BRANTLEY COUNTY, Fla. – As wildfires continue to impact communities across Georgia, families who have lost homes, or fear they could, are now facing another challenge: navigating the insurance claims process.
What homeowners do in the early moments after a loss can significantly impact how much they recover.
For those who have lost everything, the first step is straightforward but critical.
“Contact your insurance company and get that process started,” said Mark Goldwich, president and CEO of Goldstar Adjusters. He added that safety comes first, making sure family members and pets are secure, before turning to financial recovery.
What to do now:
- Contact your insurer immediately to start a claim.
- Document everything with photos and videos — inside and outside the home, including open drawers and overall room shots.
- Use existing images, such as family photos or real estate listings, to show what was in the house.
- Gather proof of ownership: credit card records, receipts and online purchase histories (Amazon, Walmart, etc.).
- Get your policy in writing and review coverage limits, including any additional living expenses you may be owed if displaced.
- Keep every receipt; insurers typically reimburse based on documentation.
Experts say filing a claim as soon as possible can help avoid delays in what is often a lengthy process.
Just as important is documenting what was lost.
Public adjuster Peter LaFramboise says homeowners should gather as much evidence as possible to support their claim, even if they no longer have receipts.
“Images from your phone, family photos to see what was in each room … and then prove or establish as much of that stuff existed through credit card receipts, your Walmart account, your Amazon account,” LaFramboise said.
Even homeowners whose properties are still standing should take action now if they are in the path of a wildfire.
Adjusters recommend taking photos and videos of both the inside and outside of the home, including opening drawers and capturing overall room conditions to create a record before any potential damage occurs.
Homeowners should also review their insurance policies carefully. That includes understanding coverage limits and requesting a full copy of the policy in writing. Experts say many people overlook coverage for additional living expenses, which can help pay for temporary housing, meals and other costs if they are forced to evacuate.
Keeping receipts is another key step, as insurance companies typically reimburse expenses based on documentation.
Still, even with preparation, the claims process can take time.
“You should be expecting a long process,” Goldwich said. “These tend to not be over quickly.”
He advises homeowners to stay organized by keeping detailed notes of damages, conversations and repair estimates and to seek professional help if needed.
Public adjusters can work on behalf of homeowners to negotiate with insurance companies, though they typically charge a percentage of the claim.
Experts also caution against accepting early settlement offers too quickly. Initial payouts may be lower than what homeowners are entitled to receive, particularly if their policy includes replacement cost coverage rather than depreciated value.
Above all, adjusters say, focus first on immediate needs.
“Take care of yourself and your family first,” Goldwich said. “Then document everything and get help if you need it.”