. Remember to keep all receipts and records of purchases, so that you can submit them for reimbursement later.
Take Photos of Your Property Before the Debris is Removed
Returning to your home can be a painful experience, but it’s important to take photos of recognizable items before they get carted away. Your insurer may also hire a company to clean and store any salvageable items.
Start a Claim Diary
Take notes of any communication with your insurance company, including representatives’ names, contact information, and job titles. Ask for clear action plans and deadlines, and follow up on them. If you have conversations over the phone, it’s a good idea to get what was discussed down in writing by sending a short follow-up email.
Be Proactive About Documenting Your Losses
Provide documentation and proof of your losses and ask for the dollar amounts you are owed.
Related Reading and Resources:
Read more about your insurance legal rights in California
FAQs about Home Insurance Claims in California
Tips for Filing Insurance Claims After Harvey
The Disaster Recovery Handbook & Household Inventory Guide by Amy Bach. A compact book providing guidance on getting a fair insurance claim settlement for damaged or destroyed property and recovering after a loss. Affectionately known as “the little yellow book,” this tool has guided thousands of people through the process of navigating repairs, rebuilding, finances and emotions after a disaster. Written by survivors for survivors, along with expert advice from trusted consumer advocates, construction, tax and financial professionals.
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