Tips from an Insurance Attorney to Help Walk Through the Insurance Claims Process for Woolsey Fire Victims
Getting organized is the first step for everyone who lost a home in a fire, according to Michael Cohen, an insurance attorney. "Keep receipts for everything beginning immediately," he advised. "I mean for the toothbrush, paper clips, everything."
Cohen also provided the following guidance to fire victims:
- Call your insurance company immediately and submit a claim as soon as possible
- Get organized and document all purchases
- Keep receipts for all purchases
- Use a single notebook to keep detailed notes
- Ask insurance for an immediate advance for additional living expenses. If your home is a total loss, request an advance of four months; if your home is at restricted access, request an advance of at least two weeks.
- Ask insurance to pay 30% of your contents limit (homeowners whose homes were a total loss are eligible for this. The house had to have been furnished at the time of the loss).
Insurance companies must cover the expenses for those who choose not to rebuild their homes and decide to move elsewhere instead, according to Cohen. "The law says the insurance company has to provide those extra funds even though you didn’t rebuild in the same place or buy in the same place," he said.
Take it from Someone Who’s Been There
Rami and Diane Brosh, whose home burned in the 2018 Woolsey Fire, said the first thing they did after processing their new reality was call their insurance company. "We did something that actually turned out to be very smart, which was calling the insurance company right away," Rami Brosh said. "And since it’s first come first serve basis, apparently, they got here very quick within a few days."
The couple also got a public adjuster who walked them through the insurance filing process. "We didn’t even know what our insurance policy looked like … We had no idea what kind of coverage and he looked at it," Diane Brosh said. "He held our hand through it all," Rami added.
The pair also assured fire victims that although everything may seem daunting now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. "We are home now and our home is beautiful," Diane said. "We were able to do things to it that we would have never done."
Conclusion
Filing an insurance claim can be a complex and overwhelming process, but with the right guidance, it can be made easier. By following the tips provided by Michael Cohen and the experiences of the Brosh family, fire victims can navigate the process with confidence.
FAQs
- What should I do first after losing my home in a fire?
- Call your insurance company immediately and submit a claim as soon as possible
- How should I document my losses?
- Keep receipts for everything, including small items, and use a single notebook to keep detailed notes
- Can I get an advance on my insurance claim?
- Yes, you can ask your insurance company for an immediate advance for additional living expenses. The amount will depend on the extent of the damage to your home.
- What if I choose not to rebuild my home?
- Insurance companies must cover the expenses for those who choose not to rebuild and decide to move elsewhere instead.
