Wildfire Recovery
In the aftermath of the devastating California wildfires, which have led to tens of thousands of insurance claims, it’s crucial for homeowners and businesses in high-risk areas to be well-prepared for disaster recovery. Below is a five-step guide to help your clients effectively navigate the wildfire recovery process.
1: Promptly File Your Insurance Claim
Initiate your insurance claim as soon as possible. The immediate aftermath of losing a home can be overwhelming, often leaving individuals uncertain about their next steps. However, acting swiftly is essential. The first critical action is to file the claim, obtain a claim number, and get assigned an adjuster.
2: Confirm if Your Home is a Total Loss
Determining whether your home is a total loss is a pivotal step that is often overlooked. In widespread disasters, insurance adjusters are inundated with claims and tend to prioritize clear-cut cases. Providing photographic evidence can facilitate this process. In Southern California, homeowners can check their property’s status on the California Fire agency’s website to see if it’s classified as a total loss, partial loss, or undamaged.
3: Establish Stability and Normalcy
Once your home is certified as a total loss and initial funds are disbursed, focus on reestablishing normalcy. This involves securing long-term housing and accessing financial support. If your client is on the California FAIR Plan, they should have received a payout within days. The speed at which you can rebuild your life largely depends on how quickly you secure these insurance funds.
4: Engage an Architect Early
Hiring an architect promptly is crucial to expedite the rebuilding process. Finalizing contracts and obtaining plan approvals can be time-consuming, and any delays can prolong the wait for permits, materials, and construction. Acting quickly in this step positions you ahead in the rebuilding queue.
5: Secure a Contractor and Apply for Construction Permits
The final step involves selecting a contractor and filing for the necessary construction permits. Post-disaster, the demand for builders increases sharply, and the permitting process can be slow. By hiring a contractor early, you can get ahead of the rush, allowing insurance companies to process payouts more efficiently and enabling your contractor to begin the rebuilding process sooner.
While these Wildfire Recovery steps aim to facilitate a swift recovery, it’s important to acknowledge the personal nature of loss. Insurance can provide a pathway forward, but it cannot replace sentimental items or memories. Nonetheless, adhering to this structured approach can offer a clear path to rebuilding when faced with significant loss.
