For residents who have lost their homes or belongings in a fire, the journey to rebuild can feel financially overwhelming. However, with the right resources and support, financial recovery is possible. The information here aims to provide practical steps and resources to help fire-affected residents navigate the financial aspects of recovery.

Managing Insurance

If your property has been damaged or destroyed by a fire, dealing with insurance can be hard. If you're renting, be sure to also notify the property owner right away. Here are some steps to help you start navigating the claims process with your insurance company.

1. Contact your insurance company immediately.
   • 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 right away. It's best to start a claim the same day as the fire. 
   • Request a copy of your policy. If you don't have a policy on hand, ask your representative for a copy so you can review the specific coverages, limits, and exclusions.
2. Document the damage thoroughly.
   
   • Take photos and video. Document the damage to your property (inside and outside) and personal belongings.
   • Keep damaged items. Do not throw away anything you plan to claim without discussing it with your adjuster first.
   • Make an inventory of lost items. List all personal items and furnishings lost in the fire. Include as much detail as possible, such as brand names, model numbers, and purchase dates.
   • Make copies of everything. Make copies of all documents and pictures given to your insurance company.
3. Request an advance if needed.
   • Ask for immediate funds. If you need cash for essentials or temporary housing, you can request an advance on your settlement claim. This can help cover initial expenses while you wait for your full claim to be processed.
4. Keep track of expenses.
   • Save all receipts. Keep all receipts for temporary housing, food, clothing, and other necessary expenses that result from a fire. These costs may be reimbursable under your policy's "additional living expenses" coverage.
5. Request a report from SJFD.
   • Request a fire report. A incident or fire report contains information about SJFD's response to a specific call. This report may include information on response times, responding units, the nature of the call, and actions taken. Your insurance company may request this report themselves or they may ask you to do it. For more information, visit our Public Records webpage.
6. Schedule the insurance adjuster's inspection.
   • Meet with the adjuster. The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. If possible, be present during the inspection to identify all damage and answer questions.
   • Consider a public adjuster. If the insurance company's assessment seems low or you feel unsupported, you may want to hire a public adjuster who can advocate for you.
7. Understand your policy coverage and limits.
   • Review replacement vs. actual cash value. Know if your policy covers the replacement cost or only the cash value of your home and belongings, as this affects your payout.
   • Check debris removal and code upgrade coverage. Many policies cover debris removal and may also cover the cost of upgrades to meet current building codes.
8.  Get estimates for repairs or rebuilding.
   • 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

You may want to replace many of the following documents if they were damaged or lost in a fire. Just remember to keep track of any fees incurred to replace these documents, as you homeowner's policy may cover the costs.

Replacing Money

Cash damaged by a fire can still be salvaged and recovered. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing provides free mutilated currency redemption services for both individuals and institutions. This process involves filling out BEP Form 5283 and mailing in damaged currency. For more information, please visit the Bureau of Engraving & Printing's website.

Replacing Bonds

U.S. savings bonds damaged by a fire can be salvaged and recovered by the U.S. Treasury Department. To start the replacement process, you'll need to complete FS Form 1048. If the bonds are partially destroyed but still identifiable, you may be able to receive a replacement.

In cases where the bonds are completely destroyed, the Treasury will work with you to verify ownership and determine the next steps. It’s important to submit any remaining pieces of the bonds, as well as any supporting documentation, to help facilitate the process.

Reporting Lost Firearms

Under California Penal Code §25250, you must report the loss or theft of a firearm to a local law enforcement agency within five days of discovering it was lost or stolen. This applies regardless of how the firearm was lost, including if it was destroyed in a fire.