Guides

Wildfire contents claim: documenting a total loss

Wildfire losses are usually total losses. Nothing is left to photograph, and the whole household has to be rebuilt from memory. A few things are different from an ordinary claim.

Ask about inventory waivers

After large wildfires, some states (including California after major fires) have required or encouraged insurers to pay a percentage of the contents limit without a full itemized inventory. Ask your insurer what applies. If the waiver is less than your actual loss, you can usually still submit a full inventory to claim the rest, up to your Coverage C limit.

Know your Coverage C limit

Personal property coverage is often 50–75% of the dwelling limit. Total-loss households frequently own more than they're insured for. Documenting up to (and past) the limit makes sure you collect all of it.

Additional living expenses are separate

Hotel, rent, meals over your normal costs, and mileage generally fall under Coverage D (loss of use), not contents. Track them separately.

Build the list efficiently

Work room by room with a checklist, split rooms between family members, and use online order histories and photos. See our step-by-step fire inventory guide.