Essential Insurance Steps to Follow After Evacuating for a Wildfire in Jasper

The recent evacuation in Jasper, Alberta has left many residents grappling with the aftermath of the devastating wildfires and destruction to their beloved community. If you or a loved one has been impacted by the recent wildfire, we extend our condolences for your loss.  

Understanding the steps you need to take for your insurance claim after such an event is crucial for ensuring you receive the support and settlement you deserve to get your family and life re-settled. This introductory guide will walk you through the essential steps to follow after evacuating from a wildfire that has affected your community.  

 

1. Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately 

The first step after evacuating from a wildfire is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Inform them of the evacuation and any potential damage to your property. This will initiate the insurance claim process and ensure that your claim is on record. 

Once it is safe to return to your community and have a chance to assess the damage, it is important to file your insurance claim for the structure and personal contents as soon as possible. Provide all necessary documentation, including photos, videos, and receipts. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner the insurance company can begin processing it. 

 

2. Document All Damage Thoroughly 

Once it is safe to return to your property, document all damage thoroughly. Take clear photographs and videos of the damage to your home and belongings. This documentation will be crucial for your insurance claim. It may take some time before an adjuster or representative from your insurance company can come out to assess the damage. You can take proactive steps in the meantime to support your claim to avoid any delays in your claims process.  

 

3. Understand Mass Evacuation Insurance 

Mass evacuation insurance is a crucial component of home insurance policies in wildfire-prone areas. This coverage helps cover the costs associated with mandatory evacuations, such as hotel stays and additional living expenses. Ensure you understand the limits and conditions of your mass evacuation insurance coverage, and how this will cover different expenses than your traditional Additional Living Expense coverage in your policy.  We are currently offering Free Policy Reviews to help you better understand your rights and obligations. Appointments can be booked here.

 

4. Keep Track of All Expenses 

During the evacuation, you may incur various expenses such as hotel stays, food, and transportation. Keep all receipts and records of these expenses. There are two sections of your insurance policy that outline your entitlement to reimbursement for the expenses you incur during the evacuation and immediate aftermath of the damage to your home. Your policy should provide Mass Evacuation coverage, as well as Additional Living Expenses (also known as “Loss of Use” or “Extra Expenses After a Loss”). For more information about the difference between these two types of coverage, click here.  

It is common for your policy to provide Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage for the time you are displaced from your home after an insured loss. You can and should seek an advance of funds from this portion of coverage to help you pay for these expenses before the burden of debts becomes too much to bear.  

However, you must keep receipts and records of how this money is spent. Once things have calmed down and your insurance adjuster has time to assess your claim, they will request details and receipts to substantiate the expenditure of the advance before they will consider providing another advance. Keep in mind that ALE coverage will only be provided for “emergent” expenses in addition to the ordinary cost of living you faced before the loss. The insurance company will also put time restrictions on the period of recovery you have to access these funds. For example, receipts from restaurants are often only reimbursed when you do not have access to a kitchen where you are staying temporarily.  

 

5. Review Your Insurance Policy 

Take the time to review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. Pay specific attention to policy limits and any exclusions that may apply. It is crucial to be conscious of your policy limits. More and more often families only discover that they are underinsured after a loss occurs, leaving them to bear the high costs to rebuild their home and lives themselves. The insurance company will not pay above and beyond policy limits even if the value of your loss drastically exceeds your limits.  

 

6. Stay Informed and Updated 

Stay informed about the status of the wildfire and any updates from local authorities. Follow evacuation orders and return to your property only when it is safe to do so. Staying updated will help you make informed decisions and ensure your safety.  

 

7. Seek Professional Help if Needed 

In the aftermath of a devastating wildfire event in a tight knit community, insurance adjusters are faced with a large case load all at one time. Insurance companies are not always prepared for this additional workload. Do not risk falling off your insurance adjuster’s radar as you will need urgent communication with them when seeking an advancement of funds.  

If you encounter any issues with your claim or feel that the insurance company’s position on the damage and/or coverage is unfair, consider seeking professional help. The Virani Law team is here to guide you through the process and help ensure your claim is handled fairly.  

 

Conclusion 

Navigating the aftermath of a wildfire can be overwhelming, but understanding the essential insurance steps can help you manage the process more effectively, leaving you with some time to focus on your well being and recovery. From contacting your insurance company to documenting damage and organizing receipts for incurred expenses, each step is crucial for ensuring you receive the support and settlement you deserve.  

 

If you need assistance with your insurance claim, Virani Law is here to help. Contact us today for expert guidance through the process, beginning with a free consultation with a representative from our team.  

By: Anna Morris | Associate Lawyer at Virani Law