Insurance

• Promptly review your policy.
• • If you do not have a copy of your policy, request a copy from your insurer or agent. If you cannot understand the policy provisions, ask your insurer or agent for assistance.
  • If your residence was damaged or destroyed, follow the procedure specified in the policy to file a claim with your insurance company.
  • If you have experienced loss of use, additional living expenses and/or loss of rents, review the limits and duration of this coverage (if available).
    • Submit receipts for any cost above your normal daily ones you incur due to the evacuation or loss to your property such as meals out, hotel stays and longer-term temporary lodging.
    • If you have questions, ask your insurance agent or adjuster for more information about this coverage
• If applicable, secure your property to prevent further damage (keep receipts for any materials used to do so) and take photos/videos of the damage.
• Don’t begin permanent repairs until damage is inspected by an adjuster or told to do so by your insurer.
• Set damaged items aside for later review/inspection by your adjuster.
• Work with your adjuster and contractor to estimate the cost of repairs or the cost to rebuild your property.
• Submit proof of loss forms or other claim forms if requested by your insurance company.
• Receive claim payments and begin repairs.
  • There may be supplemental payments issued by the insurance company if additional damage is discovered in the course of repairs.
  • Be careful of scams (do not sign your entire claim payment over to a contractor).
    If the damage is extensive and you have a mortgage, your claim payments may list you and your lienholder as payees.

For more information, please see A Consumer’s Guide to Home Insurance

PDF Fire Claim Information