Reno Partial Home Damage Wildfire Claims Lawyer

There is nothing wrong with admitting that you dislike paying for homeowner’s insurance.

These are payments you make every month, and you don’t get anything back. That can literally go on for years and amount to thousands of dollars you wish you could spend on something else. Then, without warning, something unfortunate happens to your property, and you activate your insurance policy. That is when all those premium payments can flow back to you.

At least, that is what should happen. According to USDA data, Nevada has the highest wildfire risk of any state in the country.

One of the most insidious aspects of a wildfire is that it can sweep through a street, leaving some homes untouched, other homes completely destroyed, and others partially damaged. If your home has suffered from any level of damage from a wildfire and you have a valid insurance policy in place, you’re entitled to seek compensation.

Making sure the insurance company aligns with your needs can be a challenge.

Fortunately, that challenge can be overcome with the support of an experienced Reno wildlife insurance lawyer and a thorough understanding of what it means to make a partial wildlife damage claim.

What Is Considered Partial Wildfire Damage

Partial wildfire damage can come in many forms. It might not mean your home has to be rebuilt from the ground up, but it can still mean you need expensive remodeling and remediation cleanup.

Here are the common examples of partial damage:

Smoke and Ash Contamination

Smoke that floats from a fire can penetrate your insulation, ducts, and walls. That will require extensive decontamination. That can also apply to your clothing and furniture, which would also have to be deep cleaned.

Structural Damage

Floating embers from a wildfire can land in your home to scorch your siding, damage your roof, and damage other structural elements.

Water Damage

The hope is that if a fire begins to damage your home, firefighters can swoop in and quickly put it out. That will mean flushing gallons of water in and around your home.

That can severely damage your home.

Exterior Landscaping Loss

Before a wildfire gets to your home, it can destroy the trees, shrubs, and flowers that are part of your landscaping. Your patio decks, outdoor kitchens, and sheds can also be the target of wildfire destruction.

Hidden Damage

Toxic residue can be left behind in your home’s HVAC system. That could contaminate the air quality in your home.

Any type of partial damage should be a part of your claim with your insurance agency.

Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Wildfire Payouts

Your homeowner’s insurance policy most likely requires you to give notice to the company about any damage to your property from a wildfire.

You might discover that your damage would be equivalent to your deductible. In that case, you might not file a claim, but you would still have to give notice. If you fail to give notice, the insurance can use that as a reason to deny the claim.

Here are some of the other tactics an insurance company might use to minimize a wildfire payout:

Lowball Settlements

In order to close out a claim and minimize their exposure, insurance carriers will often offer a quick payout that is based on minimal initial assessments. This is a lowball offer that might cover immediate needs but not represent your full exposure.

Unfortunately, once you accept any offer, you won’t be able to request any other reimbursement.

Use of Undervaluing Software

In an effort to be efficient, insurance companies might deploy software programs like Xactimate. These are designed to generate repair estimates, but they often don’t match real-world construction costs.

Restricted Damage Assessments

Your insurance adjuster may overlook invisible damage. That can include smoke particles that leave an odor but without visible soot.

They might also demand strict proof of permanent physical changes, or else they will deny the claim. Some insurance carriers may also approve only one coat of paint rather than two. They might also underfund structural repairs.

Delaying and Denying Claims

You might experience a delay with your insurance company. That can show up as a slow payment or failure to return calls. The intention might be to exhaust you so that you’re willing to accept a low offer.

Limiting Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

Even though your insurance policy provides reimbursement for temporary housing, food, and storage, the insurance company might assert that your displacement period should be shorter or perhaps not as expensive as you’re claiming.

Steps to Document Partial Wildfire Damage in Reno

It is essential that you document all aspects of your damage. That will be the only way to establish the extent of your damage and prove what you are entitled to reimbursement from your insurance carrier.

Here’s what you have to document:

Property and Possessions

Your property and possessions could be damaged directly by fire or by soot and smoke. It is important to take photos and videos of all the structural damage that might be charred or damaged from water.

You also have to include the following if they’ve been damaged:

• Furniture
• Decor
• Appliances
• Electronics
• Clothing and accessories
• Kitchenware
• Household goods
• Tools
• Collectibles
• Artwork
• Personal items
• Memorabilia
• Property Appraisal

A licensed and certified real estate appraiser can provide you with an updated assessment of your home’s value. They will consider the age, size, condition, and location of your home.

Structural Engineering Assessment

In addition to a real estate appraiser, you should also have a structural engineering assessment that can speak to the damage to your home’s foundation, framing, or roof.

They can also offer an opinion on whether your home is habitable.

Communications

It is important to document all your communications with the insurance company and adjuster. It will be easy to maintain copies of emails, letters, and texts. When it comes to phone calls and conversations, you might want to record them, but you have to comply with Nevada state laws.

Nevada law allows for one-party consent for in-person conversations. In other words, you can record your interactions with an adjuster when they inspect your home without asking their permission.

However, if you get on the phone with the adjuster and want to record the call, you do have to ask for permission, and that permission should also be recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions About Partial Home Damage Wildfire Claims

What is considered partial home damage in a wildfire claim?

Partial home damage refers to property loss where the structure remains standing but has suffered significant harm from smoke, ash, soot, or heat. In Reno, this often includes compromised HVAC systems, roof damage, and lingering odors that require professional remediation. If your insurer refuses to cover these ‘invisible’ damages, it may be a sign of bad faith.

Can I sue my insurance company for a low wildfire settlement?

Yes, if your insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays your claim, you may have grounds for an insurance bad faith lawsuit. Nevada law requires insurers to act in good faith and fair dealing. A Reno lawyer specializing in insurance disputes can help you pursue the full value of your policy, plus potential damages for their misconduct.

How long do I have to file a wildfire damage claim in Nevada?

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for breach of contract claims is generally six years, but your specific insurance policy may have much shorter deadlines for reporting damage. For bad faith claims, the timeline is typically two years. It is critical to review your policy immediately and consult with a lawyer to ensure you do not miss any contractual or legal deadlines.

Knowing When to Consult a Reno Insurance Bad Faith Attorney

The moment you file a wildfire claim with your insurance company, the waiting game begins. When they take a long time to respond, you might just think that this is the way the insurance company operates. In truth, they could be operating in bad faith. Bad faith can also include unreasonable denials and lowball settlement offers. Instead of accepting those tactics as “just the way things are,” you can take legal action with the support of the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp.

We are a Reno wildfire attorney who helps residents who have suffered significant damage to their property and are running into roadblocks with their insurance company. We know how insurance companies operate. We also know how important it is to respond quickly and demand the same from the insurance company. Our goal remains to secure the maximum reimbursement allowed by the policy. That could involve a few intense rounds of negotiations, or it could mean filing a civil lawsuit and taking the insurance company to court.

If it can be proven that they were acting in bad faith, you would be entitled to receive additional funds on top of your policy reimbursement. Before any of that can happen, we need to review the circumstances.

Call to schedule a free consultation today. That will help you make an informed decision about what should happen next.