3. Secure an Advance on Coverages Most, if not all, insurance companies provide advances on coverage limits in times of disaster. In the case of the Camp Fire, many insurance carriers are advancing policyholders 50% or more of their policy limits. Where Part C (contents) is concerned, a number of insurance carriers have made the decision to advance 100% of the policy limits and simply cut a check for the maximum covered amount listed in the policy. The advance on Part C will put money in your pocket and help return some feeling of normalcy. Where Part D (loss of use) is concerned, many insurance carriers are going above and beyond—not only paying for lodging and extra expenses, but even finding the new rental property, securing the lease, paying six months upfront, and furnishing the rental so it is livable as soon as the insured moves in. Considering the local housing market has been significantly impacted due to the sudden demand, it is important to secure a rental as quickly as you are able. Cast a wide net and look for a rental that most closely meets your needs. Keep in mind that you may have to look outside Butte County, as many evacuees are already temporarily resettling in Yuba City and Roseville. Move to Step 4
4. Do a Mental Walkthrough With a pen and paper handy, imagine walking through your front door and go about your normal routine. This works best with a partner. Out loud, describe each location, what was in that location, and why it was important. Ask your partner to note each of those locations and the items mentioned within. As you perform the mental walkthrough of the house, you’ll develop an inventory that will help your insurance carrier determine what was lost and how to best replace it. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t remember everything, as you will not be stuck with the first list you submit. Completing a thorough inventory can take months or even years to accomplish. You can continually add to the list and submit newly remembered items as time progresses. Move to Step 5
5. File Your Claim With the information and knowledge you gathered over the previous steps, call your insurance agent, broker, or carrier, and tell them you’d like to file a claim for displacement resulting from the Camp Fire. For homeowners, your insurance carrier may ask for proof that your home was lost in the fire. Do not be surprised if this is asked, or take it as your representative being insensitive, as proof of loss is required before a claim is approved. If you are comfortable enough to visit the property, and allowed to do so, take photos from the street showing where the house once stood along with photos from different angles of the property. If you are not, new satellite imagery is being released daily that shows the current topography of Paradise. This will likely be enough to move the claim along. If you are an InterWest client, call 1.800.444.4134 and a claims advocate will be assigned to assist with making certain your claims are reported to the appropriate organizations. Unique to the insurance world, InterWest has a fully-staffed claims department advocating on behalf of their clients and lightening their burden under the stressful situations of a loss. What’s more, their claims advocates follow each claim from start through resolution to ensure the insurance carriers are responsive in delivering an expeditious and equitable claim settlement.
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