via Washington Post

As the flames in Southern California continue to spread, insurers predict this will be one of the most expensive blazes on record.
Quoted from Business Week


According to Business Week, “On Oct. 23 the Insurance Information Institute estimated that insured damages from the blaze would reach at least $500 million, including damaged homes, lost business activity, and expenses for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been displaced. ‘Those are the insured losses,’ says Robert Hartwig, the institute’s president. ‘The actual economic losses will be higher.’”

Filing Fire Insurance Claims

• First of all, before taking any steps call your insurance agent. You may always call National Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-800-942-4242) and ask for help, free brochures.
• The typical homeowner’s policy covers damage due to wind, fire and lightning. Usually policy covers other structures such as garage and tool shred as well as your furniture, clothes and other aplliances. If you’re not sure about your policy coverage, feel free to call National Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-800-942-4242) and ask for help.
• Usually you’ll need the information below to report a claim:
  • Date of loss
  • Type of loss (or damage)
  • Location
  • Related injuries
  • Condition of the home
  • Description of damaged contents
  • Whether or not temporary repairs are necessary
  • Police report
• Insurance companies might cover your housing expenses. “Additional living expense coverage” or “loss of use coverage” options will pay for similar housing while repairs are being made to your home or if you permanently relocate. Seek reimbursement for expenses incurred.
• Insurance companies do not cover lost wages or earnings.
• Remember, in many cases, a police report is required when reporting a claim.
• Collect documents as much as possible.
  • Receipts
  • Appraisals
  • Photographs of your belongings
  • Original item boxes that survived the fire, all will be fine.
• Keep an accurate record of all temporary repair expenses such as bills or material receipts so that you can add the amount to your claim.
• Do not make any permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has had a chance to review the damage.
• Make a written list of what was damaged. Include:
  • The Manufacturer
  • Brand name
  • Place and the date of purchase
• Divide your list into categories such as:
  • Master bedroom
  • Living room
  • Kitchen etc.
• Provide if available:
  • Photographs
  • Videotapes
  • Personal property inventories
• Do not throw damaged things away until an insurance company representative has been able to assess the damage and make a claim report.
• If your belongings were stolen after the fire, any losses due to looting in the wake of the fire should be covered.
• Some policies may cover such repairs, others might not. If you have to do repairs whether hiring somebody or doing it yourself, document all your expenses.
• The typical homeowner’s policy covers trees, shrubs, plants or lawns on the residence for loss caused by fire. Usually insurers will pay up to 5 percent of the limit of liability that applies to the dwelling for all trees, shrubs, plants or lawns. Insurance, however, does not cover property grown for business purposes.
• Keep in mind that If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered for damage or destruction.

Related Links:

• Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association Offers Fire Safety Tips - Insurance Journal
• Homeowners insurance claims as soon as possible after disaster hits - Market Watch
• What your fire insurance and FEMA can do - LA Times
• Six Tips To Minimize Financial Loss In Disaster - Home Town Station
• Check your insurance - LA Observed