After the fire: Part II

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All homeowners should periodically have their insurance policies reviewed to make sure they have enough coverage. Consider this week’s fires as a reminder to do just that and to conduct a photo or video inventory of your home. Such documentation will simplify the task should you have to file a disaster claim.

After a fire, flood or other disaster, some homeowners opt to work with an independent or public adjuster rather than directly with their insurance companies.

Your insurer may be cool on this idea -- such adjusters invariably come up with larger damage estimates than do insurance company adjusters. More information is available at the website of Policyholders of America, a nonprofit consumer group that advises homeowners on insurance matters. Click on ‘Wildfire Victims’ on the home page.

Such adjusters typically earn 5% to 15% of homeowner settlements and must be licensed in California.

-- Lauren Beale

Thoughts? Comments?