Resource Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my insurance claim is denied?
Request a written explanation citing specific policy language. If you believe the denial is wrong, you can:
Write a formal appeal with supporting documentation
Ask to speak with a claims supervisor
File a complaint with the California Department of Insurance
Contact us for a free consultation
Remember: California law protects wildfire victims, and insurers must have valid reasons based on your policy language to deny coverage.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
While every claim is different, California regulations require insurers to:
Acknowledge your claim within 15 days
Accept or deny your claim within 40 days after receiving proof of loss
Pay the undisputed portion of your claim within 30 days
After major wildfires, these timelines can stretch due to high volume, but insurers still must act reasonably. Full settlement of complex claims with significant damage can take months, especially if there are disputes about coverage or rebuilding costs.
If your insurer is taking excessive time without explanation, this may constitute unreasonable delay – a form of bad faith. Contact us if you're experiencing long delays without progress.
Why is my insurance company’s settlement offer so low?
Insurance companies often start with lower offers hoping you'll accept. Common reasons for low offers include:
Missing damaged items in their assessment
Underestimating rebuilding costs
Applying excessive depreciation
Overlooking code upgrade requirements
You don't have to accept their first offer. Gather evidence supporting higher costs and request reconsideration.
What’s the difference between ACV and replacement cost?
Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the depreciated value of your property at the time of loss.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays what it actually costs to replace or rebuild your property without depreciation.
Most insurers pay claims in two steps: first an ACV payment, then the remaining "depreciation holdback" once you complete repairs or replacement.
After wildfires, California law gives you at least 36 months to claim full replacement costs, even if your policy says less.
Do I need a lawyer for my wildfire insurance claim?
Not necessarily. Legal help becomes valuable when:
Your claim has been denied and appeals aren't working
The amount in dispute is substantial
You suspect bad faith practices
You're overwhelmed by the process while trying to rebuild
Our free consultation can help determine if representation would benefit you.
What should I bring for my consultation?
To make the most of your consultation, please bring:
Your insurance policy (declarations page and full policy)
Any correspondence with your insurance company
Claim denial letter (if applicable)
Photos of damage
Any estimates you've received for repairs
Inventory of damaged/destroyed property (as complete as possible)
Records of your living expenses since being displaced
Don't worry if you don't have everything – we can still discuss your situation and help you develop a plan. Our initial evaluation of your claim typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the complexity.
What is the deadline for taking action related to the fire
For insurance claims in California wildfire disasters, you have 24 months from claim denial or final payment to file a lawsuit against your insurer.
For potential claims against utility companies or other liable parties, the statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the date of injury (the fire), but various factors can affect this deadline. Don't delay in consulting us about your options – waiting can limit your ability to recover full compensation.
Our Resources
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United Policyholders (UP): Specialized guidance on partial loss insurance claim issues related to smoke damage, proper cleaning, inspecting for damage, and restoring healthy indoor air quality. Visit their 2025 California Wildfires page for more information.
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Apply for FEMA disaster assistance and check local resources in and around Los Angeles.
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California State Government website includes a list of disaster services (relating to housing, food, pets, health, personal documents, returning home, insurance, rebuilding, employment, taxes, and business support) available from the state and federal government. Select items you need and submit.
Helps clients create personalized plan containing financial and wellness resources available.
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Listos California offers an Emergency Alerts sign-up page to help connect Californians to their local alerts systems based on a provided zip code or location.
Disaster Ready Guide provided in 15 languages.
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March 31, 2025 – Opt in for free debris removal