Our hearts are with all of the fire victims in this devastating time. This advice is not new, but it bears re-circulating due to the current crisis: Maximizing Homeowner Insurance Coverage Benefits After a Fire.  

Prompt action is vital to preserve and maximize your insurance rights, whether you are a homeowner, a business, or a renter.  

As we know from prior fires, insurers, adjusters, and public agencies will be bogged down by the sheer volume of claims.  Combined with scarcity of contractors and materials, this can often mean claims that drag on for years.  Therefore, it is important to be proactive from the outset. 

Here are a few pointers to start: 

First, locate all your policies. Contact your broker or insurer if you do not have complete copies.  

Second, contact your broker or agent (or, if you don't have one, your insurer directly) and make a claim as soon as possible. Often, you can ask for an advance to cover expenses such as relocation, replacement of necessities, or temporary repairs. 

Third, document everything.  It may take months or years before your claim is fully resolved and your memory of this difficult time may be scattered. You may go through multiple claims adjusters. So create a good, organized electronic record of receipts, payments received, dates of inspections, and other important claim information.  This will save you time and money later if a dispute arises.

Lastly, once your claim is being investigated, be cognizant of time limits and deadlines. Review your policy. Ask how long you have. Different time periods often govern your alternate living expenses (ALE) benefits, how long you have to rebuild (or potentially risk forfeiting additional replacement cost value), and how long you have to bring a lawsuit if your insurer hasn't fulfilled its obligations.  These time periods are subject to limited extensions by Department of Insurance regulations for declared States of Emergency. But too frequently, they are shorter than the time it takes to rebuild—so be vigilant.   

Here are some helpful resources to educate yourself on the claims process and best practices: 

United Policyholders (UP), Fire Claim Guidance Library (https://uphelp.org/claim-guidance-damage/fire/)

Nolo, “After the Fire or Disaster: Dealing With Your Insurance Company” (https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/dealing-with-insurance-after-disaster-29640.html)

Insurance Information Institute, “Wildfires: insurance and recovery resources” (https://www.iii.org/article/wildfires-insurance-and-recovery-resources)