Tips for Starting a Claim

• Call your insurance broker. Many insurers and brokers have 24-hour claims phone numbers to take your information and start the claims process.  Be sure to be as detailed as possible when providing information.

• If safe to do so, look at and document the fire and water damage to your property.  Taking photos or video can be helpful for the insurance company.

• Begin making a list of all the damaged or destroyed items.  If you are able, begin assembling any proof of purchase documents, photos, receipts and warranties that you have for the damaged items.  Take photos of the damaged items which show the damage that happened.

• Keep all receipts related to cleanup and securing your property.  When safe to do so, you should be taking steps to prevent further damage to your home which may include installing tarps over holes made to the structure or boarding up doors and windows. 

• You may also be entitled to living expenses if you are unable to live in your home after a fire.  This can be either because your home has experienced fire damage which prohibits you from living in it or if you were told to evacuate the area by a civil authority (normally due to wildfires).  Ask your insurance broker about what your options are.