The fires in Southern California in early 2025 have caused a level of devastation that everyone is still struggling to comprehend. It looks like they’ll be the costliest wildfires in U.S. history.
If your RV, motorhome, or trailer was damaged or destroyed in one of the fires, you’ll need to make an insurance claim with your personal insurance carrier. Here are the steps to making a fire damage claim, along with other tips for what to do after the fact.
Immediately After a Fire
When it is safe, firefighters and law enforcement will allow residents back into the burned neighborhoods and areas. Be aware that the soot and dirty water left behind after a fire can contain things that could make you sick. Be careful if you plan to handle items that have been burned. You should wear an N95 mask when combing through your things. You’ll also want gloves. Wear sturdy shoes – boots with steel shanks are recommended if you have them. Watch for items on the ground that could cause you to slip, trip, or cut yourself.
It’s best to leave pets with a friend or elsewhere while you’re at the fire site. There are things that could make them sick or cause injury as well. Pets can also get scared and may try to run away or act aggressively, even if they’re usually friendly.
Documenting Fire Damage and Loss
Call your personal insurance company as soon as you can after a fire to find out what to do next. An insurance agent can walk you through everything you’ll need to do to submit a claim. Generally, they will tell you to do the following:
Take photos and video
Once authorities allow you to return to the fire site, take lots of photos and videos of the damage to your RV. Take pictures of the damage up close, then take pictures from farther back to show the entire rig. If it’s safe to enter your rig, take pictures of the inside. Here are some things to take photos of, if possible:
- Appliances
- Toys like kayaks, paddleboards, or bicycles (note: these items would not typically be covered by RV insurance)
- Any items inside your RV that you can
- Wiring, electrical boxes, and plastic plumbing
- Evidence of bubbling, blistering or paint discoloration
- The roof
- The undercarriage and chassis
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your vehicle
Make a list
You’ll also want to make a list of all items that were lost or damaged in the fire. Your insurance company will likely have you complete a “Proof of Loss” form to detail all of those items and your damages. You may also need to get documents showing your RV’s value and any upgrades you got for your rig.
Don’t get rid of anything
Unless they pose a danger, don’t throw out any of your damaged items until the insurance adjuster can inspect them. An adjuster will want to verify that the items were damaged, determine the value of the items, and decide appropriate compensation. If the RV is only partially damaged, then you will want to preserve it and cover it with a tarp.
Get a fire report
Your insurance company may require a report from the fire department that handled the fire that destroyed your property. Damage inspections are ongoing for various Los Angeles fire locations, so those reports may not be available yet. There are disaster resource centers available where Los Angeles residents can get assistance with their documents and find out about fire reports. There are two resource centers for those affected by fires in the Los Angeles area.
Tell your loan company
If you have a loan on your RV, you’ll need to tell your loan company about the fire as well. Your loan company can usually deal directly with your insurance company after your initial call to inform them of the damage.
Extra RV Insurance Coverage
You may have additional RV insurance coverage, especially if you live in your RV full-time. If your policy includes Emergency Expense Coverage or Additional Living Expenses Coverage, you may be covered for the extra costs you incur because of the fire. These include temporary housing, transportation, restaurant bills, and other living expenses you wouldn’t otherwise have.
Check with your insurance agent to find out exactly what your coverage will pay for.
Keep your receipts
If you are covered for emergency or additional living expenses, be sure to keep all of your receipts for your extra expenses. You’ll need to submit them to your insurance company.
Coverage limitations
Also, be aware that this coverage typically just pays for the difference between your temporary housing and your usual costs. There may be specific coverage limits and time restrictions on how long you are covered for extra expenses. Also, it won’t cover expenses you would have anyway, such as groceries.
Other Assistance for Fire Victims
FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) is offering assistance with the wildfires in Southern California, and they can help with costs not covered by your insurance. They can assist with finding temporary housing, replacing IDs, and other tasks.
You can request assistance online through FEMA’s website. You can also go to one of the Los Angeles resource centers to get in-person assistance with submitting FEMA applications. Workers at these centers can also help you replace important documents like drivers’ licenses, birth certificates, vehicle registration and titles, and other records. The fees for replacement documents are usually waived for wildfire victims.
There are many nonprofits that are helping Los Angeles residents with food, shelter, necessary items, and other services. First 5 LA has a list of charities offering help if you need it. The Los Angeles Times also has a list of charities.
If you would like to donate to assist victims of the Southern California fires, the Los Angeles Times also has a list of charities accepting money, goods, and in-person volunteers to help.
