For residents who have lost their homes or belongings in a fire, the path to recovery can feel financially overwhelming. With the right resources and support, rebuilding and recovering can become more manageable. The information below provides practical steps and resources to help fire-affected residents navigate the financial challenges that follow a disaster.

Managing Insurance

If your property has been damaged or destroyed by a fire, navigating the insurance process can feel overwhelming. If you are renting, notify your property owner or landlord as soon as possible. The following steps can help you begin the claims process and document your loss.

1. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
   • Don't wait to report your loss. Call your homeowners or renters insurance provider, or use your insurance provider's mobile app, to start your claim as soon as possible. It's best to start a claim the same day as the fire. 
   • Request a copy of your policy. If you do not have a copy of your policy, ask your insurance representative for one so you can review your specific coverages, limits, and exclusions.
2. Document the damage thoroughly.
   
   • Take photos and video. Document the damage to your property, including both the inside and outside of your home, as well as damaged personal belongings.
   • Keep damaged items. If it is safe to do so, keep damaged items until you have discussed them with your insurance adjuster. Do not throw away items you plan to include in your claim without first checking with your insurance company.
   • Create an inventory of lost items. List all personal belongings and furnishings lost or damaged in the fire. Include as much detail as possible, such as brand names, model numbers, purchase dates, and estimated replacement costs.
   • Make copies of important documents. Keep copies of all documents, photos, receipts, and information provided to your insurance company.
3. Request an advance if needed.
   • Ask for immediate funds. If you need money for immediate expenses such as food, clothing, or temporary housing, ask your insurance company about receiving an advance on your settlement.
4. Keep track of expenses.
   • Save all receipts. Keep all receipts for temporary housing, meals, clothing, transportation, and other necessary expenses related to the fire. These costs may be reimbursable under your policy’s additional living expenses coverage.
5. Request a report from SJFD.
   • Request a fire report. An incident or fire report contains information about SJFD’s response to a specific emergency, including responding units, the nature of the call, and actions taken. Your insurance company may request this report directly or ask you to provide it. For more information, visit our Public Records webpage.
6. Meet with the insurance adjuster.
   • Meet with the adjuster. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and evaluate your claim. If possible, be present during the inspection to identify damage and answer questions.
   • Consider hiring a public adjuster. If you feel your claim is being undervalued or you need additional assistance, you may consider hiring a public adjuster to help advocate on your behalf. Public adjusters typically charge a fee for their services.
7. Understand your policy coverage.
   • Review replacement vs. actual cash value. Review whether your policy provides replacement cost or actual cash value coverage. Replacement cost helps pay to replace damaged items, while actual cash value factors in depreciation and may provide a lower payment.
   • Review additional coverage. Check whether your policy includes coverage for debris removal, rebuilding requirements, and upgrades needed to meet current building codes.
8. Get repair or rebuilding estimates.
   • Request multiple estimates. Get quotes from licensed contractors for rebuilding or repairing your home to help ensure that the insurance settlement is enough to cover costs.
   • Provide estimate to the insurer. Share estimates with the insurance adjuster, as they can impact your payout.
9. Plan for the long term.
   • Understand time limits for claim filing. Policies often have time limits for filing claims or requesting additional funds.
   • Keep records of all communications. Retain all correspondence with insurance companies, including emails, letters, and notes from phone conversations. These records can be important if there are any disputes.

Vital Documents

If important documents were damaged or destroyed in a fire, you may need to replace them as part of the recovery process. Keep track of any fees you incur to replace these documents, as your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy may reimburse some of these costs.

Replacing Money

Cash damaged by a fire can still be salvaged and recovered. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers a free Mutilated Currency Redemption Program to evaluate and replace damaged U.S. currency. To begin the process, complete BEP Form 5283 and mail the damaged currency to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Visit the Bureau of Engraving & Printing's website for detailed instructions and eligibility requirements.

Replacing Bonds

U.S. savings bonds damaged by a fire can be salvaged and recovered by the U.S. Treasury Department. To begin the process, complete FS Form 1048.

If the bonds are partially destroyed but still identifiable, you may be able to receive a replacement. If they are completely destroyed, the Treasury will work with you to verify ownership and determine whether replacements can be issued. Submit any remaining bond fragments and supporting documentation to help facilitate the replacement process.

Reporting Lost Firearms

If a firearm is lost or cannot be accounted for after a fire, California law may require you to report it to your local law enforcement agency. Under California Penal Code § 25250, firearm owners must report the loss or theft of a firearm within five days of discovering it was lost or stolen.

If you are unsure whether your firearm was destroyed or simply cannot be located, contact your local law enforcement agency for guidance.