If a recent wildfire damaged your California home, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. However, you have rights and options as a homeowner, and there are steps you can take to protect your financial interests and begin the process of rebuilding.
Wildfire damages
Dealing with wildfire damage means understanding the terms of your insurance policy. Insurance law in California requires homeowners’ insurance to cover fire damage. Still, the extent of coverage can vary depending on the specific policy. So carefully review your policy to determine what types of damages are covered, what your deductible will be and what documentation you’ll need to provide to make a claim.
Listing the damages for insurance
Contact your insurance company immediately to report the damage to your home. Provide a detailed list of all the damages you’ve sustained, including any personal property that was lost or damaged. In addition, keep detailed records of all your interactions with your insurance company, including any phone calls, emails or letters you send or receive.
Reporting the damages
After you’ve reported the damage to your insurance company, they will dispatch an adjuster to your property to assess the damages. Be present when the adjuster arrives, and provide any additional information or documentation they may need to process your claim.
Insurance settlement
Once the adjuster has assessed the damages, your insurance company will issue a settlement offer. It’s important to carefully review this offer to ensure that it covers all the damages to your home and property. If you feel that the settlement offer is insufficient, you can negotiate with your insurance company to increase the amount of the offer.
Rebuilding with the settlement
As you work through rebuilding your home, it’s essential to be vigilant and proactive in protecting your financial interests. This may involve monitoring your insurance claim, ensuring you receive a fair settlement, and minimizing additional expenses and damages.