The annual cost of wildfire property damage in California is often in the millions of dollars, with thousands of structures affected each year. If your home or business suffers fire, smoke or water damage from a wildfire in California, you need to understand how a property damage claim works, and how a California wildfire lawyer can help you navigate the process to obtain the coverage required to rebuild.
How to File a Wildfire Property Damage Claim in California
Recovering from a wildfire may take medical treatment for your physical injuries, an assessment of your losses and property damage, and one or multiple insurance claims. The steps you must take to recover typically include filing an insurance claim for coverage for damaged or destroyed property. If you have wildfire insurance, take the following actions to file a claim and initiate the process:
- Document your losses. Once firefighters clear you to return to your damaged property, start documenting your losses in detail. Do your best to create a master list of damaged and destroyed property with each item’s original value.
- Read your insurance policy. Be sure to read the language and fine print of your homeowners or commercial insurance policy to understand the coverage available.
- Report your losses. Contact your property insurance provider to report your wildfire damage. Don’t give away more information than is required. If you are offered a quick settlement, don’t accept it before speaking to an attorney.
- Protect your property from further damage. It is important to take steps to reduce further damage after a wildfire, such as by covering broken windows or drying standing water. Otherwise, your insurer may diminish the value of your claim for “failure to mitigate losses.”
You should always file your wildfire property damage claim as soon as possible after a fire takes place. Insurance companies often have tight reporting and filing deadlines. If you wait too long, this could give your insurance provider the right to reject your claim.
How Much Is a Wildfire Property Damage Claim Worth?
The value of your claim will be determined after a professional analysis of your property damage and repair or replacement costs. It is important to supplement your appraisal, however, with an estimate of the value of cherished possessions or irreplaceable sentimental items. This can include photos, home videos, gifts and family heirlooms. The nature of these losses may increase the value of your wildfire insurance claim.
When to Contact a Wildfire Property Damage and Loss Attorney in California
If a wildfire in California leaves you with property damage or losses, you may be able to turn to your insurance for financial coverage. However, many property owners are surprised to find that their coverage is insufficient or their claims are denied when trying to recover from fire damage. You may need to hire a wildfire attorney to help you fight for fair compensation.
An attorney can negotiate with an insurance company that may otherwise try to take advantage of you during your claim. An insurance provider may try to underestimate the cost of your property repairs, for example, or blame you for the extent of the damage. An attorney can help you prove the extent of your losses and negotiate for fair compensation in and out of the courtroom. For legal assistance with a specific wildfire property damage claim in California, contact Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian to schedule a free initial case review at one of our local offices.