How to File a Home Insurance Claim for Wildfire Damage in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Learning how to file a wildfire home insurance claim is important for all homeowners, especially in high-risk states. With denial rates as high as 51%, picking the right company is crucial for your home. If your wildfire insurance claim is denied, there are several options to get help.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
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UPDATED: Jan 29, 2025
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 29, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Knowing how to file a wildfire home insurance claim is crucial when your home has been burned. While it might seem confusing, you can file a claim in eight simple steps.
Understanding how to file a home insurance claim is even more important if your wildfire homeowners insurance claim is denied. From filing an appeal to getting legal help, you’re not out of options.
Explore the wildfire insurance claims process below, including detailed steps to file a claim. Then, enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to find affordable home insurance that covers wildfire damage.
- Step #1: Notify Insurer – Contact your provider ASAP
- Step #2: Document Damage – Take photos of the damage
- Step #3: Keep Records – Keep a record of communication
- Step #4: Temporary Repairs – Keep receipts of any repairs
- Step #5: Submit Claim – Submit claims online or over the phone
- Step #6: Meet Adjuster – They will investigate the damage
- Step #7: Settlement – Negotiate a fair settlement amount
- Step #8: Close Claim – Finalize claim to receive compensation
8 Steps to File a Home Insurance Claim After Wildfire Damage
Home insurance covers many things that can damage your home, but does home insurance cover wildfire damage? The answer is yes — usually.
To learn how to file a claim after a wildfire, you can follow the easy steps outlined below. However, each company is different, so check your home insurance policy.
Steps to Filing a Home Insurance Claim After a Wildfire
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Immediate Notification | Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage |
| #2 | Document Damage | Take photographs and video of all damages, including structures, belongings, and surrounding property |
| #3 | Keep Records | Maintain a record of all communications with the insurance company, including dates and names |
| #4 | Temporary Repairs | Conduct temporary repairs to mitigate further damage (save receipts for reimbursement) |
| #5 | Claim Form Submission | Fill out the claim form thoroughly and submit it along with any required documentation |
| #6 | Meet with Adjuster | Allow the insurance adjuster to inspect the damage to assess the claim |
| #7 | Review Settlement Offer | Review the insurance company’s settlement offer and negotiate if it does not cover all losses |
| #8 | Close the Claim | Once satisfied, finalize the claim to receive your compensation |
If the steps listed above sound confusing or intimidating, there’s no need to worry. You can explore each step in detail below.
Step #1: Contact Your Provider
As soon as it’s safe, contact your insurance provider about what’s happened to your home. Some insurance providers have an online option to start a home insurance claim, and most offer 24/7 phone support.
Ty Stewart Licensed Insurance Agent
You’ll need to provide basic information about the damage to your house, but don’t worry if you leave something out. In this step, your insurance company only needs basic information.
Learn More: Does USAA homeowners insurance cover fire damage?
Step #2: Document Damage
Once the fire danger is over and you can enter your home safely, you’ll need to gather some information for your wildfire damage insurance claim. To get the most out of your Insurance for wildfires, you’ll need the following:
Wildfire Home Insurance Claims Important Documentation
| Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Claim Forms | Required for formal claim submission | Fill out accurately and completely |
| Insurance Policy | Reference for coverage limits and terms | Keep a digital copy accessible |
| Inventory of Damages | Detailed list of damaged items | Update regularly if new damages are discovered |
| Photographs & Videos | Evidence of damage | Date and timestamp all visuals |
| Receipts for Expenses | Proof of expenditures | Includes temporary repairs and living expenses |
Take photos and videos of all affected areas, both inside and outside your home. Document everything — burned structures, soot damage, and any destroyed belongings. This evidence is crucial for substantiating your claim. Use our fire safety guide for more valuable resources.
Step #3: Keep Records and Receipts
Start a file to keep track of all communications with your insurance company. Save receipts for any expenses related to temporary lodging, food, or urgent purchases you’ve made as a result of the wildfire.
Knowing how to take a home inventory will also help. While it may seem tedious, keeping detailed records of everything during the claims process can protect you later on, especially if your claim is denied. It will also help when you file for reimbursement on anything you had to buy before your claim is settled.
Step #4: Perform Temporary Repairs
Prevent further damage by making temporary repairs, such as covering holes in the roof or boarding up windows.
Be sure to save receipts for any materials or services used, as your insurance company may reimburse those expenses later.
Make sure to avoid permanent repairs as best you can until your claim is processed. You’ll have a better idea of your repair budget once you know what your claim settlement is.
Read More: Home Fire Safety for Kids and Teens
Step #5: Submit a Claim
Getting wildfire home insurance claims settled as quickly as possible requires working with your provider to submit your claim as soon as possible. Complete the necessary forms and include all documentation, such as photos, videos, and receipts.
You should also make sure you’re available if a representative from your provider has questions about your wildfire home insurance claim. Answering their questions and providing as much documentation as possible is the best way to get your claim settled.
When you file a claim, you’ll likely see your insurance rates increase. There are many factors that affect home insurance rates, but how many claims you’ve filed is one of the most important. You should always make sure your claim settlement will be more than your deductible to prevent your rates from increasing needlessly.
Step #6: Meet With an Adjustor
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage done to your home after a fire. This is a crucial step in home insurance claims after a fire, so make sure to keep communications open.
Kristine Lee Licensed Insurance Agent
Be prepared to walk them through your home and provide any additional details. The more information you share with your adjuster, the more accurate your claim will be.
Learn More: Does homeowners insurance cover attorney fees?
Step #7: Review Your Claim Settlement
Once the adjuster completes their assessment, you’ll receive a settlement offer. Review it carefully to ensure it covers all damages and expenses.
If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your insurance representative. It’s especially important to contact your provider if you think there’s been a mistake in what your insurance covers. Learn more about your insurance agent’s role in the claims process.
Step #8: Close Your Caim
After agreeing to the settlement and receiving payment, confirm that your claim is officially closed. While you hopefully won’t need it, it’s always a good idea to keep all documentation in case you need to reference it in the future. To ensure any wildfire claims you file go smoothly, you can do things like protect your home and update your coverage.
Once your claim is officially closed, you’ll receive a check from your provider for the agreed-upon amount. Every company is different, but most get payments into policyholders’ hands in about a week.
Read More: Does Nationwide homeowners insurance cover fire damage?
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How to Handle Wildfire Claims Denials
You know how to file an insurance claim after a wildfire now, but what happens if your claim is denied?
For starters, there are things you can do to minimize your future risk of having a claim denied. Picking the right company is crucial, especially if you need California wildfire insurance. Take a look below to see which providers have the worst track record for denying homeowners insurance claims after a wildfire.
If you’ve purchased coverage from one of the best homeowners insurance companies and you’re still facing a denied wildfire insurance coverage claim, use the following tips to resolve the problem:
- Understand the Denial: Review your denial letter carefully to determine why your claim was denied. If need be, ask a representative for help.
- Submit a Formal Appeal: Fill out the necessary paperwork with your provider to get your case reviewed. Make sure to provide any evidence your company requires.
- File a Complaint: If your appeal to your insurance company is denied, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance department.
- Get Help: Most insurance companies offer mediation with a neutral third party to review claims. You can also get legal help from an attorney who specializes in insurance claims.
- Prevent Future Issues: Make sure you understand your home insurance policy before you have to make a future claim. You should also maintain clear records of all communication with your insurer.
With fire risks increasing, getting home insurance for wildfires can be a stressful prospect. It might be harder to find coverage in wildfire-prone states like California, but finding a policy isn’t impossible.
With a little bit of information about your home and the risks in your neighborhood, you can buy cheap homeowners insurance for wildfires online easily.
File A Homeowners Insurance Claim After Wildfire Damage With Ease
When it comes to homeowners insurance and wildfires, making sure you have adequate coverage is one of the best steps you can take to avoid problems. Knowing how to file a wildfire home insurance claim and increasing your home fire safety can help minimize the risk of filing a claim altogether.
Planning ahead saves time, and more importantly, lives. Check out wildfire safety tips: https://t.co/sED9YkeLwI pic.twitter.com/bM9tNgHUjs
— Allstate (@Allstate) August 8, 2023
Checking that your coverage is the most affordable option periodically is an important step in maintaining a policy that works for you. Whether you want to shop for a new insurance company or need your first policy, you can find affordable home insurance rates by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wildfires covered by home insurance?
Yes, the typical homeowners insurance coverage pays for wildfire damage, including to the structure and your personal belongings. However, fire insurance policies vary by location.
How do you file a home insurance claim for wildfire damage?
Notify your insurer immediately, document the damage with photos or videos, provide an inventory of lost items, and fill out the necessary wildfire home insurance claim form.
How long do you have to file a homeowners insurance claim after a wildfire?
Deadlines vary by insurer and state but typically range from a few months to a year after the wildfire.
How much does wildfire insurance cost?
Costs depend on location, risk level, and home value; the average home insurance policy in America costs $101 per month. If you’re wondering how much home insurance costs in your state, you’ll need to look at personalized quotes.
What does home insurance cover after a fire?
Home insurance typically covers the cost to repair or rebuild the structure, replace personal belongings, and pay for additional living expenses (ALE) if you need temporary housing.
What is not covered by home insurance after a fire?
Damage caused by neglect, arson committed by the homeowner, and certain exclusions like earth movement or pre-existing issues are not covered. If you want additional coverage for things like earthquakes, you can check prices with our free comparison tool by entering your ZIP code.
Does homeowners insurance cover wildfire damage in California?
Yes, home insurance for wildfires in California is usually available. However, the best homeowners insurance in California can be more expensive or harder to obtain in high-risk areas.
Why do insurance companies deny a claim for wildfire damage?
Claims can be denied for reasons like policy exclusions, insufficient documentation, or evidence of homeowner negligence.
Do you still own the land if your house burns down?
Yes, the land remains yours even if the house is destroyed.
What other natural disasters does home insurance cover?
Standard policies often cover windstorms, hail, lightning, and some types of water damage but usually exclude floods and earthquakes unless added as separate policies. Learn what to do in an earthquake.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
