On this website and through the Roadmap to Recovery program you will find tips, tools and resources relevant to the 2017 North Bay wildfires. Our main focus is on helping you navigate your insurance claim toward full, fair and prompt payouts of all benefits owed under your home insurance. We also offer guidance on debris removal, temporary living arrangements, government aid, construction issues, hiring professional help, and deciding how and if you will repair, rebuild or buy a replacement home.

Additional Resources:

• ReCoverCA: Grants (up to $200,000) to homeowners who need help with reconstruction of their home. (Applications Open Spring 2021) Recover.hcd.ca.gov
• Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990. A national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any disaster. You can also text 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
• California Department of Insurance Bulletin asking for insurers to extend ALE benefits May 28, 2019
  (Allowance for 36 Months of Additional Living Expenses Coverage after the 2017 Wildfires)
• Building Code Upgrades and Increased Cost of Residential Construction
• Mental health support 
• SBA loans a popular option for underinsured survivors
• Department of Insurance notice to insurers re: paying 100% of contents without inventory
• Most wildfire victims can get partial contents coverage without an inventory
• Insurers escalate emotional trauma suffered during wildfire
• Some insurers agree to pay contents claims without inventory lists
• Department of Insurance workshop flyer: December 9, 2017
• Updated notice from Department of Insurance re: time to rebuild and collect replacement cost
• California Department of Insurance memo on new wildfire-related statutes
• Voluntary claim handling reforms
• Notice regarding public insurance adjusters
• Declaration re: out-of-state adjusters
• Consolidated Debris Removal program
• New laws affecting public adjuster fees and licensing
• Tips for Hiring a Contractor from the North Coast Builders Exchange

Legal Help Resources:

• Overview of claim rules 
• Lawsuits that have been filed on behalf of 2017 North Bay fire survivors
•        Biven v. USAA
•        Kimura v. CSAA
•        Eisenberg/Sengstack v. CDI
•        Sheahan v. State Farm et al
• Free legal assistance for fire survivors
• Resources for pro bono/volunteer lawyers
• American Bar Association/United Policyholders – Insurance Tips

For more information visit our Claim Help Library:

Ask an Expert Forum:

The UP “Ask an Expert” forum is an easy and safe way to ask direct questions and get answers from experienced and reputable consumer-oriented attorneys, claim, construction, tax and finance professionals plus previous disaster survivors who serve as UP volunteers. Your identity and personal information are protected. Visit the “Ask an Expert” forum here.