First Steps to Fire Insurance

1. Take care of your and your family’s immediate needs first. 

2. Find temporary housing. Your insurance company should help find you a place and compensate you for a residence of similar size to your home.

3. Start a recovery diary. Take notes on who you talked to, the contact information and what was said. Keep your paperwork organized.

4. Ask your insurance company for cash advances for living expenses and replacing personal property.

5. Keep all receipts while you are displaced: Hotel bills, clothing, bet boarding, etc. 

6. Take photos of your property before cleanup or debris removal. 

7. Do not rush into signing contracts. Get copies of all paperwork you do sign.

8. An insurance adjuster will visit and inspect your property. If they make you an offer on the spot, get a second opinion on what you are entitled to. 

9. Inventorying your damaged and destroyed property is time-consuming and unpleasant. UP offers tips and tools for getting this done. Visit uphelp.org/contents. 

10. Give your insurer a chance to do the right thing, but be prepared to stand up for your rights and get help if you feel you are not being fairly treated

11.For more specifics and guidance on the insurance claim process visit uphelp.org/woolseyfire.