Recovering from Wildfire Devastation

Although the full extent of the Southern California wildfire damage is not yet known, we understand that many of you have suffered devastating losses. While the journey ahead won’t be easy, the following information may help you navigate the long road ahead.

Cautiously Reenter Your Property

Although you may be eager to assess what’s left of your home or business, be sure to do so safely. Follow these tips from CalFire. After a fire has passed, hazards may remain, including:

• Unsound structures. A building that has been partially burned may not be safe to enter due to damage to the structure.
• Power lines. Watch for downed lines and be aware of the risk of burned trees and structures falling on power lines after a wildfire. Also look for damaged or weakened power poles near your home.
• Gas leaks. Turn on a battery-powered flashlight before you enter your property to avoid potential gas leak ignition. Smell for gas before turning lights on. If you think you may have a leak, evacuate immediately and call the gas company.
• Power outages. Check to see if your main breaker is turned on. If it is, and you don’t have power, contact your electrical company or an electrician.
• Debris flows often occur after wildfires due to the loss of vegetation. Be careful, particularly around steep slopes.
• Water contamination. Tap water may not be safe to drink, especially if you rely on a well.
• Heating system glitches. Have your solar, propane or oil heating systems inspected before use.

2. Document Everything

You will probably feel tempted to start cleaning up the mess but remember that some components of that mess may be important in determining the value of your insurance claim. Take time to accurately capture the loss, and don’t throw anything away or begin any repairs until after you’ve contacted your insurer.

• Turn on the time/date stamp for your phone or camera.
• Take detailed videos and photos of all areas of your property. Include wide-angle shots to show the big picture as well as close-ups to show the details.
• If possible, gather old pictures of the affected areas to document the before and after conditions.
• Start a spreadsheet or a list of damaged belongings and note the condition of each item.
• Read this article from NBC to learn more about what to expect when you file a claim.

3. Contact Your Insurer

Depending on your circumstances, you may have insurance coverage to help pay for losses as part of your standard homeowners, renters, commercial property or auto insurance policy.

• Fire and smoke damage. Property insurance can provide coverage for damage to building structures and personal belongings. If you are renting your home, the property owner’s policy should cover the building itself, but your renters policy should cover your personal property, such as clothes, furniture and electronics.
• Additional living expenses. If your home is uninhabitable, standard homeowners or renters insurance provides coverage for additional living expenses, such as hotel stays, pet boarding and restaurant meals. Coverage can apply during mandatory evacuations as well as ongoing repairs, and it typically works on a reimbursement basis and is subject to sub-limits. Keep your receipts.
• Business interruption. If your business has been impacted by the wildfire, your commercial property insurance policy may provide business interruption coverage to offset the losses.
• Vehicle damage. You will need to file a claim with your auto insurance company. Fire damage is covered under a comprehensive auto policy.

As soon as possible, contact your insurer to report your loss. In addition to a phone number you can call to report claims, your insurer may have an online portal or app. To help the claims process go smoothly, it’s helpful to have the following information:

• Your policy details, including the policy number
• Information about the loss, including the date and a description of the loss
• Documentation, as discussed earlier in this article. If you completed a home inventory in the past, it will be helpful now.
• If Heffernan Insurance Brokers is your insurance partner, our claim advocacy team is available to assist you. Contact your account manager to learn more.

4. Access Needed Resources

In addition to insurance, other resources may be available to support your recovery.

• Disaster assistance may be available through FEMA. Go to https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ for more information.
• Low-cost physical damage loans may be available for homeowners and businesses through the Small Business Association.
• Your bank may be willing to offer an adjustment in your mortgage repayment terms.

Many companies are also providing support, including Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, Queen Mary hotel in Long Beach, and Planet Fitness, among others. See this NBC article for details and discount codes. There are also shelters available if you need a temporary place to stay.

5. Watch Out for Scams

Scammers often take advantage of disasters.

• Repair scams involve fraudulent contractors who offer to handle repairs, often quickly and at a low price, but either do shoddy work or don’t do any work at all. Make sure you are working with a licensed contractor; you can enter the contractor’s license number to check the status of their license on the Contractors State License Board website. Your insurance company may be able to provide a list of contractors. Reputable contractors will be in high demand, so be wary of contractors who reach out to you to drum up business.
• Charity scams involve scammers posing as charities to elicit donations. Before donating any money, make sure the organization is legitimate. CNBC has a list of top-rated charities engaged in relief for the Los Angeles wildfires.

The Better Business Bureau told Fox 17 that imposter scams are particularly common. Scammers may pose as government officials, loved ones or well-known organizations to trick people into clicking a link or paying money.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to Heffernan Insurance Brokers. The HIB Claims Advocacy team is here to help clients achieve the best possible claim outcomes. Contact us.