After a wildfire, safety is your biggest priority. Do not return home until local authorities say it is safe to do so. Then, you can assess the damage and file a claim with your insurance company. 

Does homeowners insurance cover wildfires?

Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover damage from wildfires, smoke, soot, and ash to your home and belongings in your yard. Damage to detached garages or sheds should also be covered up, to a certain percentage. 

Homeowners and renters insurance policies will not cover wildfire damage to your car. A comprehensive auto insurance policy would likely cover that instead. Check with your insurance agent or company to learn what your policy covers. 

Homeowners and renters policies do not cover injuries or death. Be sure to have health and life insurance policies for your loved ones and yourself.

Where will I stay while my home is being repaired or rebuilt? 

Most homeowners and renters policies help with recovery expenses through additional living expense coverage, known as ALE. While a homeowners policy may provide a benefit during a mandatory evacuation, some insurance companies impose conditions such as waiting periods or actual damage to your property. 

ALE coverage typically includes things like extra food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, transportation expenses, etc. Be sure to keep all receipts so you can submit them to your insurance company. 

Keep in mind that the dollar amount covered by ALE under your basic homeowners policy may not be enough to cover your needs. Ask your insurance agent or company what the ALE in your homeowners policy covers and decide if you should increase the amount of coverage.

Learn more about ALE in the NAIC’s Consumer Insight “What are Additional Living Expenses and How Can Insurance Help?”

When you rebuild, beware of scammers. The NAIC Consumer Insight “How Can I Avoid Getting Scammed by a Contractor?” shares warning signs of illegal business practices. 

How do I file a claim? 

First, be sure to keep all receipts, and document the date, time, and names of any insurance company employees you speak to regarding your coverage and details of the conversation.

When you are ready, the NAIC Post-Disaster Claims Guide can help you navigate the claims process. You can use your home inventory to help you file a claim. If you do not have one, do your best to make a list. You can use the NAIC Home Inventory app. 

The easiest way to report a claim is to call your insurance company or agent. You may be able to report or file a claim online or from your company’s mobile app.

After your claim has been filed, an insurance adjuster will figure out how much damage was done to your home and property. The adjuster will ask you for a home inventory (a list of your personal property) if your personal belongings were damaged or destroyed. The adjuster will visit your home to inspect and estimate the damage done. 

Once the adjuster has figured out how much it will cost to rebuild, repair, or replace your home or property, they will review your policy to calculate how much the insurance company will pay. Know that you can make a counteroffer to their suggested amount. 

Make sure that an insurance agent or public adjuster offering their services has a valid license, if required by your state, by checking with your state department of insurance. Be aware that public adjusters cannot solicit business for seven calendar days after a disaster. The NAIC Post-Disaster Claims Guide provides more information about public adjusters.

How can my state’s department of insurance help after a wildfire?

Your state’s department of insurance can assist in several ways, including answering questions or concerns about obtaining insurance coverage, filing claims, appealing denied claims, or resolving issues with an agent, broker, or insurance provider. Here is a list of state insurance departments.