We interviewed attorney Natascha O’Flaherty who helped East Troublesome Fire victims. She’s working with @JudyAmabileHD13 on reforms of wildfire insurance claims.
These are 5 things she said #MarshallFire victims who lost homes must do.
A thread 🧵
boulderreportinglab.org/2021/12/31/mar…
These are 5 things she said #MarshallFire victims who lost homes must do.
A thread 🧵
boulderreportinglab.org/2021/12/31/mar…
1. First, contact your insurance carrier.
O’Flaherty said it’s important to do this immediately – for both homeowners and renters.
Get a claim number and request a contact for an insurance adjuster.
O’Flaherty said it’s important to do this immediately – for both homeowners and renters.
Get a claim number and request a contact for an insurance adjuster.
2. Get a copy of your policy.
By law, companies have three business days to provide a copy of the insurance policy.
O’Flaherty said residents should then request a separate certified copy, which carriers must provide within 30 days.
By law, companies have three business days to provide a copy of the insurance policy.
O’Flaherty said residents should then request a separate certified copy, which carriers must provide within 30 days.
3. Keep all your receipts.
This includes all expenses related to the evacuation: hotels, meals, pet supplies and clothing.
These necessities are reimbursed under contents coverage and what’s known as “additional living expenses,” or ALE, coverage.
This includes all expenses related to the evacuation: hotels, meals, pet supplies and clothing.
These necessities are reimbursed under contents coverage and what’s known as “additional living expenses,” or ALE, coverage.
4. Claim your 30 percent.
By law, homeowners or renters who lost a primary residence are eligible for a payment of 30% of the value of their destroyed personal property *without a written inventory.*
O’Flaherty said this money can help families replace urgent necessities.
By law, homeowners or renters who lost a primary residence are eligible for a payment of 30% of the value of their destroyed personal property *without a written inventory.*
O’Flaherty said this money can help families replace urgent necessities.
5. Look for housing.
By law, ALE policies must cover the cost of temporary housing for *at least* one year.
O’Flaherty said residents should contact their carrier to find out how much their coverage provides and how long it lasts. This could be used for rental costs.
By law, ALE policies must cover the cost of temporary housing for *at least* one year.
O’Flaherty said residents should contact their carrier to find out how much their coverage provides and how long it lasts. This could be used for rental costs.
Of course, there are questions/concerns about housing that we intend to follow and report on. The hundreds of homes lost will exacerbate a crisis across the Front Range.
“Rental prices will soar,” O’Flaherty said. “There are now hundreds of people scrambling for a new home.”
“Rental prices will soar,” O’Flaherty said. “There are now hundreds of people scrambling for a new home.”
Importantly: O’Flaherty said homeowners and renters can file complaints with the Colorado Division of Insurance if they have any issues getting paid.
doi.colorado.gov/for-consumers/…
doi.colorado.gov/for-consumers/…
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