How to Work With Your Insurance Company After a Wildfire
Filing a wildfire insurance claim can feel as overwhelming as the loss itself. Insurance policies are dense, adjusters have their own agenda, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Here's what experienced fire rebuild professionals want you to know before, during, and after the claims process.
5 Tips to Maximize Your Wildfire Insurance Settlement
Document Everything Immediately
Before any cleanup begins, photograph and video every room, angle, and detail of the damage. Document the exterior, interior, garage, landscaping, and any personal property still identifiable. This visual evidence is the foundation of your claim and can mean the difference between full and partial reimbursement.
Understand Your Policy Before You File
Review your policy's dwelling coverage limit, contents coverage, additional living expenses (ALE), and any endorsements. Many California policies include "extended replacement cost" coverage that provides 20–50% above your dwelling limit — but you typically need to request it. Know your deductible and whether you have "replacement cost" or "actual cash value" coverage.
Get an Independent Estimate
Your insurance company's estimate may not reflect the true cost of rebuilding to current code. Hire a licensed contractor to provide a detailed, line-item rebuild estimate. This independent assessment gives you leverage during negotiations and ensures you're not leaving money on the table.
Watch Out for Common Pitfalls
Don't sign a contract with a contractor who asks for large upfront payments. Don't accept the first settlement offer without review. Don't throw away damaged items before documenting them. And don't let your Additional Living Expenses deadline pass — most policies give you 24 months, but extensions are possible if you request them in writing.
Consider a Public Adjuster for Complex Claims
If your claim is large or you feel the insurance company's offer is inadequate, a public adjuster can advocate on your behalf. They work on a percentage of the settlement (typically 5–10%) and often recover significantly more than homeowners negotiating alone. For total-loss claims, this investment frequently pays for itself many times over.
What If Your Coverage Falls Short?
Unfortunately, many California homeowners discover their coverage limits are insufficient for the actual cost of rebuilding. Construction costs have risen sharply, and code upgrades required for wildland-urban interface zones add additional expense that older policies may not fully cover.
If you find yourself in this situation, you have options. California law requires insurers to offer "code upgrade" coverage for fire losses. SBA disaster loans can bridge the gap at favorable interest rates. And an experienced contractor can help you prioritize where to invest your rebuild budget for maximum value and safety.
The Contractor's Role in Your Insurance Claim
A reputable fire rebuild contractor does more than build — they help you navigate the financial side of your rebuild. At 1st Choice Development, we provide detailed line-item estimates that your adjuster can use, coordinate directly with your insurance company's construction consultants, and identify code-upgrade costs that should be covered by your policy.
Having a contractor involved early in the claims process — ideally before you accept a settlement — can result in significantly higher payouts. Adjusters respect detailed, professional estimates backed by a licensed CSLB contractor with verifiable fire rebuild experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a wildfire insurance claim?
Most California homeowners policies require you to file promptly — typically within 60 days of the loss. However, the claims process itself (negotiation, supplemental claims) can extend for months or even years. File as soon as possible, even if you don't have all your documentation ready.
Should I accept my insurance company's first offer?
Rarely. Initial offers are often based on incomplete information or outdated cost data. Get an independent contractor estimate, compare it to the offer, and negotiate. You have the right to dispute any settlement amount you believe is insufficient.
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