As firefighters battle historic wildfires in Southern California, find out what homeowners and renters need to do after a wildfire!
Firefighters in Southern California are working tirelessly to control massive wildfires that have been burning for over a week. These devastating fires have swept through 40,000 acres in the Greater Los Angeles area, destroying more than 12,300 structures, according to NBC News.
As a result, insurers are likely to face delays due to the volume of applications, according to Karl Susman, president of Susman Insurance Services. So, insurance experts advise starting the claim process immediately, even if all details are not yet available. If your primary residence has been impacted – whether you own or rent – here’s what you can do after a wildfire:
1. File Your Claim Immediately
You don’t need to wait for the fires to be fully extinguished to file an insurance claim. Even if you’re unsure of your home’s status, start the process as soon as possible, Susman suggested. The type of damage, complexity of the claim, and volume of claims may all influence how long insurers take to respond.
Renters are typically entitled to similar resources as homeowners and should inquire about additional living expense coverage, according to Shannon Martin, a licensed insurance agent and analyst at Bankrate.com.
2. See If You Have “Loss of Use” Coverage
“Loss of use” coverage under your home insurance policy can help pay for temporary housing while your home is uninhabitable, explained Jeremy Porter of the First Street Foundation. Renters may have similar provisions in their policies, often referred to as Coverage D, he added.
3. Keep Records and Receipts
If you’re eligible for reimbursement under loss-of-use coverage, save all receipts for expenses like clothing, food, and temporary housing. Remember to, also, document your interactions with insurers and keep a detailed log of your activities. According to Douglas Heller, director of insurance at the Consumer Federation of America, thorough documentation can simplify the claim for reimbursements.
4. Turn Off Utilities
If your home is severely damaged or a total loss, contact utility providers to temporarily suspend services like electricity, water, and trash collection. This can save you from unnecessary charges during the recovery period, Susman advised.
5. Notify Your Auto Insurer
If your vehicle was destroyed in the fire, the damage might be covered under your auto insurance policy’s comprehensive coverage. According to Susman, this applies even if the car was parked at your home. You’ll need to pay your deductible, but the rest should be covered, Martin added.
6. Check Property Taxes
Homeowners who suffer significant damage (over $10,000) or a total loss may qualify for a reduction or suspension of property taxes, according to Susman. Check your county assessor’s website for application details, as this is often overlooked, he added.
7. Seek Local Aid and Government Assistance
If you lack insurance or your policy was canceled before the disaster, explore local and federal aid options. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides financial assistance for temporary housing and other needs through its Individuals and Households Program. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
The California Insurance Commission also offers resources and workshops to guide residents through the claims process. Events will be held at Santa Monica College (Jan. 18-19) and Pasadena College (Jan. 25-26).