How to File a Wildfire Insurance Claim
Most homeowners leave money on the table. Here's how to file correctly and get what you're owed.
🤖 Ask Sparky — our AI claims guide →ALE coverage
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) covers hotel, food, laundry, and other costs above your normal spending while your home is uninhabitable — but only with documentation.
Document first, clean second
Photographing damage before touching anything is the single most important action after a wildfire loss. It's also the most commonly skipped.
Statute of limitations
Most states impose a deadline to file suit against your insurer. In California, you generally have 24 months from the date of loss to file a supplemental claim.
Public adjuster option
For large or complex losses, a public adjuster — who works for you, not the insurer — can negotiate a higher settlement, typically for a percentage of the payout.
Step 1 — Document before cleanup
Photograph and video everything before you touch it
Shoot every room, every damaged item, every structural element. Multiple angles. The insurance adjuster was not there — your documentation is the record.
Screenshot your policy online if you can't access paper
Most insurers have a policyholder portal. Log in from any device and download your declarations page, which shows your coverage limits, deductible, and ALE provision.
Make a room-by-room inventory of every damaged or destroyed item
Include a description, estimated purchase date, and estimated replacement value for each item. Spreadsheet or voice memos both work — start now before memory fades.
Step 2 — Contact your insurer within 24–48 hours
Find the claims number on the back of your insurance card or the insurer's website
If you don't have your card, search "[insurer name] wildfire claims." Most insurers have a 24/7 catastrophe line active during declared disasters.
What to say when you call
State your name, policy number (if available), address, and date of loss. Say you experienced damage due to wildfire. The agent will open a claim and give you a claim number — write it down.
Ask about immediate assistance and ALE
Ask specifically: "Am I eligible for Additional Living Expenses coverage?" and "Is there emergency cash advance available?" Many insurers offer upfront payment for immediate housing and necessities during catastrophes.
Step 3 — Track every expense
ALE covers costs above your normal baseline
If you normally spend $100/week on groceries and now spend $200 eating at restaurants near your evacuation hotel, ALE covers the $100 difference. It is not unlimited — check your policy's ALE limit.
Save every receipt
Hotel, restaurant, laundry, parking, pet boarding, storage units, transportation. Insurers can and do deny ALE claims that lack supporting receipts. Take photos of receipts as backup.
Keep a log with dates and amounts
A simple spreadsheet with date, vendor, amount, and category is sufficient. Your adjuster will request this documentation before approving ALE reimbursements.
Step 4 — Get multiple contractor bids
Do not sign with the first contractor who contacts you
"Storm chasers" — contractors who follow disaster zones — are common after wildfires. They often offer quick timelines at inflated prices. Your insurer's estimate may also come in low.
Get at least three bids from licensed contractors
Compare scopes of work, not just totals. Ask each contractor to itemize material and labor costs. Check licensing through your state contractor board.
Consider a public adjuster for large losses
Public adjusters are licensed professionals who negotiate insurance claims on your behalf. They typically charge 10–15% of the settlement, but can significantly increase the payout on large or complex losses.
Step 5 — Review the settlement carefully
Actual cash value vs. replacement cost value
ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays what your damaged property is worth today, after depreciation. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays what it costs to replace it with something new. If your policy pays ACV, expect a significantly lower check.
Don't accept depreciation as final
Many RCV policies initially pay ACV, then pay the "recoverable depreciation" after you complete repairs and submit receipts. Ask your adjuster specifically about this process.
You can file supplemental claims if additional damage is discovered
In California, you have 24 months from date of loss to file supplemental claims. In other states, deadlines vary — ask your adjuster or check your policy's conditions section.
Step 6 — Appeal if the offer is too low
Request an internal appeal
Every insurer has a formal dispute process. Put your objections in writing, include your supporting documentation, and request a re-inspection if the adjuster missed items.
File a complaint with your state insurance department
State regulators can compel an insurer to review a claim. In California, the CDI has a wildfire claims hotline. Other states have similar resources.
Invoke the appraisal clause for large disputes
Most policies contain an appraisal clause allowing each party to hire an independent appraiser. The two appraisers select an umpire; a majority decision is binding. This is faster and cheaper than litigation.
Consider an attorney for very large losses
For claims over six figures, a bad-faith insurance attorney can be worth the contingency fee. Many offer free consultations.
What wildfire insurance typically covers
Standard homeowner's policies cover these perils when the cause is wildfire.
Dwelling (Structure)
The home itself — walls, roof, foundation, and attached structures. Coverage limit is your "Coverage A" amount on the declarations page.
Personal Property
Furniture, electronics, clothing, and belongings inside the home. Typically 50–70% of dwelling coverage, but check your policy.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
Hotel, food, storage, laundry, and other costs above normal spending while the home is uninhabitable. Usually 20–30% of dwelling coverage.
Detached Structures
Fences, detached garages, sheds, and outbuildings. Typically 10% of dwelling coverage.
Landscaping (Limited)
Trees, plants, and shrubs — but usually capped at 5% of dwelling coverage and per-tree limits apply. Widely underused.
Smoke Damage
Even homes not directly burned can sustain significant smoke damage to HVAC, walls, and belongings — this is covered under most standard policies.
Common reasons claims get denied or underpaid
Late filing
Most policies require "prompt" notification. Waiting weeks to file, even with good reason, gives insurers grounds to reduce or deny the claim.
Insufficient documentation
Adjusters need evidence. Claims without photos, inventories, or receipts are routinely reduced. Document everything before cleanup.
Coverage gaps
Standard homeowner's policies don't cover flood. Some don't cover smoke-only damage or have exclusions for certain structures. Read your declarations page carefully.
Underinsurance
If your Coverage A limit is lower than the actual cost to rebuild your home, you will not receive enough to fully rebuild. Extended replacement cost coverage protects against this.
Ask Sparky your specific claims questions
Sparky knows wildfire insurance rules in your state, what your policy type likely covers, and common adjuster tactics to watch for. Get answers tailored to your situation — not generic advice.
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Frequently asked questions
What does wildfire insurance cover?
A standard homeowner's policy covers: the dwelling structure (Coverage A), personal property (Coverage C), additional living expenses while displaced (Coverage D), detached structures like garages and fences, smoke damage throughout the home, and landscaping to a limited extent. It does not cover flood damage, even if the fire caused runoff that led to flooding — that requires a separate flood policy.
How long does a wildfire insurance claim take?
Timeline varies by state law, insurer, and claim complexity. California law requires insurers to acknowledge a claim within 15 days, accept or deny within 40 days of receiving proof of loss, and issue payment within 30 days of settlement. In practice, complex total-loss claims in a declared disaster area can take 6–18 months to fully resolve, particularly if there are disputes over scope or contractor availability.
Can I dispute a wildfire insurance settlement?
Yes. You have several options: (1) request an internal appeal with written documentation, (2) invoke the policy's appraisal clause — each party hires an appraiser and an umpire resolves disputes, (3) file a complaint with your state insurance department, or (4) hire an attorney for bad faith or very large losses. Do not accept a settlement as final simply because the adjuster says it is.
What is a public adjuster and should I hire one?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents policyholders in insurance claims negotiations — they work for you, not the insurer. They typically charge 10–15% of the final settlement. For large or complex losses where the insurer's initial estimate is significantly lower than your actual damages, a public adjuster can increase the payout substantially. For smaller claims, the fee may offset the benefit. Ask for references and check your state's licensing board before hiring.