2021 Marshall Wildfire – Insurance Claim and Recovery Help
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.
We encourage you to take advantage of wildfire recovery help that is available through government agencies including the Colorado Division of Insurance, and federal agencies including FEMA. Click here to access CO DOI resources. You can find updates from the Colorado Division of Insurance in the government bulletins section at the bottom of this page.
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. SIGN UP HERE to receive information and alerts from United Policyholders. NOTE: United Policyholders respects and protects the privacy of all who communicate with our organization. We do not share or sell our mailing lists.
-
Taking it in and Getting Started
If you need help locating your insurance carrier’s contact information or information on how to file a claim. The Colorado Division of Insurance‘s consumer service team can be reached 1-800-930-
3745 We urge all disaster 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 finds if you find out you are underinsured.
FEATURED VIDEOS
Resources General- First Steps After a Wildfire
- Primeros Pasos Despues de un Incendio Forestal
- Top 10 Insurance Claim Tips
- Speak UP: How to communicate with your insurance company
- Sample Letter Requesting Complete Copy of Homeowners Policy
- Guest Blog: First Steps for Recovering
- Mobile/Manufactured Home Insurance Claim Tips
- Consejos para reclamos de seguros para casas móviles / fabricadas
- Simplified Guide to Your Homeowners Policy
- Insurance Lingo en Español
- Register with FEMA (if/when declared)
Resources Total Loss -
Arranging Temporary Housing
JANUARY 2023 UPDATE
Responding to the Dec. 11 request from the Colorado Division of Insurance regarding additional living expenses (ALE) coverage for Marshall Fire survivors, homeowners’ insurance companies have agreed to extend coverage for up to 24 months for policyholders that only had 12 months of coverage. For more information and to learn which companies agreed to the DOI’s request, click here.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).
Available Properties / Apartment Locators:
Resources General -
Getting Organized, Informed and Empowered
Resources General
- Insurance Consumer Rights in Colorado (2021)
- Colorado Homeowners Insurance Reform Act of 2013
- Frequently Asked Questions About Property Damage Insurance Claims in Colorado
- Speak UP: How to communicate with your insurance company
- Organizing Carrier-Specific Disaster Survivor Groups
- Insurance Accounting Spreadsheet
- Survivors Speak: Forced Choice Matrix for Decision-making
- Renters Insurance Claim Tips
- Consejos Para Reclamaciones De Arrendatarios
Resources Partial Loss -
Getting Debris Removed
Free wildfire mitigation available for Boulder County residents.
OCTOBER 2022 UPDATE: If you participated in the Private Property Debris Removal Program program, please view the new Debris Insurance Reconciliation website for complete details on this next phase of the debris removal program.
JUNE 2022 UPDATE: Owners of Marshall Fire-destroyed properties can still participate in the coordinated debris removal program. If you know you’d like take part in the debris removal program, please complete a Right of Entry form (www.boco.org/marshall-roe) by July 15 so the operations team can start preliminary eligibility work.
MAY 2022 UPDATE: Marshall Fire debris removal program participant notification and coordination update
Beginning Friday, Jan. 14, crews contracted by Boulder County will begin clearing roadways of damaged and destroyed vehicles and trailers, trees, and other debris that are blocking access to properties in burn areas. To learn more about the debris removal program, please click here.
The debris removal program will include foundations in all jurisdictions.
For more information about debris removal, please review the Marshall Fire Debris Removal Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Boulder County Debris Removal Program Update pages.
In response to requests from residents, Boulder County crews will continue curbside collection of wind- and fire-damaged items from homes that were not destroyed by the Marshall Fire. This effort is expected to extend to April 2. Curbside collection is not available for commercial properties. NOTE: Debris will not be collected during this phase from homes destroyed by the Marshall Fire. Here is more information about this program.
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
- Xactimate Demystified
- Building Code, Ordinance or Law Compliance
- Survivors Speak: Getting an Insurer to Pay Penalty Interest (Colorado)
- Survivors Speak: Estimating Your Loss
- Mobile/Manufactured Home Insurance Claim Tips
- Sample Letters and Claim Documents
- Sample Letter Requesting Inspection, Scoping and Remediation Plan for Wildfire Damaged Structure
-
Creating Your Home Inventory and Navigating Your Contents Claim
Resources GeneralResources Partial Loss
-
Making Housing and Financial Decisions
The Disaster Resilience Rebuilding Program (DRR) aims to help close gaps from other funds offered for the rebuilding of owner-occupied homes affected by natural disasters across the state. Applicants may apply for grants and loans up to $50,000 depending on different qualifying factors. DRR hopes to support rebuilding safer, energy efficient structures that can better withstand any future natural disasters. The program will provide funds for fire resistant building materials to better protect communities in the future. For more information, visit the Boulder County website and the Disaster Resilience Rebuilding site.
Rebates, incentives, and grants are available to build high-performance, energy-efficient homes. The Town of Superior reports that the majority of fire victims are choosing to rebuild to higher energy codes despite being eligible to opt out.
Visit Boulder County’s RebuildingBetter.org website to access resources and events for rebuilders and information about permitting and construction requirements.
Learn about the Sales and Use Tax Refund for Rebuilding after a Declared Wildfire Disaster here.
FEATURED VIDEOS (RECORDED FOR 2020 WILDFIRE SURVIVORS):
Resources General- Underinsurance 101
- Survivors Speak: Coping With Underinsurance
- Tax Information for Disaster Survivors
- Updating your home insurance after a loss...Staying protected without wasting money
- Buy or Rebuild? FAQs on replacing a dwelling after a total loss
- Dropped by Your Home/Condo Insurer? Information for Colorado Residents
- What to Do With Checks from Your Insurance Company
- For Colorado wildfire victims, IRS extends 2021 tax-filing deadline, other deadlines to May 16
- Fannie Mae disaster recovery help for homeowners and renters impacted by Colorado fires
- Determining Property Values after the Marshall Fire
- New $10,000 incentive for Marshall Fire rebuilds (grants will provide $10,000 for high efficiency electric homes or long-term rental units).
- Choosing a Contractor
-
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.
Use this link to check if you have a Fannie Mae backed mortgage: https://yourhome.fanniemae.com/calculators-tools/loan-lookup
Resources General -
Getting help if/when you need it
Note: In the event of a catastrophic disaster, like the one declared in the Boulder County fires, public adjusters cannot charge any payment, commission, or fee more than 10% of the insurance proceeds or settlement. Public adjusters cannot require, demand, or accept any fee, retainer, compensation, deposit, or other thing of value prior to the settlement of the claim. (Colorado Revised Statutes Title 10. Insurance § 10-2-417)
Resources General- Insurance Resources for Colorado
- Professional Help Directory
- Hiring Professional Help for an Insurance Claim
- Survivors Speak: Hiring an Attorney to Sue a Utility That Caused or Contributed to a Wildfire
- Resolving Claim Disputes
- Colorado State Specific Help
- Filing a complaint with the Department of Insurance
- Colorado Post-Disaster Claims Guide
-
Taking Care of Yourself Along the Way
Jewish Family Services (JFS) is offering ongoing counseling services to families, including sessions specifically designed for fire-impacted families who have children who are experiencing anxiety and having trouble at night.
Town Hall recording of community-wide Disaster Stress online event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyKDbmMH06QSign up for Processing Group- Evening sessions:
https://surveyuccs.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b8J4mI3V4Bve3EGSign up for Resilient Family Academy:
https://surveyuccs.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZDJO5Zvq7KIAJMResources General- Survivors Speak: Self-Care After a Disaster
- Healing and dealing throughout your recovery
- Disaster Distress Help Line 1-800-985-5990
- Colorado Spirit Hotline 1-970-221-5551
- Colorado Crisis Services
- Mental Health After a Wildfire (Boulder County website)
- Recovering Emotionally From a Disaster
- Mental Health Partners
-
Announcements & Government Bulletins
PREVIOUS UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NOVEMBER 2023
The Colorado Division of Insurance has again asked insurers to extend ALE coverage for Marshall Fire survivors. This is a request, and does not change existing Colorado law.SEPTEMBER 2023
Free trees for Marshall Fire homeowners. The Tree Trust will have a limited number of trees available for Marshall Fire homeowners who are ready to plant in fall 2023. If you’re interested, please fill out this form by Friday, Sept. 8. More information here.AUGUST 2023 UPDATE
Learn about the Sales and Use Tax Refund for Rebuilding after a Declared Wildfire Disaster here.JANUARY 2023 UPDATE
Responding to the Dec. 11 request from the Colorado Division of Insurance regarding additional living expenses (ALE) coverage for Marshall Fire survivors, homeowners’ insurance companies have agreed to extend coverage for up to 24 months for policyholders that only had 12 months of coverage. For more information and to learn which companies agreed to the DOI’s request, click here.DECEMBER 2022 UPDATES
- The Colorado Division of Insurance has asked insurers to extend ALE coverage beyond 12 months for Marshall Fire survivors. This is a request, and does not change existing Colorado law.
- FEMA has approved another $1.5 million in Public Assistance funding for the cost of fighting the Marshall Fire in Boulder County. These funds are available to state, tribal, territorial and local governments and certain types of private non-profits. For more information, visit: FEMA Public Assistance Grants.
General Marshall recovery help and information, including how to access a Recovery Navigator: bouldercountynavigatingdisaste
r.gov. If you’re a Boulder County, Colorado homeowner or renter and you applied for FEMA disaster assistance due to the Marshall Fire or straight-line winds event, make sure your application is up to date. This can be done by submitting a copy of the insurance settlement or denial letter, any information received regarding Additional Living Expenses (ALE) as well as any changes of address or information to FEMA. More information here.
DORA – Division of Insurance Bulletins and Publications
Bulletins are updated frequently. For the most current version, visit the Colorado DOI Insurance Statutes, Regulations, and Bulletins page.
- Consumer Advisory: Division of Insurance Again Requesting ALE Extensions for Marshall Fire Survivors
- Concerning the Communication of Certain Coverage Limits by Homeowners’ Insurance Companies to Policyholders that Experienced a Loss Resulting from the Boulder County Fires (B-5.44)
- Division Position Concerning Policyholder Relief in the Immediate Aftermath of the Marshall and Middle Fork Fires (Bulletin No. B- 5.43) 1/3/22
- Tolling certain coverages in a catastrophe (22-E-09 )
- Concerning Prior Authorizations for Durable Medical Equipment and Prescription Refill (22-E-02)
- Equitable Payment of Claims Resulting from Natural Disasters
- Homeowners’ Right to Obtain Additional or Enhanced Coverages
- Notice of the Provisions Pertaining to the Payment of Claims for the Repair of Damaged Property
-
Penalties for Failure to Promptly Address Property and Casualty First Party Claims (60-day requirement to pay or deny claim)
- Requirement to Issue Copy of Policy – CRS 10-4-110.8 (10)
- Bulletin B-5.42 Concerning Extension of Policyholder Benefits in the Event of a Catastrophic Disaster
- Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies – FAQ about ALE
- Rental Property Information
- Homeowner Association (HOA) and Homeowners’ Insurance
- Consumer Advisory Boulder County Fires Improving Policyholders Experiences
- Notice of Adoption – Emergency Regulation Co22-E-01
CONCERNING TOLLING CERTAIN TIME LIMITS OF POLICYHOLDER BENEFITS IN
THE EVENT OF A CATASTROPHIC DISASTER - Regulation Concerning Law and Ordinance Coverage
- Bulletin B-5.48 Guidance Concerning Payment of Recoverable Depreciation and Certain Coverages Following a Fire-Related Catastrophic Disaster
Contact the Colorado DORA Division of Insurance with concerns and questions about insurance and the claims process. Call the Division at 800-930-3745 or email them at DORA_Insurance@state.co.us.
- The deadline to submit your Right of Entry forms and participate in the county debris removal program has now passed. For more information about the debris removal program, please visit the Marshall Fire Debris Removal Program page.
- Boulder County, City of Louisville, and the Town of Superior will include foundation removal for participating residents at zero cost in the Private Property Debris Removal program.
Town and County-Specific Resources
Boulder County
Boulder County: After a Disaster Guidebook
Land Use Code – Boulder County
Boulder County Debris Removal Program Update
Boulder County Disaster Assistance Resources (organizations that were present at the Disaster Assistance Center)
Boulder County Fires Advisory – Price GougingTown of Louisville
Town of Superior
Marshall Fire Information and Resources
The Planning and Building Department is hosting open house sessions on Wednesdays for residents, contractors, and developers. Call 303-499-3675 x. 138 or send an email to cbo@superiorcolorado.gov for more information.SBA Bulletins
FEMA
Update your FEMA application for disaster assistance. If you have received a settlement or denial letter from your insurance company, it’s important to share this information with FEMA. This information is crucial to updating your FEMA case. Find out how here.Resources General