Working With Your Insurance Company
The information below provides important recommendations and resources for working with your insurance company.
Important Resources Available to You
The California Department of Insurance provides the following resources to assist you with your insurance company:
Call the California Department of Insurance Hotline for help at (800) 927-4357.
Top Ten Tips for Wildfire Claimants – Click Here.
The California Department of Insurance has also released a Residential Property Claims Guide – Click Here.
In-Person Insurance Support Workshops and Local Assistance Centers
Individuals can talk to staff from the California Department of Insurance for assistance with navigating the claims process free of cost and confidential at the following location:
Santa Monica Workshop
Santa Monica College
Performing Arts Center East Wing
1310 11th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dates and Hours of Operation:
Saturday 1/18/2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 1/19/2025: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
It is recommended that you schedule an appointment by calling (800) 927-4357.
Immediate Actions to Take
Keep receipts of expenses incurred by your household that arise from having to live away from your home such as temporary rent/lodging costs, meals, transportation, etc. even if your home was not damaged by the fires. Many fire insurance policies will reimburse policy holders for additional living expenses incurred by both damage to the residence and for those who evacuated pursuant to a mandatory order.
Contact Your Insurance Provider:
As soon as it is safe to do so, reach out to your insurance company to obtain a complete copy of your residential homeowner’s insurance policy and to begin the claims process.
If you are unable to recall the name of your insurance company – Click Here.
If you DO NOT have the contact information for your insurance company or agent, call the California Department of Insurance 800-927-4357. To view a Residential Insurance Contact List – Click Here.
Important questions to ask your insurance agent/representative include the damage covered by your insurance policy, Additional Living Expense (ALE) limits, the length of time it will take to process the claim, and whether you should begin the process of obtaining estimates for repairs to your home. Insurers should explain to you the most effective way to claim your coverage benefits.
Document all of your conversations with your insurer/adjuster about your claim and policy limitations. Keep a log of all correspondence you send or receive from your insurance company.
Take pictures to document damage to your home – Only if safe to do so.
Working With Your Insurance Adjuster – Avoid Scams
A claims adjuster will likely visit your home before completion of your claim to assess the damage to your property and will come prepared to do a thorough and complete evaluation of the damage.
In the aftermath of fires, scam artists try to capitalize on the tragedy faced by so many in our community. The following tips are helpful to avoid being a victim of an insurance scam:
DO NOT sign any contracts for repairs or other needs until you have spoken directly to your insurance agent. Do not call anyone to repair or replace your loss without first getting instructions from your insurance adjuster, since your insurer’s inspection of your loss may be necessary before repairs begin. Do not throw away damaged property until your adjuster advises you to do so.
Ask for identification from anyone contacting you regarding your claim.
Insurance company adjusters are employed by insurance companies and do not charge a fee.
For more helpful tips to avoid being a victim of an insurance scam – Click Here.
