2022 Southwestern Wildfires – Insurance Claim and Recovery Help
Spring Wildfires in Arizona and New Mexico including the Little Bear, Fire, Tunnel Fire, Calf Canyon Fire and Hermits Peak Fire damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes throughout the southwest.
Through our Roadmap to Recovery® program you can access free, trustworthy help navigating the process of returning to a wildfire damaged area, repairing and replacing damaged and destroyed property, and collecting all available insurance funds.
If your property is damaged or destroyed, our guidance will help you get started on the road to recovery, make good decisions and keep moving forward. United Policyholders is non-profit and has expertise based on nearly three decades of assisting in communities hit by wildfires. Our staff, disaster veteran and professional volunteers and our partnerships with public, private and non-profit agencies and organizations will help lighten your load. We’re rooting for you and here to help. No strings attached.
The following are selected items from the extensive library of resources we offer. Through our Roadmap to Recovery® program you can access tips, tools and the straight scoop on insurance, clean up, contractors, lawyers, adjusters, avoiding rip-offs and mistakes, your legal rights and emotional support from people who genuinely care about helping you navigate successfully.
-
Taking it in and Getting Started
The wildfires in New Mexico have received a federal disaster declaration. We urge all New Mexico wildfire survivors to REGISTER WITH FEMA. If you have insurance, you will likely receive an initial denial letter. This is part of the process and you can appeal. You may need these funds if you find out you are underinsured.
Resources General- Top 10 Insurance Claim Tips
- First Steps After a Wildfire
- Speak UP: How to communicate with your insurance company
- Sample Letter Requesting Complete Copy of Homeowners Policy
- Avoiding Frauds and Scams After a Disaster
- Simplified Guide to Your Homeowners Policy
- Insurance Lingo en Español
- Register with FEMA
Resources Total Loss -
Arranging Temporary Housing
TIP: If you lost your home in the wildfire, when you file your insurance claim, be sure to ask for a cash advance to help you get situated. Be sure to ask for it in writing (email counts).
Resources General - Getting Organized, Informed and Empowered
-
Getting Debris Removed
Resources General
-
Being Proactive in Documenting and Valuing Your Losses
Partial Losses/Standing Homes:
If your home was spared but was exposed to extreme heat and smoke, we offer specialized guidance on partial loss insurance claim issues related to proper cleaning, inspecting for damage, restoring healthy indoor air quality and repairing obvious as well as hidden damage.
FEATURED VIDEOS:
Resources General- Insurance Recovery Tips for the Dwelling Part of Your Claim
- Reimbursement for Claim Preparation Expenses
- The Scoop on “Scope” (of loss)
- Guidelines For Reviewing Adjusters’ And Contractors’ Estimates
- Sample Letters and Claim Documents
- Xactimate Demystified
- Building Code, Ordinance or Law Compliance
- Survivors Speak: Estimating Your Loss
- Mobile/Manufactured Home Insurance Claim Tips
-
Creating Your Home Inventory and Navigating Your Contents Claim
Resources GeneralResources Partial Loss
- Making Housing and Financial Decisions
-
Choosing a Contractor
Resources GeneralResources Total Loss
- Working with Your Mortgage Company
-
Getting help if/when you need it
Resources General
- Taking Care of Yourself Along the Way
-
Government Bulletins & Announcements
Resources General
- New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance Wildfire Bulletin 4.21.22
- New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance Wildfire Bulletin Clarification 5.5.22
- New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance Emergency Order
- Press Release New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance Emergency Order