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Everything you need to know about the Safeco claims process, including step-by-step guidance on what to do when the unexpected happens.
Wildfire Claims
You’re Not Alone. We’ll Take Care of You.
Your property insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair common wildfire damage to your home and personal belongings. Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen. Ask your local Safeco agent to review your policy and explain the details to you.
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What to Do After a Wildfire
If a wildfire has moved through your neighborhood and caused damage to your home or car, be careful and follow these tips:
1. Be Safe
Make Personal Safety Your First Priority
- Stay out of burned or smoke damaged buildings.
- Wear protective clothing including sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirt and gloves.
- Avoid breathing ashes and soot by covering your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or face mask.
- Watch out for broken glass, sharp objects and exposed electrical wires.
- Listen to the local radio for up-to-date information.
- If you were evacuated, don’t return home until local authorities say it’s safe for you to do so.
Check for Burning Embers
- Check your roof immediately for burning embers.
- Inspect your entire property for signs of burning embers.
- Put out any sparks or burning embers if you can do so safely.
- Call the fire department if necessary.
2. Call Us
800-332-3226
When it’s safe to do so, call us as soon as you can.
Be ready to provide the following:
- Where is the damaged property?
- How extensive is the damage??
- Are temporary repairs needed??
- If the authorities were contacted, which department responded and what is the report number??
- What is your current contact information and the best time to reach you??
Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the damage. If you’re able to take photographs and videos, they can help to explain overall property damage after a wildfire. Owner’s manuals, serial numbers and credit card statements are useful to document personal belongings that may have been damaged.
We will do our best to contact you within 72 hours after you file your claim to discuss what happens next. If you experienced serious wildfire damage, we will make every effort to get to you first.
3. Prevent Further Damage
Safeguard Your Home
This is a team effort. We’ll do our part. But we need you to help out by taking some steps to protect your home and your car from further damage after a wildfire.
- Do not attempt to clean fire or smoke damaged items. Cleaning without the proper equipment can make it worse.
- Board up broken windows and doors.
- Cover roof damage with tarps and remove debris.
- Save all receipts from any temporary repairs.
- If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.
4. Repair Your Home
Please wait until a claims adjustor assesses the smoke and fire damage to your home before starting permanent repairs. We encourage you, however, to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible. Find a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor through our free Safeco Contractor Referral service.
Temporary Housing
While Your Home is Being Repaired or Rebuilt
If you are unable to live in your home while the damage is assessed and your home is being repaired or rebuilt, Safeco will pay for additional living expenses, typically for up to 24 months. If repairs take longer than the period of time covered in your policy, you may be eligible for additional assistance from federal emergency programs.
Home Improvements
To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade
Safeco will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the wildfire. For example, if you had vinyl siding, we will pay to repair or replace the damaged area with vinyl, but we won’t pay to replace it with more expensive limestone slate. If you decide to upgrade your house with better or more expensive materials, you’re welcome to do so, but you’ll need to pay the additional expense out of your own pocket.
Any time you make improvements to your property, be sure to talk to your local Safeco agent to find out if your coverage is still enough, and if you’re eligible for any discounts.
Download the printable version of this information.