Amid the devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area last week, thousands of residents are struggling with the fall-out, from real damage — Over 12,000 structures Damaged or destroyed — sentimental — generations of memories gone. What can be more overwhelming for victims is what to do next and how to begin recovery.
Californians are not alone. In recent years, major natural disasters have devastated communities across the country. Hurricanes Milton and Helen last fall damaged or destroy hundreds thousands of house. More than 2,200 structures were destroyed 2023 Maui wildfires.
According to Bankrate’s 2023 Extreme Weather Survey, over the past decade, 57 percent of US adults were forced to cover the cost Due to hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, floods or heavy snowfall.
After such an incident, residents will likely need to file insurance claims and apply for assistance. This process can be difficult, requiring submission of those who need to be influenced Detailed list of lost items – According to a 2023 Insurance Information Institute survey, Less than half of homeowners Prepared personal inventories of their belongings to record such losses.
Complicating matters, in California, a home insurance crisis emerged after thousands of homeowners in fire-prone areas were recently notified. Policy not renewing. The state has some protections: People who opt out of their plans can enroll in California fair planning, An insurance program established by the state in the late 1960s that provides minimum fire coverage for high-risk properties as a last resort. Recently implemented insurance reforms in California also require insurers to offer new policies in fire-prone areas and could bring back insurers like State Farm that previously excluded policyholders in high-risk areas.
Residents without insurance can get help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency or state assistance programs. Here’s how to start the process to get relief.
Your first call should be to your insurance company
After local authorities deem it safe to return to your home after a disaster, assess the damage and contact your insurance company via phone or app to initiate a claim as soon as possible. Take photos and videos of any damage – Do not throw away damaged items or repairs until an insurance adjuster completes their evaluation. Delays may occur due to the ongoing nature of the disaster as well as its scope Jeff SchlegelmilchDirector of the National Disaster Preparedness Center at the Columbia Climate School. The fire is still goingAnd the area may be unsafe for adjusters to access. The number of homes that are affected and need to be assessed can increase the gap.
“Do not make repairs before your insurer assesses the damage, as this may void your coverage,” George HookerCole, an attorney at Scott & Kissan who specializes in property insurance claims, said via email. If you take photos and video documentation of your home and belongings before damageThis can be useful in proving your loss with your insurance company.
luckily, Damage from smoke and fire is covered Under standard homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies in California, according to the Insurance Information Institute. California regulations require homeowner and renter insurers to immediately pay policyholders one-third of the appraised value of their belongings and a minimum of four months’ rent if you’re completely displaced, known as Additional living expenses. The FAIR plan covers losses up to $3 million for residential policyholders and Only a property similar to your home pays the rental cost. Keep all receipts for Expenses such as accommodation, car and furniture rental or laundry So you can pay later.
Ask your insurance company when you can expect them to help you, Hooker says: “Some insurers offer emergency response services to help you protect your property and avoid further damage.” Make sure you get a claim number — write it down — that can help you track the status of your claim down the road.
Follow up with your insurance company If they haven’t determined your assessment. After an adjuster assesses the damage, they will determine how much the insurance company will pay you. You may be offered a settlement on the spot, however Don’t sign the offer right awayAs you can have more money. If you disagree with your insurance company’s assessment, you can Hire a public adjuster Their second opinion can help you when negotiating with your insurance company for a fee. You can too Appeal any decision Made by your insurance company.
Keep detailed notes and send one Follow-up email after each conversation With an insurance representative or adjuster to document your progress. If the claim is accepted, you can Receive one or more checks Based on the amount of damage. The amount of time insurance companies have to pay claims Depends on where you live. States like Arizona and Kentucky must send checks within 30 days while Texas law requires insurers to pay within five days. Claims involving mortgage lenders and significant losses may take longer to process; you can File a complaint with the state insurance department If your insurance company drags their feet. Generally, though, insurance companies are fairly quick to pay disaster victims, Schlegelmilch said.
Residents with renters insurance should also contact their carrier and document any damage only when it’s safe to return to the property, Hooker said.
Whether you’re affected by fire or flooding, the advice is the same: Document the damage and contact your insurance company as soon as possible, Hooker said.
“It is worth noting that certain types of damage may be covered differently depending on the disaster,” he says. “For example, standard homeowners insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so it’s useful to check the type of coverage you have.” The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a detailed step-by-step guide How to submit an insurance claim after a natural disaster and how to navigate the advanced process.
What to do if you don’t have insurance
For those without homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you can apply for relief through FEMA. (Those with insurance are also eligible for FEMA assistance.) Fill out the application here DisasterAssistance.govon FEMA appor by phone at 1-800-621-3362. you will need Your social security number, details of damages incurred, your annual household income, contact information and bank account information for direct deposit.
A FEMA inspector will call within 10 days of applying for aid and ask about your damage. You will receive an eligibility decision within 10 days of that call. If you qualify for aid, you’ll receive a check or direct deposit at that time. FEMA assistance Can be used to pay rent or living expenses and home repairs and replacements if you are displaced. Applicants can expect to receive this aid fairly quickly, Schlegelmilch said.
Hooker suggests checking to see if your state or city offers disaster relief. Aid agencies eg American Red Cross And The Salvation Army Manages shelters and service sites to provide caseworkers access to financial assistance.
These disaster assistance centers are where you can speak with case managers to determine what types of assistance you qualify for. For example, if you have insurance, you’re ineligible for certain types of public assistance, Schlegelmilch says. “These can be really complex dynamics,” he says. “A disaster assistance center, or a reputable nonprofit that offers disaster case management, is your best resource to help navigate this.” If you can afford it, some law firms offer assistance in accessing assistance available to disaster victims.
Again, you can find these centers listed on your local emergency management office’s website or in local chapters of organizations such as the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities and United Way.
Some banks also offer disaster relief. US Bank runs a Disaster Hotline To help customers determine which programs they qualify for. Golden 1 Credit Union Community Emergency Relief The program provides loans with flexible payment options. Check with your bank to see if they have disaster relief programs available.
Looking for somewhere to live
To find immediate shelter housing, DisasterAssistance.gov has an emergency shelter page Resources for housing. The California Office of Emergency Services also has one List of shelters available. You can find information about other disaster assistance programs and housing and rental assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center. To find one near you, enter your address FEMA’s DRC Locator.
Your insurance company can use cash advances to help you pay for extra living expenses Payment for temporary accommodation. After you apply for disaster assistance through FEMA, you can find out Eligibility for transitional housingWhich covers hotel stay while you are displaced. There is also Airbnb Offer free temporary accommodation For people affected by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Fill out the application for housing Through the county website. Dozens of Southern California offers U-Haul facilities Free storage option For those affected by the fire.
You are still responsible for Make mortgage payments even if a disaster Destroyed your house, but you can Request mortgage forbearance Call your mortgage lender to stop or reduce payments.
If you are a tenant, you have the right to terminate your lease Unable to live in the property. Read your lease for instructions on how Stop paying rent or terminate the lease.
To help pay for long-term housing, FEMA offers continue Temporary housing assistance Program-eligible residents who need more than two months of FEMA rental assistance may apply to receive rental assistance for an additional three months or more. Renters and homeowners can call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to request an application.
Outside of FEMA assistance, residents may have to secure housing on their own, a process only made more difficult by housing shortages and rising prices. Six months after the Maui wildfires, thousands of residents Struggling to find accommodation. already, Rents are skyrocketing In Los Angeles. Possible housing options Extended stay hotels, short-term rentals, and corporate housing that receive public customers. United Corporate Housing and Corporate Housing by Owner, for example, are Offer temporary accommodation for California wildfire victims.
when Recovery from natural disasters often takes yearsThere is still a lot of help that affected residents can get now Be patient, get detailed documentation and keep fighting for what you deserve.
