My heart is with my friends and neighbors in the greater Los Angeles area. Living in Encino, my family has our go bags packed just in case the fire spreads our way. For those of you who have had the devastating loss of your home, you are probably trying to figure out what to do next.
I’ve put together these steps to help you navigate the financial aspect of recovery for your home. If your primary residence has been impacted by a wildfire, whether you own or rent, it's crucial to act quickly.
Note: I am a residential Realtor, not an insurance specialist. Your insurance agent should be able to guide you further, but these steps should point you in the right direction.
Steps to Take After the LA Wildfire Affects Your Home
Here are essential steps to follow:
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File Claim ASAP: You can start the insurance claims process even if the fire is still being extinguished. It's important to file your claim as soon as possible, regardless of whether you know the status of your home. This is especially vital for renters, who have access to similar resources as homeowners.
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Ask About ‘Loss of Use’ Coverage: Inquire about “loss of use” coverage with your insurance provider. This coverage can help you secure temporary housing while your home is uninhabitable. For renters, this is often referred to as Coverage D in their policies.
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Document All Purchases and Keep Receipts: Maintain records of all expenses related to temporary housing, food, and clothing. Document your interactions with insurers and keep track of your activities during this challenging time.
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Turn Off Your Utilities: If your home has suffered severe damage, contact your utility providers to shut off services temporarily. This can help prevent further issues and may relieve you from paying for these services while your home is uninhabitable.
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Auto Insurance for Car Loss: If you lost a vehicle in the fire, check your auto insurance policy for comprehensive coverage, which typically covers wildfire losses. This is separate from your home insurance, even if the vehicle was parked at your residence.
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Adjust Property Taxes: If your home has sustained significant damage or is a total loss, visit your county assessor's website to see if you can apply for a reduction or elimination of property taxes while your home is being repaired.
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Seek Available Local Aid: If you were uninsured or your coverage was canceled before the wildfire, look for local aid options that should be coming soon. FEMA is providing assistance, including a one-time $770 payment (to pay for immediate needs over the next several days) for wildfire victims. You can apply for that aid through DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA's Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. California’s Insurance Commission can be reached at 1-800-927-4357 to help individuals navigate the process as well as help uninsured victims.
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Get Helpful Resources for Food, Clothes, and More: This link is updated daily with local businesses that are providing free meals, clothes, daycare and hygiene essentials: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1KMk34XY5dsvVJjAoD2mQUVHYU_Ib6COz6jcGH5uJWDY/htmlview?usp=sharing
I hope these steps give you a framework of tasks to help recover your property, and get the most financial assistance possible. Let’s work together to get LA back on its feet as quickly as possible.
Scott Nell
The Nell Team
Equity Union Realty
818-522-2862
