How to Deal With Insurance After the Fire

Heart image I took last year in Boston's worst snow storm

How to Deal with Insurance After the Fires

California has a huge task of work ahead for us.

Homeowners who want to rebuild need to make 

claims and get planning. This is a list of some ideas

to keep in mind making a claim in the CAMPFIRE or

Woolsey Fire or any wild fire for that matter

You are entitled to assisted living expenses. That means your insurer can cut you a check often on the spot for expenses for expenses you've incurred from your mandatory evacuation. Keep copies of food bills, anything you bought even a soda.

It’s going to be hard to get new insurance and you may have to go to California Fair Plan which is not great. Make sure you add extended replacement cost endorsement. This is basically additional coverage intended to accommodate at least a portion of any unexpected cost increases.

You can also purchase additional coverage for code upgrades. For example, the rules might have changed for electrical systems or insulation since your house was built. Code-upgrade insurance protects you from so-called better-ments that your policy may not address.

Some policies don’t cover the foundation and plumbing, even if you have guaranteed replacement cost. The insurance company is required to settle in thirty days. Although they are human and out there making claims DO NOT assume they are going to help you make a total claim, they work for the company and shareholders. 

Rebuilding will be more costly than normal construction because there will be huge demand. Costs may run higher. Find out what Lowe’s are closing and buy at discount while they are closing stores. Think about using your settlement check and applying for FHA 203H which would allow 100% rebuild costs to add to the check. Call me if you need help with this (949) 784- 9699

Hopefully you have a video or photographs of your personal property, if not begin now and send to relatives who have visited to add to the list.  You won’t recall everything.

Make a complete list

Go room by room in a circle, mentally go through the drawers to recall what you owned

Electronics- televisions, old cell phones in desk, routers, the cable box that the cable company will charge you for (by the way turn off the cable now) printers, scanners, screens, and more.

Cords

Power sources

Cameras

Film

Photographs

Framed artwork

Framed photographs

Carpet, rugs

Furniture: style, fabric, size

Side tables

Lamps

Light fixtures

Tables

Chairs

Dishes

flatware

Pots pans

Kitchen tools, blender, mixer, oven, toaster, broiler, refrigerator, name the make and models

Food in the refrigerator and cupboards

Linens- kitchen ones, bedding, blankets, pillows

Beds

Night stands

Dresser

Bathroom supplies, cleaning supplies, brooms, vacuum,

Bathroom shampoos, creams, makeup, nail polish, razors, tooth supplies, medicines, aromatherapy bottles, perfume,

Jewelry

Clothing oh my gosh this is a huge list- shoes, dresses, pants, party outfits, costumes, winter clothing, bathing suits…

Don’t forget your Christmas ornaments and all the decorations, candles, gee gaws and nick nacks

Then have someone double check again

Ask for help. We are all in this together.
LOVE and hugs and prayers
C G