2023 Hawai’i Wildfires – Insurance Claim and Recovery Help
An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows the heartbreaking devastation in Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui where fast-moving, wind-driven wildfires took over 89 lives and destroyed more than 2,200 structures. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
If you, your friends, neighbors, relatives or co-workers have been personally impacted by this horrific event, know that United Policyholders’ staff and volunteers will be making our wildfire recovery expertise and support easily accessible and current, now and in the months and years ahead.
Need legal help? Scroll down to learn how to access free assistance in August and September – hours have been extended.
United Policyholders is a non-profit organization that has three-plus decades of expertise in wildfire recovery, insurance, repairs and rebuilding. We offer reliable strategies, information and pearls of wisdom and support. We’re rooting for you and here to help. No strings attached. We don’t sell our services or provide one-on-one professional claim or legal help, but we offer honest, free and experienced guidance and links to reliable professional and government resources.
“Team UP ” (our staff, volunteers and partners) includes people who were born and raised on Maui, people who live and work on Maui, and people who’ve navigated recovering from a total or partial wildfire loss in the past. Our hearts and minds are with those who’ve been impacted by this horrific event.
If your property is damaged or was destroyed, 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.
Below you will find shortcuts to items in our extensive library of resources that should be most useful and relevant to your current situation. Through our Roadmap to Recovery® program, you can access tips, tools and the straight scoop on insurance, clean up, contractors, lawyers, adjusters, your legal rights and how to avoid ripoffs and mistakes. We offer emotional support from people who genuinely care about helping you navigate successfully because they’ve “been there, done that” after past wildfires.
Download Wildfire Recovery GuidePresident Biden has approved a major disaster declaration related to this event. Please check this page on the FEMA website for updates and information about how to apply for assistance.
Visit the Hawaii Office of Emergency Management Agency for regular updates and links to useful information.
NOTE: United Policyholders respects and protects the privacy of all who communicate with our organization. We do not share or sell our mailing lists.
Watch our FIRST STEPS AFTER A WILDFIRE video here.
DISASTER LEGAL HOTLINE
As a community service to aid those affected by the wildfires, the Hawaii State Bar Association will be hosting a FREE legal hotline to provide legal assistance to the residents of Maui and the Big Island and any others adversely affected.
Attorneys will be available to answer questions regarding document replacement, insurance claims process, landlord-tenant matters and other issues.
Tuesday, Aug. 29th, Sept. 5th, 12th &19th
Wednesday, Aug. 30th, Sept. 6th, 13th & 20th
Thursday, Aug. 31st, Sept. 7th, 14th & 21st
Hawai’i Time
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Call Toll Free (888) 533-2773
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Taking it in and Getting Started
President Biden has approved a major disaster declaration related to this event. Please check this page on the FEMA website for updates and information about how to apply for assistance.
TIP: If your home was destroyed or damaged in the wildfire, when you file your insurance claim, be sure to ask for a cash advance of your “Additional Living Expense” coverage to help you get situated.
Resources General- First Steps After a Wildfire
- Primeros Pasos Despues de un Incendio Forestal
- Top 10 Insurance Claim Tips
- A Simplified Guide to Your Homeowners Policy
- Sample Letter Requesting Complete Copy of Homeowners Policy
- Speak UP: How to communicate with your insurance company
- Avoiding Frauds and Scams After a Disaster
- 2023 Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Guide
- Register with FEMA (if/when declared)
- Insurance Lingo en Español
- AT&T Disaster Recovery - Customer Relief
Resources Partial Loss - Arranging Temporary Housing
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Getting Organized, Informed and Empowered
Resources General
- Getting Debris Removed
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Being Pro-active in Documenting and Valuing Your Losses
Total Losses
If you lost your home, please read through the steps and publications on this page and sign up to receive updates from us that will help you in your recovery.
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.
Resources General- Insurance Recovery Tips for the Dwelling Part of Your Claim
- The Scoop on “Scope” (of loss)
- Guidelines For Reviewing Adjusters’ And Contractors’ Estimates
- Xactimate Demystified
- Survivors Speak: Estimating Your Loss
- Sample Letters and Claim Documents
- Reimbursement for Claim Preparation Expenses
- Insurance Coverage for Damaged or Destroyed Septic Systems
- Guest Blog: Mobile Inspections for Property Claims
Resources Total Loss - Creating Your Home Inventory and Navigating Your Contents Claim
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Making Housing and Financial Decisions
Relief is available at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for Homeowners Impacted by Maui Wildfires
Resources GeneralResources Total Loss -
Choosing a Contractor
Resources GeneralResources Total Loss
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Working with Your Mortgage Company
Your mortgage company cannot require you pay off your loan with your insurance proceeds, but they will typically be listed on the insurance payments along with you. Fannie Mae’s Here2Help program can help eligible homeowners navigate the broader financial impacts of disaster and the challenging recovery process with a team of HUD-approved housing counselors offering:
- A personalized recovery assessment and action plan
- Help with claims and denials from FEMA, insurance, mortgage servicers, and other sources
- Web resources and ongoing guidance and check-ins from experienced disaster relief advisors
Homeowners can call 877-437-3243 to access this program or other available resources.
Visit Fannie Mae’s FannieMae.com/HERE2HELP consumer website for housing resources, including details on disaster relief.
Resources General -
Getting help if/when you need it
If you suffer a major loss involving a large sum of money, you may need to hire professional help to get a full and fair settlement. If you need assistance beyond insurance claim help, check with your local government and nonprofit organizations to see if disaster case management is available to help you develop a realistic long-term recovery plan (please note this should not replace professional help). The disaster case manager can help identify and facilitate access to appropriate community resources that will support the plan. This typically will be set up during the long-term recovery phase.Resources General
- Taking Care of Yourself Along the Way
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Government Bulletins & Announcements
Visit the Hawaii Office of Emergency Management Agency for updates and links to useful information.
- For updates on Maui, visit the County of Maui website: https://www.mauicounty.gov/
- Civic alerts (most updated information): https://www.mauicounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx
- For updates on Hawai‘i Island, visit the Hawaiʻi County website: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/
- Disaster-related Emergency Proclamations are viewable here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/category/newsroom/
FEMA Fact Sheet. Beware of Frauds and Scams
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance