FIRST OF ALL:

Make sure you and your family are safe. Nothing is more important.

A home is a home because of the people that make it one.
Allow yourself grace as you navigate this challenging and overwhelming process.

Let's express as much gratitude we can. We'll get through this.
For mental health support, check out these therapists offering pro-bono work.

***Note: I'm not a lawyer, insurance agent or CPA. This is not legal or tax advice. I'm just a Palisadian who lost his home and is trying to organize all the most helpful content in one easy place to access. This is not a substitute for professional advice, but hopefully it helps you get through this!**

FIRE CONTAINMENT AND EVACUATION ZONES:

Download the Watch Duty App.

TEMPORARY HOUSING

• Apply for free housing credit through Airbnb’s partnership with 211LA.
• View local listings curated by Thornton Development Group.
• While price gouging due to a disaster may not be technically legal, rentals are quickly increasing in pricing. Make it a priority to get situated. Everything will be come much easier and less stressful when you do.

Insurance Tips:

• Request ALE coverage from your insurance for hotels and 12-month lease solutions. They are overwhelmed and not calling back some clients, do not rely on them finding a solution for you.
• Besides covering rent, you may be able to request a stipend from insurance that allows you to save money by staying at more affordable accommodations or with friends and family. They may be able to start the stipend immediately. I was offered a $6k/month stipend from my Homesite Insurance via Geico.

FILING YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM

File a claim. Do it now. Insurance will be overwhelmed. It's better to get in the queue.

They may request photos showing the loss of your property. You may be able to be escorted to your property for medications, and recover other necessities and valuables. Take photos while you're there and wear an N95 mask, the air is a cesspool of volatile compounds, plastics, and toxic building materials (especially if you had an older house which may have asbestos, lead paint etc.)

1. Keep a record of every conversation with insurance. You will not remember it all. After each call send your adjuster an email with everything that was discussed.

2. Ask your insurer to advance 4 months of living expenses, and 30% of your personal property limits up to $250,000. Your insurer is required to provide you this under California law.

3. Keep all your receipts of charges you make from here on out. Take a photo immediately of the receipt and save it to an album on your phone or Google Drive. Save the physical receipt too.

Insurance Regulations In Place to Protect You:

1) Insurer must advance 4 months of ALE immediately when you lose your home in a declared

state of emergency. CA Ins. Code 2061 (a)(1).

2) If you don’t want to rebuild, you can use ALL of your coverages, including extended

replacement coverage and building code upgrades, to purchase a new home or rebuild. Cal

Ins. Code 2051.5 (c); CA Ins. Code 10103.7(a)

3) Insurer cannot deduct the value of your land from a replacement home purchased. Cal Ins.

Code 2051.5 (c)(2)

Join The Insurance Specific Whatsapp Groups:

State Farm https://chat.whatsapp.com/KvEBAeeWIiV2fOtawtToYH

Mercury https://chat.whatsapp.com/D6ebKAVgBc5JzGvkKVvSDA

Knights https://chat.whatsapp.com/JhepZbSk6ifFWL35jDyTyN

AAA https://chat.whatsapp.com/EwYCBX8wQcRINrCxQLUVTY

USAA https://chat.whatsapp.com/GXLMTb7ZgvU3TsHIKPs0no

Calif fair plan group https://chat.whatsapp.com/GS8Eh7pjh5v7XpFCYq410n

Simplifying Processes

• Content Claims: Some insurance companies are offering 75% of private property content limits without requiring detailed itemization. Ask your adjuster what's the best they can do without an itemized list.
• Advance Payments: Request advance funds for immediate needs like lodging, clothing, and essentials while awaiting your full claim settlement. Palisadians have received tens of thousands up front.
• Public Adjusters: Consider hiring professional help (they may take 10% of settlement fee.) This is most important if you face resistance or low-ball offers from your insurance. Information below.

Insurance Claims Support

• Bright Harbor: Assists in creating disaster recovery plans, filing insurance claims, and connecting with vendors for recovery.
• Legal Corner Law Office: A contingency-based firm helping homeowners maximize insurance claims after total loss or damage.
• E5quire Law: Provides free consultations on insurance contracts and contingency-based representation for claims.

Public Adjusters that have come recommended:

Megan Withnell, SPPA - CA Public Adjuster License #2I33841

9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 2100

Northridge, CA 91324

818-386-1313 (Office)

800-228-3550 (Toll Free)

818-489-5398 (Cell)

megan@greenspan.com

www.greenspanai.com

Brad Deutch, CPPA - CA Public Adjuster License No.: 2I18073

+1-866-706-9833 (Toll Free Direct)
+1-310-740-0078 (Cell)
+1-818-386-1313 (Office)

brad@greenspan.com

https://www.greenspanai.com/about/our-team/brad-deutch/   
www.greenspan.com

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Apply for FEMA Support.

FEMA is primarily for losses NOT covered by your insurance. If you have insurance you will likely get denied. However as you are able to see if losses will be larger than what is insured you may be able to file an appeal.

Apply For SBA Low-Interest Loans.

• Fraud Prevention: Monitor your identity and ensure claims are not being made fraudulently in your name.
• Chase Sapphire or Amex Benefits may cover purchase protection from recent purchases that were lost to the fire.

BRANDS PROVIDING FREE PRODUCTS TO FAMILIES

• Clothing, shoes, baby products, dog supplies, personal care and more.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

• Property tax relief is expected to be available for homeowners impacted by the fires.
• Deadline: Forms must be filed within 12 months of the fire, so there’s no immediate action required.
  
  Second Installment Due: April 10, 2025.
  
  Option 1. Pay the full installment and request a refund later.
  
  Option 2. Do not pay and instead file Form ADS-820 by April 10, 2025 (Disaster Relief Form Link).
• The LA County Assessor mentioned in a press conference that new legislation may provide further property tax relief. Property tax counsel is actively reviewing the situation for updated advice.

INCOME TAX DUE DATES

• The President has declared the LA County fires a major disaster.
• Potential Extensions: While the IRS and FTB (California Franchise Tax Board) have not formally announced extensions (as of 1/10), historical precedents suggest that due dates will likely be extended soon.
• Recommendation: Consider holding off on paying Q4 federal and California estimated taxes (due January 15, 2025). Monitor for updates from the IRS and FTB, which are expected in the coming days. Talk to your CPA.

REBUILDING YOUR HOME

• You have the option to rebuild or to take the cash they're offering you, however most have said it's better to tell insurance you plan to rebuild as they are more likely to take your case seriously.
• If you choose to rebuild review these resources.
• Check that contractors and architects are licensed (so you are less likely to get scammed.)
• The permitting process will likely be highly expedited which is great, however the demand for construction may create significant delays.

REBUILD YOUR HOME RESOURCES

• Rebuilding your home after a fire guide
• Federal/State/Local Assistance
• Architects & Home Builders
• License Lookup for Architects and Homebuilders (make sure you don't get scammed)
• Insurance Contacts
• Building Department Contacts