My home was damaged or destroyed. What should I do first?
Your safety comes first. Once it's safe:
- Contact your insurance company or agent to report the loss.
- Take photos and videos of the damage if it's safe to do so.
- Keep receipts for emergency expenses.
- Make temporary repairs only if necessary to prevent additional damage.
- Avoid permanent repairs or disposing of damaged property until your insurance company has had an opportunity to inspect the loss (unless they instruct you otherwise).
If your home is uninhabitable, ask your insurance company about Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage.
Should I file a claim?
Whether to file a claim is a personal decision based on your individual circumstances. We can't tell you whether you should or shouldn't file a claim, but we can help you understand the factors to consider so you can make an informed decision.
Some questions to think about include:
- How extensive is the damage? If your home has significant damage, is uninhabitable, or you believe you've experienced a covered loss, contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible.
- What is your deductible? Understanding your deductible can help you evaluate how much of the loss may be your responsibility.
- What will it cost to repair the damage? For smaller losses, some homeowners choose to obtain an estimate from a qualified restoration company or contractor to better understand the scope of damage and repair costs. That information may help you evaluate your options.
- Will you need immediate assistance? If your home isn't safe to live in or emergency repairs are needed to prevent further damage, your insurance company can explain what benefits may be available under your policy.
- Are there any long-term insurance considerations? A claim becomes part of your insurance history, and insurance companies evaluate claims differently. The impact on future premiums, renewals, or eligibility varies by insurer and your individual circumstances. While that shouldn't discourage you from filing a legitimate claim, it's reasonable to understand the potential long-term implications as part of your decision.
If you're unsure how your policy applies, we're here to help explain your coverages, answer questions, and walk you through the claims process. Coverage decisions are ultimately made by your insurance company based on your policy and the facts of the loss.
My home wasn't destroyed, but it has smoke damage. Is that covered?
Often, yes. Smoke damage resulting from a covered wildfire is typically covered under homeowners' insurance. Depending on your policy, this may include professional cleaning, deodorization, repairs, and smoke remediation.
Before filing a claim, it's worth remembering that most homeowners' policies have a deductible. For smaller losses, consider getting an estimate from a reputable restoration company so you can better understand the scope and cost of the damage.
Restoration companies will likely experience significant demand following a major wildfire, so response times may be longer than normal.
Looking for a restoration company? We're happy to provide referrals to reputable local companies we've worked with. You're always free to choose any contractor you'd like.
I had to evacuate. Will my insurance pay for a hotel and other expenses?
Often, yes. If a covered loss, or in some cases a mandatory evacuation, makes your home uninhabitable, your homeowner's policy may provide Additional Living Expense (ALE) or "Loss of Use" coverage.
ALE can help pay for the reasonable increased costs of maintaining your normal standard of living while you're displaced, such as:
- Hotel or temporary housing
- Additional meal expenses
- Toiletries and other essential personal items
- Clothing, if needed
- Pet boarding
- Other reasonable, necessary expenses related to your displacement
Keep your receipts and talk with your adjuster before making significant expenses whenever possible. Coverage limits, deductibles, and eligibility vary by policy, so check with your insurance company or your agent if you have questions.
How long will my claim take?
Every claim is different.
The timeline depends on several factors, including:
- The extent of the damage
- The number of claims being handled
- Contractor availability
- Material availability
- Local permitting and inspections
Following a major wildfire, insurance companies often receive thousands of claims in a very short period of time.
We've been encouraged by the response from many insurance carriers. Adjusters have traveled from across the country to assist, and many of our clients have been contacted within one to two business days of filing their claim.
While the initial response has been encouraging, resolving a claim, especially one involving significant damage or a total loss, can still take weeks or months. The goal is to ensure your claim is handled thoroughly and correctly.
We know waiting can be frustrating, but patience and good communication with your adjuster will go a long way throughout the recovery process.
Is food lost during a power outage covered?
Possibly. Some homeowner's policies provide limited coverage for refrigerated food spoiled by a power outage resulting from a covered event. Coverage varies by policy. Review your policy declarations for specific limits on food spoilage coverages.
If the wildfire was intentionally set (arson), is my home still covered?
Generally, yes.
If someone outside your household intentionally caused the fire, homeowners' insurance typically still covers the resulting damage, provided your policy was in force and no exclusions apply.
Coverage is generally denied only when an insured intentionally causes the loss or commits fraud.
Your insurance company may later seek reimbursement from the responsible party, but that typically does not affect your covered claim.
OTHER INSURANCE:
Is my Auto, Boat, ATV, Travel Trailer, or RV covered if it was damaged by wildfire?
If you have an insurance policy for the vehicle, boat, ATV, Travel Trailer or RV and carry comprehensive coverage, fire damage is generally covered, subject to your deductible; this typically includes smoke damage.
I only have liability coverage. Is wildfire damage covered?
No. Liability-only insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle, boat, ATV, Travel Trailer or RV caused by fire or other non-collision events
My vehicle was damaged by falling trees or debris during the fire. Is that covered?
In most cases, if you have comprehensive coverage, damage from falling trees, branches, ash, fire retardant, or other wildfire-related debris is generally covered.
My car, boat, ATV, or RV was destroyed while parked at home. Which policy pays?
Vehicle damage is generally handled through your auto, ATV, Boat, or RV policy if you carry comprehensive coverage, even if the vehicle was parked on your insured property. RVs, Boats, and other equipment at storage facilities are usually covered in a similar manner if the vehicle is not on your premises.
Are rental cars covered while my vehicle is being repaired?
Rental reimbursement is available only if you purchased that optional coverage. Check your declarations page to confirm whether you have it.
Still have questions?
Every wildfire loss is different, and so is every insurance policy.
If you're an NTI client and have questions about your coverage or claim, we're here to help.
If you're not an NTI client, we hope this information has been helpful as you navigate the recovery process.
If there's a question you'd like us to answer in a future FAQ, please let us know.
You can reach us at info@northtowninsurance.com - use Subject Line: NTI FAQ
Disclaimer: This is a general overview, with the intention of bringing awareness to coverages, options, policy information. However, coverage varies between carriers and states. Please check your policy for specifics.