Working with your insurance company.
Need proof you were evacuated during the Holiday Farm Fire?
Need a copy of the evacuation timeline?
Need structural assessment information for your insurance company?
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has worked with several insurance companies to extend the deadline for people to seek reimbursement to two years instead of one. See the list here.
The Division also has tips for homeowners and renters who have evacuated or been affected by fire, smoke, and ash damage.
You should also:
Call your insurance company to check your policy. Let your company know if you were evacuated. Coverage is typically available for fire, smoke, and ash damage to your home and personal property.
Ask about your auto coverage, too. You need comprehensive coverage on your auto policy to cover fire, smoke, and ash damage, no matter where your vehicle is located at time of the loss.
If you had to evacuate, save your receipts and, when it is safe, let your insurance company know you evacuated. Your homeowners policy may pay for expenses such as lodging, food, and even pet boarding due to a mandatory evacuation. Be sure to check with your insurance company to confirm your specific coverage.
If your personal belongings are damaged, the insurance company will request a list of items that are damaged or destroyed. Take some time to work on your home inventory list now. Look through your photos and videos to help recall personal items. Be sure to look for smaller items, such as jewelry. To the best of your ability, write down the age, original cost, and replacement cost of each item.
Following these tips will help save you money, time, and stress during a wildfire. For more information on preparing for a wildfire, visit the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s wildfire page.
Need Help? Call Oregon Division of Financial Regulation at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or visit dfr.oregon.gov.
Buy Flood Insurance Now
Oregonians who live in and around areas impacted by the wildfires face an increased risk of flooding for up to several years after the disaster. If you haven’t already purchased a flood insurance policy, it’s important to consider buying it now. It takes 30 days after applying for a new National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance policy to go into effect. For more about information on FEMA’s NFIP, visit FloodSmart.gov.
If you are ready to buy flood insurance, go to FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance/buy. To find a flood insurance provider near you, visit FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance/providers. Twenty-five providers were listed for Oregon as of Nov. 25. Many have toll-free phone numbers.