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Knowing how to file a home insurance claim for wildfire damage will ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. It is important to document as much of the damage and losses as you can with receipts, pictures, and estimates.
If you are unsatisfied with your claim settlement, you can try to negotiate a higher settlement. Read on to learn more valuable information about filing a claim with your wildfire insurance coverage.
While you can use the best practices to prevent a fire at your home for home fires, there is not much you can do about a wildfire besides having great insurance coverage.
Find the best protection for your home before a wildfire happens by entering your ZIP code in our free insurance quote tool.
What You Should Know
- Step #1: Immediate Notification – Report Damage to Provider
- Step #2: Document Damage – Photos, videos, etc.
- Step #3: Keep Records – Copies of Insurance Communication
- Step #4: Temporary Repairs – Help Mitigate Further Damage
- Step #5: Claim Form Submission – Fill Out Form Thoroughly
- Step #6: Meet with Adjuster – They Will Assess Damage
- Step #7: Review Settlement Offer– Don't Settle if Underpaid
- Step #8: Close the Claim – Finalize if Satisfied
8 Steps to Follow When Filing a Home Insurance Claim for Wildfire Damage
It can be stressful dealing with a wildfire insurance claim, as it involves navigating paperwork, dealing with insurance adjusters, and coping with the emotional toll of losing your home or property.
We recommend you read about the ins and outs of wildfire claims when filing a claim so that there are no surprises during this stressful time. Here's what homeowners need to know about fire insurance:
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Immediate Notification | Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage |
| #2 | Document Damage | Take photographs and video of all damages, including structures, belongings, and surrounding property |
| #3 | Keep Records | Maintain a record of all communications with the insurance company, including dates and names |
| #4 | Temporary Repairs | Conduct temporary repairs to mitigate further damage (save receipts for reimbursement) |
| #5 | Claim Form Submission | Fill out the claim form thoroughly and submit it along with any required documentation |
| #6 | Meet with Adjuster | Allow the insurance adjuster to inspect the damage to assess the claim |
| #7 | Review Settlement Offer | Review the insurance company’s settlement offer and negotiate if it does not cover all losses |
| #8 | Close the Claim | Once satisfied, finalize the claim to receive your compensation |
To help your claim process go more smoothly, we've gone through each of these simple steps to follow when filing a wildfire claim.
Step #1: Immediate Notification
It is important to call your home insurance provider right away to start the wildfire claims process.
Reporting the damage right away will ensure you don't miss the statute of limitations for filing a claim and help you get back to rebuilding your home sooner.
Learn More: A Practical Guide for Understanding Homeowners Insurance
Step #2: Document Damage
When filing a wildfire claim, take time to document as much supporting evidence as possible. In most cases, you want to avoid losing a home insurance claim and prepare a home inventory. Collect the following information for your insurance company:
| Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Policy | Reference for coverage limits and terms | Keep a digital copy accessible |
| Inventory of Damages | Detailed list of damaged items | Update regularly if new damages are discovered |
| Photographs & Videos | Evidence of damage | Date and timestamp all visuals |
| Receipts for Expenses | Proof of expenditures | Includes temporary repairs and living expenses |
The more thorough and organized your documentation, the better your chances of receiving a fair settlement from your home insurance company.
Step #3: Keep Records
You will also want to keep a record of all of your communication with your home insurance company, as well as names and dates.
Read More: Does homeowners insurance cover wildfires?
If you have to appeal your home claim amount or are denied, these records may be helpful for fighting the settlement or denial.
Step #4: Temporary Repairs
To prevent further damage to your home, it is wise to protect it with temporary repairs. Some examples of temporary repairs would be boarding up broken windows and doors, tarping the roof, and reinforcing weak spots in the house.
If your homeowners insurance covers roof damage, keep the contractor receipts for temporary repairs after a wildfire, as this provides evidence for reimbursement.
Step #5: Claim Form Submission
Once you have collected your evidence of damages and losses, fill out the claim submission form carefully and submit any required documentation. If you need assistance during the process, contact your insurance provider for help.
Learn More: 6 Tips We Learned After Filing a Car Insurance Claim
Step #6: Meet with Adjuster
You will be assigned an adjuster who will work with you to determine the settlement. In addition to reviewing your supporting evidence, the insurance adjuster will visit your home to assess the damages.
The insurance adjuster may also ask additional questions or request more information during the claims process to help them create the settlement offer. Make sure to stay in communication with your adjuster during this time so that the claim process isn't delayed.
Read More: Insurance Claims Rating for Top 10 Largest Homeowners Insurance Companies
Step #7: Review Settlement Offer
You will be sent a settlement amount once the home insurance adjuster has finished their evaluation. If you disagree with the settlement amount, you can try to negotiate or appeal the payout amount.
Some home insurance companies may have exclusions in the fine print that can affect your reimbursement amount.
For example, does renters insurance cover hotel stays? Your insurance policy may not cover temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after a wildfire, so you may be stuck paying these costs out-of-pocket. Unless your home or renters insurance specifically states that temporary living expenses are covered, don't assume that they are.
Step #8: Close the Claim
If you are happy with the settlement amount, then you can close the claim to receive your compensation. Most home insurance companies will pay you in a lump sum in the form of a check. You should receive the check within a week of closing the claim.
Your provider will usually let you know an estimated number of business days to expect your check in the mail. However, expect to have higher premiums at renewal since filing a claim is a major reason why car and homeowners insurance rates increase.
Dealing With Wildfire Claim Denials
To mitigate your risk of a denied claim, choose a reputable company. Take a look at which insurance companies deny the most home insurance claims below.
It is important to carefully review the fine print of your home insurance policy when filing a wildfire claim. Rather than asking does insurance cover wildfires on Reddit, find this information on your home insurance declaration page.
If your company denies a claim or offers a poor payout, knowing your home insurance policy's fine print will help you to dispute the decision. In cases of wrongfully denied wildfire insurance coverage claims, you will want to seek out a lawyer for assistance.
Learn More: 5 Tips to Ensure Your Insurance Claims Get Paid
Making Wildfire Home Insurance Claims Go Smoothly
First, to file a home insurance claim after a wildfire, contact your insurance provider to report the damage. Then, you will want to collect the necessary documentation and work with your home insurance company adjuster to negotiate a fair settlement for the damages and losses.
If you live in a high-risk area like California, you may have trouble finding coverage for wildfires at the best and cheapest homeowners insurance companies. If you need help finding wildfire risk insurance in your area, enter your ZIP in our free quote tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover wildfire damage?
Yes, home insurance will cover wildfire damage unless it is specifically listed as an exclusion on your policy. This is most common in states where wildfires are common, like California.
How long do you have to file a fire insurance claim?
Wondering how long do I have to file an insurance claim for property damage? It depends on the insurance company, but we recommend filing as soon as possible, generally within a week or two of the incident. Check your policy for the exact timeframe.
Will insurance payout for a fire?
Yes, fires are covered in most cases unless it was deliberate arson by the homeowner. Check your declaration page for exclusions (Learn More: How to Read a Homeowners Declaration Page).
What is covered with fire damage?
It depends on the specifics of your policy, but most insurance policies cover damages to your home and personal belongings. Some policies will require you to purchase other structure coverage if you also have sheds, detached garages, etc.
What does fire insurance not cover?
Some of the reasons insurance companies deny fire claims are if a fire is from poor maintenance, such as dirty ducts, or a fire is from arson, war, and similar events. Again, check your policy for a list of specific exclusions.
Does homeowners insurance cover wildfires in California?
It can be difficult to get wildfire insurance in California because many insurance companies are dropping clients. If you were dropped, read our article on what to do if your California home insurance is canceled.
Why would an insurance company deny a house fire claim?
Insurance companies will deny claims if it is an exclusion on the policy or was intentionally set.
What are the cons of filing a homeowners insurance claim?
In the case of wildfire destruction, there are not many cons to filing a claim, especially if your home was destroyed. However, some of the risks of filing a claim include increased rates, being dropped by your provider, and loss of discounts.
How does insurance pay out in a fire?
Insurance companies will usually pay the total amount in a lump sum, usually in the form of a check (Learn More: Homeowners Insurance Claim Check Questions).
Do you still own the land if your house burns down?
Yes, you still own the land even if your house burns down in a wildfire.
What are the disadvantages of fire insurance?
The main disadvantage of fire insurance add-ons, especially if you live in a high-risk area, is expensive premiums. However, it is often better to pay high rates for fire insurance than face a huge financial loss if your house burns down. Shop for cheap home insurance that covers fires today with our free quote tool.
How much does wildfire insurance cost?
The cost of wildfire insurance coverage depends on several factors, such as the state you live in, your provider, and risk factors (Learn More: Which states had the highest homeowners insurance rate increases?).
Does full coverage insurance cover fire damage?
Yes, full coverage home insurance will cover fire damage in most cases.