OVERVIEW
Tips for Homeowners and Businesses Affected by the LA Wildfires
Hill Farrer’s disaster recovery team of experienced attorneys are equipped to address many of the impending legal issues. And while we know everyone’s situation is different, below are some very basic suggestions that might help you or someone you know start the recovery process:
- Document your loss.
- Take photos and/or videos of damage
- Create an inventory of lost property and gather all available documentation related to your losses
- Keep receipts for all costs from the loss (e.g., hotel/rental bills, emergency supplies, etc.)
- Find alternative living arrangements.
- If you need immediate temporary shelter:
- California Office of Emergency Services
- Red Cross
- Open a PO Box and set up mail forwarding to the box (or have mail forwarded to an address of a family member or friend)
- Search for long term rentals. Your policy may allow the insurance company to make your rental payments directly to the landlord from your “loss of use” money
- Call your utility companies to freeze or cancel services (e.g., internet, electricity, gas, etc.)
- If you have a mortgage.
- Notify your mortgage lender of the loss and request to “freeze” your loan
- Review your insurance policy documents.
- Locate complete copies of all insurance policies. If you only have the declarations page, contact your broker or insurance company directly for a copy
- Review all copies of your insurance policies to determine which policies may provide coverage (for example, homeowners or auto insurance)
- Take note of the Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses (ALE) aggregate and monthly limits (if any) in your policy. Budget accordingly and keep receipts of all expenses related to your relocation (housing, clothing, food, etc.)
- Contact your insurance company.
- Determine the deadline for filing your claim
- Develop a plan for preparing your claim to ensure it is timely submitted
- Hire a licensed contractor. Schedule a time with an adjuster and your contractor to come to your property to determine the cost of rebuilding. Insist that the contractor and adjuster work together to avoid disputes about estimates or valuations
- Document all interactions with insurance company; keep a “claim diary”
- Keep your insurance company informed of any significant work or expenses you incur
- Seek legal advice if your insurance company fully or partially denies coverage for your loss
- Seek legal advice if your insurance company requests an Examination Under Oath
- Seek legal advice before signing anything presented to you by your insurance company or adjuster
- Property taxes.
- When damage is greater than $10,000, file an Application for Reassessment – Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (Los Angeles Assessor Form ADS-820) to have property reassessed
- After filing Form ADS-820, do not pay second installment of the 2024-25 property tax bill
- If you are over 55 and wish to purchase a new home in the State of California, take advantage of Prop 19 to carryover tax basis from home lost in fire
- Links for further assistance and information.