Steps for Filing a Wildfire Insurance Claim in California

By the Mercury Team

Filing an insurance claim after a wildfire may seem overwhelming, with many steps and details to consider.

Here are some helpful tips:

1. Safety

• Ensure Safety: Make sure you and your family are in a safe and secure location.
• Wait for Clearance: Do not return to your property until local authorities have declared it safe.
• Assess Immediate Needs: Identify the following urgent requirements:

1. Short-term housing
2. Clothing
3. Food and water
4. Pet care
5. Device charging equipment
6. General funding for essentials

2. Notification

• Contact Your Insurer: Notify your insurance company about the damage as soon as possible through their app, hotline, or website.
• Immediate relief may be available based on your policy and the extent of damage.
• In widespread disaster scenarios, insurers may have local or onsite assistance. Check your insurer’s website or contact them for details.
• Agent Assistance: If you have an insurance agent, they may be able to provide additional resources and guidance.
• Government Aid: Following some catastrophes, FEMA may also provide assistance. You may call (800) 621-3362 or go to DisasterAssistance.gov for more information.

3. Documentation

• Log Damaged Items: Start a detailed list of all damaged or lost items.
• Photograph Damage: When safe, take photos of the damage and collect receipts or other proof of purchase for affected items.
• Utilize a contents list to organize your inventory.
• This checklist may be used as a guide.
• Keep All Receipts: Save receipts for any expenses incurred, as these might be reimbursable.

Once the claim has been filed, the assigned Claim professional will review your policy and discuss any applicable coverage with you. They may also discuss any additional documentation they need to evaluate and resolve your claim, and explain next steps.

Prioritizing safety ensures that you and your family are protected. Prompt notification allows your insurer to begin assisting you as quickly as possible. Thorough documentation of your claim streamlines the review and evaluation process.

NOTE: The California insurance commissioner warns homeowners to be cautious of scams following wildfires, emphasizing the importance of verifying the credentials of anyone offering assistance with claims to avoid fraudulent activities.

Additional Resources:

• California Department of Insurance
• FEMA
• American Red Cross
• Los Angeles Fire Department