Our hearts are with you as we navigate this devastating journey together following the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and other recent wildfires across Los Angeles. As members of the Malibu community, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the aftermath of losing your home in a wildfire. To support you through this difficult time, we’ve worked with our good friend at WOWS! Insurance, Rob Feldman, to provide a clear, step-by-step guide of crucial next steps to help you begin your path to recovery.

Step 1: File a claim
File a claim with your insurance company immediately: You can hire your own public adjuster to represent your interests, or your insurance company will assign one to you within 24-48 hours after filing your claim. Independent public adjusters typically charge a fee (around 10% of the settlement) and work to maximize your payout. Alternatively, insurance company adjusters are provided at no cost as part of your policy. Both options have their benefits, so it’s important to consider which best aligns with your priorities. Be sure to obtain your claim number from your insurance provider.
TIP: Take detailed notes of everything. In the weeks and months ahead, you’ll be speaking with numerous people regarding your insurance claim. It’s nearly impossible to remember all the details, so staying organized is key. Record who you spoke with, the date, and what they told you to ensure you have accurate information to reference later.
TIP: Share only relevant information with your insurance company to help streamline your claim. You may also consider having a representative handle communications for professional management.
Step 2: Certify your home as a total loss
Share evidence with your insurance company: Take photos and videos of the damage to your property and personal belongings. This fire damage documentation is crucial for insurance claims. If local authorities have not yet allowed you to return to your property, new satellite imaging technology can help you view the condition of your home online. You can share these images with your insurance company as part of your claim documentation.
Inquire about your coverages: Within 15 days of filing your claim, most insurance companies are required to provide a significant portion of your ALE and personal property coverage. Be sure to review your policy carefully to understand what’s covered and ensure you receive the funds needed to begin rebuilding your life as quickly as possible.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE) / Loss of Use: This covers any additional living costs incurred due to the fire from the moment you are evacuated. It includes expenses like temporary housing (hotels, Airbnbs, rental properties), meals if you are eating out more than usual, extra gas if you’re driving farther than usual, and other necessary costs.
- Personal Property: This covers all the items within your home. To visualize it, imagine flipping the house upside down—everything that would fall out is classified as personal property.
TIP: Before returning to your property, make sure to wear sturdy, protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirt, pants, closed-toe shoes, work gloves, and an N95 mask or respirator. Hazardous materials such as exposed insulation, chemicals, and structural remnants can be toxic so it’s crucial to take extra precautions when navigating the site.
TIP: Be sure to keep receipts for everything to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Step 3: Secure temporary housing
The Mark & Grether Group Rentals: Our team is actively working to secure temporary housing for families in need. We have a growing list of available rentals, both short-term and long-term, furnished and unfurnished. If you have been displaced by the fires, please complete our rental questionnaire, and we’ll work with you to find a suitable home as quickly as possible.
Additional Resources:
- FEMA Hosing Assistance: If you’re eligible, FEMA can assist with emergency and temporary housing. Apply for FEMA housing assistance as soon as possible.
- Red Cross: The Red Cross may provide emergency shelter and resources to help you find a safe place to stay.
- Airbnb & Rental Services: Airbnb offers temporary housing options, often with hosts willing to provide accommodations for displaced individuals. You can also explore other rental platforms for short-term rentals.
- Local Hotels & Motels: Many hotels and motels in the area may have emergency accommodations or offer discounts for fire victims. Contact them directly for availability.
- YMCA & Community Shelters: Local YMCAs or other community-based shelters may provide short-term lodging.
TIP: Consider setting up a P.O. Box for your mail to ensure deliveries are securely received while you’re displaced.

Step 4: Consult with a Licensed Architect
Even if you’re not certain whether or not you want to rebuild after the fire, it’s important to assess the condition of your property. A licensed architect can help evaluate the damage to the land and any remaining structures or foundations, which is crucial for insurance purposes. Their assessment will provide the documentation needed to ensure your claim reflects the full extent of the loss. The architect can also guide you through any next steps, whether that involves clearing the lot, planning for future repairs or renovations, or ensuring compliance with zoning laws and permits for any new construction.
TIP: Even if rebuilding isn’t in your immediate plans, it’s beneficial to get architectural plans. Having these plans, along with the architect’s professional evaluation, will help ensure your insurance claim is as accurate as possible. This documentation can maximize your settlement and give you a clear foundation for any future needs, whether you choose to rebuild or move on. Having plans and permits can also enhance the value of the lot if you ultimately decide to sell.
TIP: If you’re not planning to rebuild after the fire, check with FEMA, as they may offer free lot clearing services in the aftermath of a disaster. This can help you clear debris and get the lot ready for future use or sale, without the additional cost of hiring a contractor for this initial step.
Step 5: Consult with a Licensed Builder
Collaborate with a builder: Once you’ve consulted with an architect and have the architectural plans in hand, it’s time to work with a licensed builder. The builder will review the architectural plans and provide a detailed estimate for the repairs or reconstruction needed, which you can submit to your insurance company as documentation to support your claim for coverage. This estimate will help you understand the scope of work, timeline, and budget needed for the project.
TIP: Get multiple bids from contractors before moving forward with any repairs or future work. This allows you to evaluate costs, timelines, and quality, helping you make the best decision for your property’s rebuilding or next steps. Demand will be high therefore costs will go up and bids will vary.
TIP: Choose a builder who has experience with similar projects to ensure they understand the unique challenges of working on your property and can deliver quality work within budget.

Our best piece of advice is to be proactive. We understand how challenging that may feel with everything you’re facing, but taking action sooner will put you in a better position down the road. Even small steps can help you build momentum, regain a sense of control, and move closer to where you want to be.
Losing a home is a profoundly emotional experience, but choosing to move on doesn’t mean you’ve given up. It means you’re embracing a new path. Rebuilding isn’t always about reconstructing a physical space; sometimes, it’s about rebuilding your heart and soul, discovering newfound strength, and embracing the possibility of a fresh start.
We will continue to write new blogs to offer support and resources for you through this difficult time. Our goal is to provide helpful information that can guide you as you navigate the recovery process and make informed decisions for your future.
For additional resources, check out our other blogs:
- Palisades and Eaton Fire Recovery Resources and Support blog.
- Wildfire Recovery: Property Tax Relief, Mortgage, and Vital Records
We’re here for you, today and always. Reach out to us if you or your loved ones need assistance with housing, recovery options, or connections to trusted professionals like insurance providers, architects, builders, or furniture rental services.
russellandtony@compass.com
(310) 230-5771