Tip of the Month

Too Close for Comfort

With both wildfire and hurricane season in full force it is so important to know what to do if a fire or storm come too close for comfort. If you are told to evacuate immediately, do so ASAP.

If there is a chance you may have to evacuate, take action:

1) Document your home and “stuff.” If you do not have a home inventory, create one before you evacuate. Take pictures or a video of each room and the exterior of your house to document your property.

2) Pack important documents. When told you have to evacuate your home, you may feel overwhelmed on what to take. Along with sentimental items that are irreplaceable, here is a list of important documents that disaster survivors recommend you take, based on their personal experiences:

  • Insurance policies and related correspondence
  • Family Photos
  • Passports and Birth Certificates
  • Tax and Loan Documents
  • Stocks and Bonds
  • Wills and Trusts
  • Plans/Blueprints of Your Home

3) Start saving receipts ASAP. Your insurance company will reimburse you for “Additional Living Expenses” incurred due to the loss of use of your home because of a mandatory evacuation order or damage that makes it uninhabitable. Please note: If your home isn’t damaged and your temporary living expenses are modest, you may be better off paying them out of pocket to avoid filing an insurance claim that goes on your record and can increase the cost of your insurance.

4) Contact your insurance agent. Get confirmation that you are covered for a total loss. Email or call your agent and keep good notes of the conversation. Make coverage adjustments ASAP and make sure they are “bound” (effective immediately).

5) Use United Policyholders as a resource. We hope you will be able to return home safe and sound.

We hope you never need these tips, but many do – including the Detwiler Fire Survivors in Mariposa County, California. Please consider making a donation so we can support the survivors starting on the road to recovery.