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According to CNN, the numerous fires burning in Southern California have displaced nearly 900,000 people, burned over 400 acres (645 square miles) and caused property damage of nearly $1 Billion. For many homeowners, the thought of insurance is the last thing on their minds. However, knowing how much insurance you have and what you should do to protect your interests during the claims process, may provide you some peace of mind during this catastrophic event.

Here are some tips that may help to ease the burden:

1. Know how much insurance you have. Look at the declarations page of your insurance policy to see how much coverage you have and what deductibles might apply. This will provide you with an estimate of how much can be spent on the rebuilding or repair process. If your policy was destroyed in the fire, contact your insurance company as soon as possible and request a copy.
2. Reduce everything to writing. Any good lawyer will tell you to reduce estimates, conversations with insurers and any promises made to writing. This is especially true in a situation like the Southern California fires as insurance claims representatives will be working overtime in the weeks and months ahead and some homeowners are bound to get lost in the shuffle. Here are some vital things that should be reduced to writing:
   • Estimates. This includes estimates from your insurance company and any and all contractors (whether hired by your insurer or yourself) on how much it will cost to repair or replace your home.
   • Lists. Every insured should make lists of what needs to be fixed in their home and of the personal belongings that were destroyed. The latter may include furniture, jewelry, appliances, paintings, clothing, sporting equipment, etc. Most homeowners would be surprised at how long this list will be. However, to be reimbursed for these items, you must first make a detailed list to present to your insurer.
   • Expenses. While waiting for your home to be rebuilt or repaired, chances are you will be staying in temporary quarters. Your homeowner’s policy should cover living expenses – including food, shelter and clothing. Keep track of these expenses for reimbursement purposes.
3. Don’t sign away your rights. Insurance companies often lead us to believe that insurers and insureds are all one big family. Many of us simply trust our insurers to ‘do the right thing’. It’s no question that some may, but the reality is that many do not. Policy holders should never sign any of their rights away until everything has been fixed (to their satisfaction) and everything on the lists described above has been accounted for.

Helpful resources

The California Governor’s office has created an 11 page Fire Disaster Assistance document that lists important phone numbers, assistance forms, information on shelters, contact information for insurance companies and many other helpful resources. The document can be viewed at http://www.gov.ca.gov/pdf/press/SDfireinfo.pdf.