Documenting Wildfire Losses for Insurance Claims

Insurance claims after wildfire involve a lot of paperwork, and the details you record in the first weeks often matter most. A clear paper trail helps your insurer and any assistance program understand what you lost.

Start with your insurer

Report the loss as soon as it is safe to do so. Ask for your claim number, the name of your adjuster, and what documents they need. Write down the date, time, and name of everyone you speak with.

Build your record

1. Photograph and video everything before cleaning or removing items, including rooms, outbuildings, vehicles, and fencing.
2. List what was lost. Go room by room and note the item, age, and approximate value. Old photos, online accounts, and store receipts can help jog your memory.
3. Keep every receipt for temporary housing, meals, clothing, and emergency repairs. Many policies cover additional living expenses.
4. Save damaged items until the adjuster has seen them, unless they pose a health risk.
5. Store copies safely. Keep scans in cloud storage or with a family member outside the affected area.

Questions to ask

• Does my policy cover debris removal and land stabilization?
• Is flood damage covered, or do I need a separate policy?
• What is the deadline for filing a proof of loss?

Flood coverage is often separate from standard homeowner policies, which matters on burned slopes. See our flood preparation article and the Flood Information page for more detail.

For budgeting, assistance programs, and avoiding scams, visit Financial Tips. This article is general information, not legal or financial advice.