Wildfires
If you are a part of a mandatory evacuation:
- Stay tuned: follow news reports and information from first responders
- Safety first: material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can't be fixed.
What to expect from the claims process: we will work with you closely to resolve your claim.
- If you suffered damage, start your claim as soon as possible: contact your agent, call 1-800-SF-Claim, go to st8.fm/File-a-Claim or use our Pocket Agent App.
- Keep living expenses receipts: they may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible.
Don't Get Burned Twice: Hire a Reputable Contractor:
- Contact your local home builders association or remodelers council for a directory of reputable contractors.
- Make sure the contractors are currently licensed, registered and insured.
- Get at least three different estimates.
- Insist on a written contract that includes: contractor's contact information, project timeline, payment schedule and permit requirements.
Signs of Poor Business Practices or Possible Scam Involving a Contractor:
- Pushy door-to-door sales tactics or unsolicited calls are common after a disaster.
- Promising discounts for using leftover materials or for referring other customers.
- Insisting on a large deposit or cash payments in full.
- Asking you to secure building permits.
- Unwillingness to provide local contact information.
Customers impacted by wildfires can contact their local agent, call 1-800-SFCLAIM (1-800-732-5246), or visit st8.fm/File-a-Claim to start the claim process.
Wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year. Already in 2017, there have been more than 50,000 wildfires*. These have burned almost 8.5 million acres and resulted in widespread damage, firefighter injuries, and the deaths of local residents. Last year, 14 people lost their lives in Tennessee wildfires that burned more than 2,400 structures.
Residents are encouraged to take necessary action with regard to wildfire safety and to take steps to be prepared for wildfire.
* according to the National Interagency Fire Center
Resources:
- www.nfpa.org.
- Wildfire Education
- Firewise
- Creating a Home Inventory
- Protect Your Home from Wildfire
- State Farm Wildfire Mitigation
- What to Do After a House Fire
Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.
In the News:
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About State Farm®:
The mission of State Farm is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its nearly 19,000 agents and nearly 70,000 employees serve more than 84 million policies and accounts – more than 81 million auto, fire, life, health and commercial policies, and more than 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 33 on the 2017 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.
Read more at https://newsroom.statefarm.com/wildfires/#kJEDSSV0dDjvOcQM.99