Navigating the aftermath of a wildfire can feel overwhelming, but a clear plan can make all the difference. This checklist guides individuals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires through key steps like filing insurance claims, seeking financial relief and accessing federal aid and community support. Stay organized, prioritize tasks and find the help you need with this actionable guide.
Request your policy. Obtain a full copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy, including the declarations page, and confirm coverage limits for rebuilding, personal belongings and living expenses.
File your insurance claim. Contact your insurance provider in writing to open a claim immediately.
Do this regardless of whether you’ve assessed the damages yet.
A written request starts the required 15-day clock for your insurer to respond to questions, letters, calls or emails.
Request living expenses. Ask your insurer for an advance of four months of living expenses and up to 30% of your personal property limit (up to $250,000), as allowed under California law.
Review annualized living expenses (ALE) limits. Coverage typically lasts at least 24 months after a declared catastrophe, with potential extensions up to 36 months for unavoidable delays.
Track additional expenses. Keep records of temporary living costs like rent and mileage. ALE doesn’t cover normal expenses like mortgage payments.
Document damages. Record a video walkthrough of your property and create a detailed inventory of lost or damaged items.
This can be difficult, and we recommend that you go room by room and visualize the property that was in each room. Check with friends and family to confirm items they remember in certain rooms as you document items.
Create a spreadsheet or a paper list inventory for each room. Document items according to their pre-fire condition, estimated value and purchase date.
Use digital receipts, credit card statements, emails and photos on your phone to document the ownership and value of your property.
Don’t forget to look in online accounts like Amazon to find receipts, purchase dates and receipts.
Get contractor estimates. Obtain bids from licensed contractors to compare rebuilding costs with your coverage. Be aware of post-disaster "demand surge" price increases.
Explore rebuilding options. You can rebuild elsewhere or use your contractor of choice while accessing applicable policy benefits. Community rebuilding approaches may reduce costs.
Make informed decisions. Avoid rushing into agreements with contractors, attorneys or adjusters. Evaluate your financial situation and gather multiple bids before committing.
Verify coverage adequacy. Assess your coverage against rebuilding costs. If underinsured, document evidence and contact the California Department of Insurance for support.
Consider professional help. Public adjusters or attorneys may assist with complex claims but often charge fees. Understand costs and services before signing contracts.
Mortgage & Financial Relief
Contact your lender. Inform your mortgage lender about your situation and discuss payment options or relief programs.
Homeowners are often eligible for reduced or suspended mortgage payments for up to 12 months if they are impacted by a disaster, according to the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae).
During the temporary reduction or pause in payments, homeowners will not incur late fees, foreclosures or other legal proceedings.
Review claim deadlines. Ensure you are aware of key deadlines and submission requirements for insurance and financial claims.
File Form ADS-820 for property tax relief. File this form with your county assessor’s office within 12 months if your property has more than $10,000 in disaster-related damage.
Request reassessment and consider deferring your next property tax installment without penalties or interest, if eligible.
Include real property, business equipment, agricultural properties, aircraft, boats and some manufactured homes when applying for relief.
Transfer your primary residence’s taxable value to a comparable replacement property anywhere in California under Proposition 19 if you're a wildfire victim.
You can also access a list of other state programs that can help you cover food, housing and healthcare expenses.
Evacuation & Recovery Resources
Plan for evacuation. Use the LA Emergency Management Map to locate shelters and resources. You can also access real-time fire updates with the free Watch Duty website or app.
Apply for FEMA aid. Submit an application at Disaster Assistance, or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST). Assistance is available in multiple languages. You can also get in-person support around Los Angeles County from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST.
Use the FEMA app. Download the FEMA App for updates and guidance.
Review FEMA rules.
Avoid using GoFundMe and FEMA funds for the same expenses.
Access one-time $770 grants for immediate needs like food and transportation.
Receive up to $43,600 for housing repair or temporary housing.
Obtain additional grants for medical, childcare or funeral expenses.
You do not have to file an insurance claim before applying for FEMA disaster assistance, but you will be required to provide FEMA with your insurance settlement or denial before being considered for certain types of assistance.
Tax Assistance
Claim casualty loss deductions. Review IRS Publication 547 for guidance on claiming losses. Reach out to your CPA for further support.
Rental Property/Landlord Assistance
Access LAHUD assistance. If you own residential rental property which has been destroyed, is vacant or not rentable at this time, contact Los Angeles HUD for support.
Get Personalized Support
Use the form below to contact our disaster response team if you need further support or have questions about your next steps.
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