Fallbrook FireSafe Council

The process starts with...

"...preliminary estimate of the damages from an inspection of the fire scene.

This is called a "scope of damages" or "scope". A licensed contractor or a contractor specializing in fire reconstruction is retained in most cases and will prepare a detailed report which is part of a claim file."

From: interFire.org
Resource Center
The Claim File

Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

FIND AND READ YOUR INSURANCE POLICY!

Under California Law, your insurance company must provide you with a copy of your policy. They must provide with a copy of the entire policy, NOT JUST THE FACE SHEET. If you do not understand your policy, ask questions to individuals who are not employed by your insurance company.

All communications with the insurance company should be in writing. If a conservation occurs take comprehensive notes of the conversation and then confirm the conversation in a written letter. All communications with the adjuster should be in writing as well. If you ask for a written response from your insurance company under California law they must respond within 15 days. If you do not have enough insurance to cover your losses, it may be underwriting fraud.

Your insurance company must act in accordance with the California Fair Claims Settlement Act, you can ask the California Department of Insurance for a copy. Under the act, the insurance company must act in good faith, with faid dealings, and in a timely manner to handle your claim. The insurance company may not put their interests above yours.

If you have problems, call the California Department of Insurance toll free at 866-225-6585. Ask that the department send a speaker to meet with your community of fire families early in the recovery process.

Before the Insurance Claim...

Be cautious of hiring an independent adjuster, most people should be able to handle their own claims, and if you have a difficult insurance company, the money may be better spent on hiring an attorney.

Ask your insurance company to have two forensic scopes (scopes are usually free) done of your home immediately. A forensic scope is done before the debris is removed, you should be there with the contractor combing through the debris to help identify the type of building materials in your home, i.e., a bit of the front door handle, or dining room light fixtures, etc. You may also want to employ another contractor to do a third forensic scope specifically on your behalf, not on behalf of your insurance company.

If possible, take lots of photos. No matter how painful, do your own search for valuables before the bulldozer and demolition team arrives. No one will search for those few remaining mementoes like you. Carry a notebook with your at all times and write down property items as you remember them. Keep and organize receipts of repurchased property.

Be Proactive

The US Fire Administration has published a downloadable booklet called After the Fire, Returning to Normal which covers a variety of issues including what to do the first 24 hours, how

23-Nov-2004

The information presented in this web site is believed to be accurate and of practical value in preparing for fire disasters, but no guarantee can be given that guidance presented here will provide complete protection.

Liability for any losses that may occur in a fire, or as a result of applying the information contained in this web site is specifically disclaimed by the Fallbrook FireSafe Council. Please use your own judgment in fire safety and consult the appropriate organizations listed below for specific information.

North County Fire District, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, San Diego FireSafe Council

Copyright, Fallbrook FireSafe Council, 23 November, 2004

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