October Fires: Wake Up Call to Get Financially Prepared With a Wildfire Reality Check
Active wildfires in
"Seven of the top ten wildfires with the most insurance claims have occurred in
2017 has been a very active wildfire year. The
"Everyone has been working hard to recover from the hurricanes but we also need to remember we live in wildfire country and this month can be very dangerous," said Sektnan. "Now is the right time to call your agent or insurer and do an insurance checkup or take your smart phone and video each room of your house. Renters should also check their coverage and make a home inventory. These simple steps can make a big difference if you have to file a claim and rebuild your home."
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Toll Free Insurer Numbers
PCI Member Company Toll-Free Policyholder Claim Phone Numbers
Top Ten Most Costly Wildfires
Take a Wildfire Reality Check
Take a Wildfire Reality Check
Tip 1: Conduct an Annual Insurance Check Up
Call your agent or insurance company to discuss your policy limits and coverage annually. Make sure your policy reflects the right square footage and materials of your home. Consider purchasing building code upgrade coverage.
Tip 2: Know What Your Policy Covers
The details matter. Understand if you have a replacement cost policy that pays to replace all your items at current market price or an actual cash value policy that takes depreciation into account and pays less for aged items.
Tip 3: Update Your Policy to Cover Home Improvements
If you make home improvements, be sure to call your agent or company to update your coverage. Make sure your insurer knows about the changes so the new tile or room is covered if you must rebuild.
Tip 4:
If your home is paid off, be sure to maintain homeowners insurance. Do not be caught after a fire with no way to rebuild your home. Check with loved ones with paid off homes to be sure they continue to carry homeowners insurance.
Tip 5:
Renters can lose everything in a fire just like homeowners. Many auto insurers bundle renters' insurance coverage with an auto insurance policy for very affordable prices.
Make a Home Inventory
Tip 1: Video or photograph each room of your home. Remember to document drawers and closets.
Tip 2: Describe your home's contents, what you paid, where and when you bought items in your video.
Tip 3: Remember to note and video your electronics, appliances, sports equipment, TVs, computers, tablets.
Tip 4: Store key documents like a home inventory in the cloud or fireproof case.
Tip 5: Don't forget to video or photograph what is inside your garage.
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