Fire Victim Resources
Free Guides, Checklists, and Tools to Help You Recover
Everything you need to navigate insurance claims, deadlines, and rebuilding after fire loss.
Insurance Claim Checklist
Complete guide to maximize your insurance recovery
📋 Immediate Actions (First 24-48 Hours)
Call your insurance company immediately. Get claim number and adjuster contact info.
Take photos/videos of all damage before cleanup. Include wide shots and close-ups.
Board up windows, tarp roofs. Keep receipts for emergency repairs.
Locate all insurance policies. Request copies if lost in fire.
📄 Documentation Phase (Week 1-2)
List every item lost with brand, model, age, and replacement cost.
Collect receipts, credit card statements, photos showing lost items.
Keep all receipts for hotels, meals, gas, and other additional expenses.
Obtain contractor estimates for rebuilding costs.
💰 Claim Submission (Week 2-4)
Understand your dwelling, contents, ALE, and other coverage amounts.
Complete sworn proof of loss forms within deadline (usually 60 days).
Ask for advances on living expenses and contents claims.
Keep log of all calls, emails with dates, times, and what was discussed.
Download Complete Insurance Claim Checklist
Get our comprehensive 10-page PDF guide with detailed instructions
Important Deadlines
Missing these deadlines can cost you thousands or forfeit your rights entirely
⚠️ EMERGENCY - First 24-72 Hours
- Report claim to insurance: Most policies require "prompt" notice
- Mitigate damages: Prevent further damage or insurance may deny
- Document condition: Before any cleanup or changes
🚨 CRITICAL - 60 Days
- Sworn Proof of Loss: Many policies require within 60 days
- FEMA Registration: If declared disaster, usually 60 days to apply
- Contents Inventory: Initial list often due in 60 days
📅 IMPORTANT - 6 Months
- Government Claims: Claims against cities/counties for negligence
- Complete Contents List: Final detailed inventory usually due
- Some Lawsuit Deadlines: Certain claims have 6-month limits
📆 STANDARD - 1 Year
- Sue Insurance Company: Most policies have 1-year suit deadline
- Complete Repairs: Some policies limit time to complete rebuilding
- ALE Expiration: Additional Living Expenses often capped at 12-24 months
⚖️ LEGAL - 2-3 Years
- Property Damage Claims: 3 years in California
- Personal Injury: 2 years from injury
- Utility Company Lawsuits: Various deadlines apply
- Bad Faith Claims: May have different deadlines
⚠️ WARNING: These are general deadlines
Your specific situation may have different deadlines. Some can be as short as 30 days. Always consult with an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
FEMA Application Guide
Step-by-step guide to federal disaster assistance
Before You Apply - Eligibility Check
✓ Presidential Disaster Declaration: Your fire must be part of a declared disaster
✓ Primary Residence: FEMA only helps with primary homes, not vacation properties
✓ Insurance First: Must file insurance claim first - FEMA fills gaps
✓ US Citizen/Qualified Alien: Eligibility requirements apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585)
Have ready: Social Security number, insurance info, bank account details
Save your 9-digit registration number
Set up direct deposit for faster payments
Describe all damages and losses
List all household members
Provide current contact information
FEMA inspector will contact you within 10 days
Be present for inspection or have adult representative
Point out all damage, including hidden damage
Usually within 10 days after inspection
May be approved, denied, or need more information
ALWAYS APPEAL DENIALS - many are reversed
Types of FEMA Assistance Available
Housing Assistance
- Temporary housing (hotels, rentals)
- Home repair funds
- Replacement housing in some cases
Other Needs Assistance
- Personal property replacement
- Medical and dental expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Transportation repair/replacement
- Moving and storage
💡 FEMA Tips from Fire Victims
- Don't assume you won't qualify - always apply
- Appeal ALL denials - success rate is high
- Keep every receipt for everything
- Take photos before cleaning up
- Get help from local disaster recovery centers
Fire Loss Tax Guide
Understanding tax implications and potential deductions
Tax Treatment of Insurance Proceeds
| Type of Payment | Taxable? | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Living Expenses (ALE) | Sometimes | Taxable if exceeds normal living costs |
| Personal Property | Usually No | Not taxable unless exceeds your basis |
| Home Structure | Depends | May have gain if insurance exceeds basis |
| Lawsuit Settlements | Varies | Property damage usually not taxable |
| FEMA Grants | No | Disaster relief not taxable |
Casualty Loss Deduction
⚠️ Major Tax Law Change
Personal casualty losses are NO LONGER deductible unless in a federally declared disaster area (2018-2025)
If Your Fire Qualifies (Declared Disaster):
Calculate Your Loss:
- Determine decrease in fair market value OR adjusted basis (whichever is less)
- Subtract insurance and other reimbursements
- Subtract $100 per casualty event
- Subtract 10% of your adjusted gross income
- Remaining amount is deductible
Special Tax Provisions for Fire Victims
Gain Deferral - IRC Section 1033
If insurance proceeds exceed your basis:
- Can defer gain by purchasing replacement property
- Must replace within 4 years (extended from usual 2)
- Replacement property must be similar use
- Main home gets special favorable treatment
Claim Year Election
Can claim disaster loss on:
- Current year tax return, OR
- Amend prior year return for faster refund
- Must elect within 6 months of original due date
🧮 Tax Planning Tips
- Keep detailed records of all basis in property
- Document all improvements made over the years
- Photograph all receipts and store digitally
- Consider hiring a tax professional familiar with disasters
- Don't forget state tax implications may differ
Rebuilding Resources
Trusted resources to help you rebuild after fire loss