Navigating Permits & Approvals

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Insurance claims can be complex, this section walks you through key steps, protections, and resources to help you avoid delays and protect your recovery.

Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage promptly to initiate the claims process.

Document the Damage: Take photos and make a list of damaged or destroyed property. Provide photographs, receipts, and sworn statements for lost items.

Keep All Receipts & Documentation: Retain receipts for temporary housing, meals, and other expenses related to the loss. Due to high claim volumes, insurance adjusters may take weeks to inspect property. Document all communications and request timelines in writing. DO NOT pad or exaggerate your claim; this is considered insurance fraud.

Stay in Touch: Maintain communication with your insurance adjuster and provide any requested documentation. Maintain a claim folder with names, dates, and conversation notes.

Understand Your Rights: If you experience delays, confusion, or believe your insurer is not complying with California law, you may seek assistance from the California Department of Insurance. Additional consumer protections following the January 2025 wildfires include a one-year moratorium on insurance policy cancellations or non-renewals in wildfire-affected ZIP codes.

Review Insurance Settlement & Protect Yourself: Insurers may offer settlements that do not fully cover repair or replacement costs. Obtain independent repair estimates and submit detailed documentation. Some claims may be denied due to policy exclusions or misinterpretation of coverage. Review all settlement offers carefully and seek legal advice if needed to minimize financial gaps.

Public adjusters work on behalf of homeowners to help prepare and negotiate insurance claims, typically in exchange for a percentage of the insurance payout. While some professionals provide legitimate assistance, others may take advantage of disaster survivors during a vulnerable time. Before hiring a public adjuster be sure to:

  • Verify: Confirm that the adjuster is licensed and in good standing with the California Department of Insurance by calling 1-800-927-HELP. Be wary of anyone who shows up uninvited or solicits door-to-door after a disaster.
  • Review: Understand the fee structure, including the percentage of your settlement they will receive. Carefully review all contracts and never feel pressured to sign immediately.
  • Know Your Rights: You have the right to handle your insurance claim at no cost. Avoid high-pressure tactics, guarantees of higher settlements, requests for upfront fees, or contracts tied to insurance payouts without proper legal review. Be cautious of anyone who discourages you from seeking legal advice.
After a wildfire, securing or renewing insurance can be more challenging due to tighter underwriting and increased risk assessments. The guidance below can help you navigate coverage options and protect your home moving forward.

  • Review Your Insurance Policy Annually: It is important to review your insurance policy each year to understand any updates or changes. Doing an annual review helps prevent surprises or delays with future insurance settlements.
  • Work with a local broker: If you are looking for a new policy, work with a local broker. Underwriting is tighter, so a broker familiar with wildfire-risk assessments and local market conditions can help you navigate requirements and exclusions. Use the California Department of Insurance Home Insurance Finder to find insurance companies and licensed agents/brokers.
  • Prepare detailed property information: Be ready to provide detailed documentation about your property. Insurers closely evaluate fire-mitigation efforts (such as defensible space and fire-resistant materials), overall home condition, and prior claims history.
  • Compare coverage options: If you can’t secure a voluntary policy, you may need the California FAIR Plan as a fallback. The California FAIR Plan is a last-resort insurance option for homeowners and renters in California who cannot get fire insurance (or cannot get sufficient coverage) through the normal private insurance market.
If you need help navigating your insurance claim or recovery process, the following resources are available:

  • United Policyholders:Provides trusted guidance through its Roadmap to Recovery program, helping homeowners understand insurance policies, claims, and post-disaster recovery options.
  • Pepperdine Disaster Relief Clinic:Offers free legal assistance to wildfire survivors, including help with insurance claims, FEMA applications, and disaster-related legal issues.
  • The California Department of Insurance:Provides free, homeowner-friendly tools that can help prevent claim delays and underpayment. Homeowners are encouraged to use these resources:
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