In the event that your wildfire loss is a total loss, meaning your home and property have been completely destroyed, you need to notify your insurance company right away to report the damage and file a claim. During the claims process, your insurer will ask you for documentation, assess your claim, and negotiate a settlement. Often, this process takes months to complete. Total loss cases usually involve more complicated procedures and higher settlement amounts, so documentation is crucial.
Inform your insurance company of the loss immediately and provide details of the fire damage. You should request an advance payment in order to cover additional living expenses, such as food, clothing, and housing. An insurance company may be required to make an upfront minimum payment before an adjuster inspects the property, especially when a state of emergency has been declared. If safe, take photographs or videos of the destroyed property to document the loss thoroughly.
Reports from the fire department, drone footage, or media coverage can serve as evidence if you cannot access the site. If possible, create a detailed inventory of all destroyed personal belongings, including approximate values and purchase dates. Be sure to gather important documents such as your insurance policy, fire department report, and proof of ownership.
In most cases, your insurance covers the cost to rebuild or replace your home (up to the policy limit), as well as personal property losses, debris removal, and additional living expenses. There are also some policies that provide coverage for code upgrades and extended replacement costs that can increase your payout above standard limits. Your insurance proceeds can be used to rebuild on the same site or relocate elsewhere.
Work with your insurance company and adjuster to negotiate the settlement, and hire licensed contractors to provide detailed estimates to support your claim if you disagree with their estimate. Expenses related to temporary housing and displacement may be reimbursable under your policy's additional living expenses coverage.
For over 35 years, our team of professionals has been assessing personal injury claims to ease the legal process for people who are entitled to financial compensation.
If you were affected by a wildfire, you should reach out to Atraxia Law, as we have what it takes to determine whether you are entitled to file a claim for the damage caused to you by a wildfire.
We will carefully evaluate your situation while you attend to more urgent matters. If we establish that you qualify for a wildfire claim, we will put you in touch with a specialized attorney who will help you obtain compensation from your insurance company and those responsible for the fire.