By Jim Sprouse, Co-founder of Ember Pro | NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

Filing a wildfire insurance claim in California is one of the most stressful processes a homeowner can face. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step, with a documentation checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

The First 72 Hours After a Wildfire

The first three days after a wildfire are critical for your insurance claim:

• Contact your insurance company immediately. Report the loss and get a claim number. California law requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 15 days.
• Secure temporary housing. Your policy likely includes Additional Living Expenses. Keep every receipt from day one: hotel, meals, gas, clothing, pet boarding.
• Do not enter the property until authorities clear it. Document exterior damage with photos and video from the street.
• Start a claim journal. Record every phone call, email, and interaction with your insurer including dates, names, and what was discussed.

Understanding Your Policy

• Dwelling Coverage (A): The structure itself, rebuilding cost
• Other Structures (B): Detached garage, shed, fencing
• Personal Property (C): Contents, furniture, clothing, electronics
• Additional Living Expenses (D): Temporary housing, meals, transportation
• Debris Removal: Often 5 to 10 percent of dwelling coverage

If you are on the California FAIR Plan, your coverage is more limited. Review your declarations page carefully.

Step 1: Document Everything Before Cleanup

This is the most important step. Document before anything is moved, cleaned, or demolished.

• Photograph and video every room, every angle, every damaged item
• Take wide shots and close-ups
• Document landscaping, fencing, driveways, outbuildings
• Get aerial drone photos if possible
• Do not throw away damaged items until the adjuster has seen them
• Save items with serial numbers, brand names, model numbers

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

Call to formally report the claim. Ask for your claim number, adjuster contact info, timeline for the adjuster visit, ALE coverage confirmation, and whether they will provide an advance payment.

Under California law, insurers must acknowledge your claim within 15 days and begin investigation within 30 days.

Step 3: Create Your Property Inventory

Create a room-by-room inventory of every damaged or destroyed item. For each item record: description, purchase date, original cost, replacement cost, and proof of ownership.

Do not underestimate. Studies show most wildfire victims undervalue losses by 30 to 40 percent because they forget items. Go through every room, closet, drawer, cabinet, and storage area.

Step 4: Working with the Adjuster

The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you.

• Be present during the adjuster inspection
• Point out all damage including items the adjuster might miss
• Get independent contractor estimates, do not rely solely on the insurer estimate
• You have the right to hire your own public adjuster

Step 5: Review the Settlement Offer

Common issues with settlement offers:

• Depreciation disputes: Insurers may depreciate items more aggressively than warranted
• Scope of loss disagreements: Insurer may not include all damaged areas
• Code upgrade costs: Rebuilding to current code costs more than original. Many policies include code upgrade coverage
• Lowball estimates: Insurer contractor estimates may be below market rates

You do not have to accept the first offer. Negotiate.

Step 6: If You Disagree

• Appraisal clause: Each side hires an appraiser and they select an umpire
• CDI complaint: File with the California Department of Insurance for bad faith
• Public adjuster: Licensed professional representing you, typically 10 to 15 percent of settlement
• Attorney: For significant disputes, a policyholder attorney specializing in fire claims

The Documentation Checklist

• Insurance policy declarations page
• Claim number and adjuster contact
• Photos and video of all damage
• Room-by-room property inventory with values
• Receipts for temporary housing and expenses
• Contractor estimates for rebuilding
• Adjuster reports and correspondence
• Claim journal with dates and notes
• Pre-fire photos (check phone, social media, real estate listing)
• Mortgage company info
• Medical records if anyone was injured
• Pet and livestock expense receipts

California-Specific Protections

• SB 872: After a declared disaster, insurers must offer full replacement cost for personal property without requiring itemized lists
• Extended ALE: Coverage extended to 24 or 36 months after declared disaster
• Non-renewal moratorium: Insurers cannot non-renew policies in affected ZIP codes for one year
• Right to rebuild elsewhere: You can use dwelling coverage toward a home elsewhere in California

How Wildfire Mitigation Affects Future Claims

The best claim is the one you never have to file. Pre-fire home hardening and defensible space significantly reduce the chance of structure loss. Pre-fire documentation of mitigation creates a valuable record that supports your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file?

File as soon as possible. California provides extended deadlines after declared disasters.

What if I am underinsured?

Options include negotiating scope, pursuing code upgrade coverage, and consulting a public adjuster.

Does FAIR Plan cover the same things?

No. FAIR Plan is more limited. Consider a DIC policy to fill gaps.

Can I choose my own contractor?

Yes. You are not required to use the insurer recommended contractor.

What about smoke damage only?

Smoke damage is covered under most policies. Document thoroughly and file a claim.

How long does the process take?

Simple claims settle in weeks. Total losses often take 12 to 24 months.

Should I hire a public adjuster?

For total losses or claims over $100,000, a public adjuster often recovers significantly more than the initial offer.

What records should I keep going forward?

Maintain a home inventory with photos and receipts, store copies in the cloud, update annually.

Take the First Step

Check your wildfire risk score and start protecting your home today.

Protect. Defend. Preserve.

References

• California Department of Insurance: insurance.ca.gov
• California Insurance Code Section 790.03
• SB 872 Policyholder Protections
• United Policyholders: uphelp.org