Thousands of people have been affected by the California fires and must face the stressful task of putting their lives back together. Some have lost loved ones, others have had their homes destroyed, while still others have faced the uncertainty of being evacuated and not knowing what they would return home to find.
Making the situation worse is that many of those whose lives were turned upside down by the California wildfires must now deal with fire insurance companies as they rebuild their lives. Navigating the fire insurance claim process can be complicated and stressful, especially during an emotional time in your life.
Having an experienced fire insurance attorney with you as you prepare your claim or file an appeal will help ensure you receive the damages you’re entitled to.
Home Fire Insurance
Homeowners have home fire insurance to protect themselves in case their home or property is damaged or destroyed by a fire. Typically included in a fire insurance policy is damage related to:
- Flames
- Soot
- Smoke
- Ash
Even if a home is not destroyed by the Napa fire, damage related to that fire is included in fire insurance coverage. Fire insurance companies, however, may try to avoid paying the full amount policyholders are owed by undervaluing the property or possessions included in a fire insurance claim.
Among the claims made against insurance companies are that they attempt to use straight-line, age-based depreciation when valuing damages.
Under California law, however, insurance companies must take the actual physical condition of the possessions into account, no matter how old they are.
As such, an item that is 10 years old but is in excellent condition must be valued as being in excellent condition, not depreciated solely based on its age.
Experienced Fire Insurance Attorneys
Cutter Law P.C. is highly experienced in fighting for the rights of policyholders against fire insurance companies that act illegally or unethically. We served as co-lead counsel in an important class action lawsuit—Doan v. State Farm—that resulted in a victory for California State Farm home insurance policyholders.
In that lawsuit, the Court found that State Farm must change its adjustment practices and must communicate the methods and schedules uses for calculating property damage to its policyholders.
Fire Insurance Lawyer
Fire insurance attorneys at Cutter Law P.C. are highly experienced at dealing with insurance companies and defending the rights of our clients in fire insurance claims. Filing insurance claims and appealing insurance company decisions can be a complicated and stressful process.
Our attorneys will fight to protect your rights so you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact a fire insurance attorney at Cutter Law P.C. to schedule at no obligation consultation today. Call 707-306-0540 to speak with a fire insurance lawyer about your claim. Our attorneys are available to answer your questions and discuss your situation.