Steps to Take Immediately After a Wildfire
Is your home at risk of being caught in a wildfire? According to information collected by First Street, nearly 72,189 Reno properties are at risk of being impacted by a wildfire in the next 30 years. That represents almost 84% of all properties in Reno. That makes it imperative for every homeowner to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
That preparation should involve a thorough insurance policy review and creating a complete inventory of all your personal property.
It will also help to establish a relationship with a qualified Reno wildlife insurance lawyer. We are dedicated to helping wildfire victims navigate the sometimes challenging insurance claims process. In the aftermath of a wildfire, there could be a rush by many policyholders who want a fast payout. We help ensure that our clients don’t get lost in the shuffle.
It is important that you understand the steps you should take immediately after a wildfire.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Secure Your Property
In the aftermath of a wildfire, your first priority is safety. Despite the anxiety and uncertainty that it might create, you don’t want to rush back to your home when the news reports that the fire is contained. Wildfire zones often contain hidden hazards. That list of hazards can include unstable structures, smoldering debris, downed power lines, and toxic ash.
Even if the flames have been doused, you should not return to your property until local authorities have confirmed it is safe.
Once you have been given the “all clear,” you need to approach your property cautiously.
At first glance, it might appear to be standing and undamaged, but you still need to inspect for any potential structural damage. You also have to avoid turning your utilities back on until the professionals have confirmed they are safe.
Depending on the level of damage, you might also need to take steps to prevent further damage. For instance, you could board up exposed areas like broken windows or doors.
If the roof is damaged, it should be covered with a tarp. These mitigation efforts can help support your eventual insurance claims. Be sure to document and retain receipts for any temporary repairs, as you may be compensated for them.
Step 2: Document Property Damage and Inventory Losses
Creating thorough documentation is one of the most crucial steps to take immediately after a wildfire. That documentation could be the only proof in support of your insurance claim.
You can use your smartphone to take photos and videos of any exterior damage, including roofing, siding, landscaping, and vehicles. You want to be sure to take wide-angle and close-up photos that can detail the placement and severity of the damage.
In addition to the photos and videos, you’ll also want to provide a detailed inventory of any damaged or destroyed personal property. That list needs to include approximate purchase dates and original values. It can also include the estimated replacement costs. It will help if you create that inventory list now as part of your homeowner recurring “to-do” checklist.
You might be tempted to rent a dumpster and start the cleanup. However, you shouldn’t toss anything away until you’ve documented the damage and your insurance adjuster has had a chance to look it over.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Provider and Initiate a Claim
Your insurance policy will likely include a notification clause that specifies how soon you must contact the carrier after a damage incident, such as a wildfire. This notification can be the start of the claims process, but it doesn’t have to be the final claim.
In other words, you can contact your insurance company 24 hours after you confirm there is damage and then move on to create a detailed claim.
During your initial contact with the insurance company, it is essential to provide accurate, concise information. You don’t want to speculate about the cause or extent of your damage until you can have it verified by experts.
In that first contact, you can also ask the insurance company specifically about the following:
- Emergency insurance advance payments
- Coverage for temporary housing
- Deadlines for submitting documentation
You should ask your insurance carrier for your claim number and a clear explanation of your coverage terms, including documentation requirements. This is important because there might come a time when the insurance company delays or requests unreasonable documentation.
That could be an example of insurance bad faith that needs to be addressed.
Step 4: Keep Track of Receipts for Additional Living Expenses
There should be terms in your homeowner’s insurance policy that detail what is covered if your home becomes uninhabitable. This would fall under the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage that is designed to cover the cost of maintaining your normal standard of living while displaced.
You want to keep track of your ALE receipts that include the following:
- Hotel or rental housing costs
- Meals and groceries beyond your normal expenses
- Transportation and relocation costs
- Pet boarding or storage fees
- Initial replacement clothing
The only way to achieve full reimbursement is to present documentation that proves all expenses. Those documents should include receipts, invoices, credit card bills, and bank statements. Insurance adjusters will closely scrutinize all your ALE claims.
Without the proper documentation, they would be justified in denying reimbursement.
Step 5: Manage All Communications With the Insurance Adjuster
Once you file your claim, you’ll be assigned an insurance adjuster. This will be the representative who will ultimately decide the outcome of your claim. You want to make sure you manage all communications with your adjuster.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Take detailed notes of every conversation
- Confirm key discussions in writing, preferably by email
- Be present during inspections
You should also record every interaction you have with the adjuster, just as they will likely be recording from their end.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Aftermath of a Wildfire
It is common for homeowners to face a lot of uncertainty in the aftermath of a wildfire. There will be many questions raised about what needs to happen next. The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp can provide those answers, starting with these facts:
What should I do if my home is uninhabitable after a wildfire?
If your home is uninhabitable, contact your insurance company immediately to request an ‘Additional Living Expenses’ (ALE) advance. This coverage helps pay for temporary housing, food, and relocation costs while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. Keep all receipts for these expenses, as they are essential for your reimbursement claim.
How do I document fire damage for my insurance claim?
Take comprehensive photos and videos of all damage to the structure and your personal belongings before beginning any cleanup. Create a detailed inventory list including the age, original cost, and replacement value of each item. Do not throw away damaged property until an insurance adjuster has had the opportunity to inspect it.
Can I be denied coverage for smoke damage after a wildfire?
While smoke damage is typically covered under standard homeowners policies, insurers may try to minimize or deny these claims by arguing the damage is cosmetic. If your insurer refuses to pay for professional smoke remediation or air quality testing, you may be facing an insurance dispute that requires legal intervention.
Consulting a Lawyer for Complex Insurance Disputes
After filing a wildfire claim and presenting your evidence, you might be given an early settlement offer.
At first glance, this might seem ideal because the insurance company is being responsive. However, if that offer comes in before the full extent of your damages is known, it could lead to trouble. Once you accept an offer, you can’t come back and ask for more money.
If you are given an early offer, it would be in your best interest to have it reviewed by the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp.
We are experienced Reno wildfire insurance attorneys who have helped many clients navigate the complex challenges associated with making insurance claims. We especially want to hear from you if you feel as though your insurance company is delaying, underpaying, or denying your claim outright.
We can help interpret your policy and identify any legitimate coverage gaps.
More importantly, we can challenge unfair claim denials or delays. After presenting all your documentation, photos, and videos, we’ll enter into negotiations for a full and fair settlement. If there is continued resistance, we can pursue legal action.
That’s especially true if bad faith practices are involved.
Reach out to our office today to set up a free case review. You don’t have to take on an insurance company on your own.
