Home Insurance Claim Helps Wildfire Victims Rebuild

Key Takeaways

• Know what’s covered by your home insurance, like understanding if you have actual cash value or replacement cost coverage. 

• Meet with your agent regularly to keep your home insurance updated. 

• Have an evacuation plan for natural disasters that could happen where you live – wildfires, hurricanes, tornados and more. Review this Wildfire Preparedness Checklist and other resources provided by the American Red Cross. 

• Create and maintain a home inventory of your personal belongings. If you have a home insurance claim, you can use that inventory listing for your insurance company to pay your personal property coverage claims.

Learn more about the Dillingham’s home insurance experience

The Dillinghams were familiar with wildfire threats. They weren’t uncommon, but local fire fighters were usually able to get the fires under control. 

But in September 2020 when they learned of the growing threat, James Dillingham could see that high winds were spreading the fire and the number of fires were stretching beyond what available resources could handle. He knew fire fighters were focusing on the threats to highly populated areas and not being able to fight the fire approaching his home. 

Preparing to evacuate

The Dillinghams sensed the impending danger and started packing even before the official evacuation order. The family of four had 45 minutes to pack their important belongings in two vehicles and evacuate their family home. 

Lisa Dillingham explained, “We always had our go bags during this time of year, and our important documents were in the safe in case we had to evacuate.

“It was emotional because you always think you're ready like, we got this. And you're not. But for me, my priority was my family first and then our animals.”

The Dillinghams had an evacuation plan and knew where to go and what to take. With more wildfires popping up near the homes of their relatives, they moved multiple times before settling temporarily at a home that belonged to a friend of a friend. 

Starting the recovery process

After securing a small apartment near their property, James and Lisa returned to see what was left. Unfortunately, they found very little remaining. Their patio furniture, their daughters’ trampoline, an older car, and James’ trailer were slightly damaged but survived.  

Seeing those things that were spared helped the family know they were going to get through the experience. They had their land, and with the help of their home insurance, claim adjuster and insurance agent, they came together as a family to clear their land and start rebuilding. 

When the Dillinghams originally bought their homeowners insurance policy, they selected replacement cost coverage and the enhanced replacement cost option. With that protection, they were able to overcome the rising building cost and in May 2021, just nine months after the fire took their home, they moved into their new home. 

Building new memories 

The Dillingham family is thankful for the opportunity to rebuild their home and is an advocate of home insurance and reviewing coverage regularly. As they built their new home, they considered ways to make it safer from future wildfire threats. They’re as far away as possible from tree lines and installed an above ground pool to supply a water source to battle fire. 

Their youngest daughter Briseis, who was just nine years old at the time of the fire, reflects on the experience, “I just feel so thankful that we were able to build a house on the same property because I feel like I have a part of the old house with me.”

Review your home insurance

The Dillingham’s insurance agent, Tarah Sussman, advocates regular insurance reviews and encourages clients to have a home inventory. “I recommend my clients take a video of their belongings,” says Sussman. “So, if they ever have a house fire and their home is gone, they have something to look back on and can recall everything in their home.”

Having that inventory makes the home insurance claim process easier, and having those regular insurance reviews can help make sure you have the protection you expect and need. Contact your insurance agent for an insurance review today.

Updated 4-13-23