Does homeowners' insurance cover wildfires? Tips to follow if your house or business has been affected by California wildfires

Southern California has been tackling the impact of the devastating wildfires, which, according to Governor Gavin Newsom's press conference on Tuesday, are posing a serious threat to "not a few" but "many structures" in the area. The fires have already claimed the lives of at least 2 while thousands are now stranded.

While the full impact of the fires remains unclear, as they have yet to be contained at the time of writing, it is expected that residents are now looking at hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of damages. However, USA Today reports that consumer advocates claim there are ways to have all the owners whose lives were impacted have their demands heard and heeded.

As for the question "Does homeowners insurance cover wildfires?" Here's what All State has to say:

"Homeowners insurance typically helps cover damage to your home and belongings resulting from a wildfire. Standard homeowners policies generally help protect against specific perils, including fire, but coverage may vary by geographic location and by policy. You may also find that some insurers do not sell homeowners policies in areas where wildfires are common."

Here's everything you need to know as a homeowner dealing with the wildfires: Insurance policies, how to tackle the initial stages, and more

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Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a consumer advocacy group, told USA Today:

"Understand the reality of a large-dollar insurance claim, that it really does require you to advocate for yourself. The bottom line is that people need to think of an insurance claim as a business transaction and approach it with that kind of mindset.”

Nonetheless, if you or someone you know is dealing with the aftermath of the Golden State wildfires, here are some tips to follow so you can increase the likelihood of having your insurance claims met:

1) Personal safety: Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate at the Consumer Federation of America, a consumer advocacy group, tells USA Today that the most vital step is to look out for personal safety, as well as that of family and pets.

2) Document the damage: As soon as it's safe to go back home, homeowners should snap pictures and take videos of all the damages incurred before contacting their insurers at the earliest. They should also document every conversation and interaction with their insurers, such as keeping receipts for any temporary housing, repairs, etc.

3) In case the insurer is mishandling claims: If a policyholder is convinced that their insurer is not treating their claims appropriately, they can reach out to the California Department of Insurance and fill out the complaint form.

Going ahead, DeLong also urges all homeowners to take preventative measures to lower the risk of damages associated with wildfires.

"That may cost money in the short run, but it will save you money in the long run. In fact, it could actually save your home and even your life," he told the outlet. “The problem is that doing all these measures takes time and money and effort. And for people living paycheck to paycheck, that’s really hard to do."

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This can look like installing noncombustible roofs, siding, and decking, as well as covered vents and fences disconnected from your homes. It is also recommended that all playground equipment and vegetation be kept at a distance of 30 and 100 feet away from homes, respectively.

It is also important for all homeowners to be prepared in case they find themselves with insurance policies that don't cover the full extent of damages, leaving the policyholders underinsured.

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Does homeowners' insurance cover wildfires? Tips to follow if your house or business has been affected by California wildfires

Here's everything you need to know as a homeowner dealing with the wildfires: Insurance policies, how to tackle the initial stages, and more

Help Us Improve