Steps to Take After a Wildfire
Wildfires can leave devastating impacts, turning lives upside down in an instant. Navigating the aftermath requires a clear plan to ensure safety, protect your rights, and start rebuilding. This guide outlines essential steps to take after a wildfire to help ease the recovery process.
1. Ensure Safety Before Returning:
Await Official Clearance: Do not return to your property until local authorities have deemed it safe. Protective Gear: When you do return, wear appropriate protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and sturdy footwear, to safeguard against hazards like ash, debris, and potential structural damage.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly:
Notify Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company of the damage as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.
Request Advance Funds: If you need immediate financial assistance for living expenses, ask your insurer for an advance against your eventual claim.
3. Document the Damage Thoroughly:
Photograph and Video: Capture detailed images and videos of all damage to your property and belongings. This visual evidence is crucial for your insurance claim. Inventory Losses: Create a comprehensive list of damaged or destroyed items, including descriptions, approximate values, and purchase dates if possible.
4. Secure Your Property:
Prevent Further Damage: Take reasonable steps to mitigate additional harm, such as covering broken windows or placing tarps over exposed areas. Your insurance policy may require this to prevent further losses. Keep Receipts: Save all receipts for any temporary repairs or expenses incurred to protect your property; these may be reimbursable.
5. Understand Your Insurance Policy:
Review Coverage Details: Familiarize yourself with your policy’s coverage limits, deductibles, and specific provisions related to wildfire damage. Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Determine if your policy covers additional living expenses if you’re unable to live in your home during repairs.
6. Maintain Detailed Records:
Communication Log: Keep a record of all interactions with your insurance company, including dates, times, and summaries of conversations. Documentation: Organize all documents related to your claim, such as claim numbers, adjuster contacts, estimates, and correspondence.
7. Be Cautious with Initial Offers from the Insurance Company:
Assess/Question Fairness: Do not rush to accept the insurance company’s valuation of damages. Ensure it adequately covers your losses, and consult with professionals if needed. Importantly, do not sign a release when accepting payments. Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting an attorney if you encounter disputes or feel your claim is being undervalued.
8. Be Mindful of Scammers:
Verify Contractors: When seeking repair or cleanup services, only work with licensed, insured, and reputable contractors. Verify credentials and check reviews or references. Avoid Upfront Payments: Be cautious of contractors asking for large upfront payments. Scammers often target disaster victims with fraudulent offers of assistance.
9. Keep Track of Deadlines and Claim Requirements:
File Timely Claims: Many insurance policies have strict deadlines for reporting damage and filing claims. Stay aware of these timeframes and act promptly. Follow Up: Regularly check in with your insurance company to ensure your claim is being processed and no additional information is needed.
10. Review Your Mortgage and Financial Obligations:
Notify Your Mortgage Lender: If your property is damaged or destroyed, inform your mortgage lender as they may require updates on the condition of the property and insurance proceedings. Understand Loan Forbearance Options: In times of disaster, some financial institutions offer forbearance or temporary relief on mortgage payments. Contact your lender to explore options if you’re facing financial difficulties.
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Recovering from a wildfire is a challenging journey, but taking these proactive steps can make a significant difference in the outcome. If you encounter obstacles with your insurance claim or need additional guidance, the attorneys at Kabateck LLP are here to help you secure the compensation and support you deserve — Contact us today for a free consultation.
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