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The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services provided information to help those effected by wildfires. The information applies to both Oregon and Washington residents.
1. If you (an evacuee) have home owner’s insurance, you do not have to stay in a Red Cross shelter. Under most policies, loss of your home because of a fire or civil authority order evacuation, this triggers “additional living expenses” coverage under most policies. This means that you can stay in a hotel, eat at local restaurants. Keep all receipts, and call your insurance company or agent as soon as it is safe to do so to notify them of your evacuation.
Other tips related to fire damage
2. Keep and maintain a home inventory. Whether it is a detailed spreadsheet with itemized receipts or a walkthrough of your home recorded on a smartphone, it is always helpful to have documentation of your possessions and property in case you do have to file a claim.
3. If you file a fire-loss claim with your insurance company, your insurer may require a damage inspection before you start repairs. Take steps to prevent further damage or theft, and then check with your insurance company before beginning repairs.
4. Most claims adjusters and some agents are authorized to write you a check for the actual cash value of your damaged property. This amount is usually less than the replacement cost. In most cases, this is an initial payment and you will receive additional funds once you start replacing your property.
5. Damage to a vehicle, even when parked in a garage, is not covered under a home policy. You need to have comprehensive auto coverage to pay for damages or total loss to a vehicle.
If you have any questions or complaints about your insurance, contact the Division of Financial Regulation’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or at www.dfr.oregon.gov.
