Wildfires are an ever-present risk for those living in California. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to file an insurance claim for wildfire damage to your property or personal injuries, it is important to know what to expect. This includes understanding how to speak to insurance representatives in a way that will preserve your rights and best interests.
Be Prepared
Preparing for your conversation ahead of time can make the insurance claims process easier in the aftermath of a harmful wildfire. Gather as much documentation and information as you can prior to filing your claim. This includes a complete copy of your homeowners insurance policy, a list of your losses and living expenses that have arisen due to the wildfire, and an estimate of the cost to rebuild your home from a licensed contractor.
Contact the Insurance Company as Soon as Possible
Call your homeowners insurance provider right away after a wildfire. Ask about your policy and the losses it covers, as well as any important claim deadlines you should know about. Write down the name of the representative you speak with and details of the conversation. Keep any letters or communications sent to you by the insurance company for your records.
Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement
A common request made by insurance companies during wildfire claims is for a recorded statement. The representative responsible for evaluating your wildfire claim may ask your permission to record a statement from you about the damage to your home. Politely decline to give one. This is a tactic often used by insurance corporations to use a claimant’s own words against them later. State that you will send in a written statement instead.
Be Careful With Your Words
The insurance adjuster assigned to your wildfire claim may sound friendly and assure you that they are looking out for your best interests. Do not be fooled. Insurance companies are for-profit organizations; they protect their bottom lines by minimizing wildfire payouts as much as possible. Protect yourself during conversations with a claims adjuster by being careful of what you say. Do not accept blame for any property damage or speculate as to the cause of the wildfire. Avoid phrases that undermine the extent of your damage, such as by saying, “It’s not that bad.” Do not accept a quick settlement without getting a full assessment of your property damage.
Get Your Own Repair Estimates
Your insurance provider will send its own inspector to your property to assess the wildfire damage. However, it is important to obtain multiple estimates from your own licensed contractors, as well. Compare the information you receive from the evaluation done by the insurance provider. If the settlement offered does not cover your full repair costs or the price to rebuild a destroyed home, you have the power to negotiate.
Know When to Hire an Attorney
An insurance company’s initial settlement offer is typically less than a wildfire victim actually deserves. Instead of accepting the first offer you receive, contact a wildfire attorney to help you negotiate. If you are struggling to achieve a fair settlement offer or your homeowners insurance company has rejected the claim, an attorney can help you find a way forward. Your wildfire lawyer can help you document your property damage and any injuries you suffered to serve as evidence during your claim. Then, your lawyer can take over conversations and communications with an insurance adjuster to advocate for your best interests. This includes negotiating a fair and full settlement or taking your wildfire claim to trial in California, if necessary. For more tips on how to speak to insurance after a wildfire, contact Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian for a free consultation with a lawyer.