The Disaster Recovery Process

Disaster Recovery Process: What Happens After the Fire

STEP 1: Property Is Secured

Coast Construction arrives quickly to secure the property and prevent further loss (e.g., board-up).

STEP 2: File Your Insurance Claim

You must call your insurance company’s Claims Department (not your agent). The Claims Department assigns an Adjuster to visit your property — usually within 1–5 business days.

STEP 3: Temporary Housing (ALE)

Most insurance policies cover ALE/Loss of Use (Alternate Living Expenses) such as hotel or rental housing. Review your policy and ask your adjuster if you’re unsure what is included.

STEP 4: You Choose the Vendors

You are not required to use the insurance company’s vendors. California law allows you to choose your own.

STEP 5: Vendor Roles

These vendors are usually involved, in this order:

  • Testing Company – Required for lead/asbestos if built before 1984.
  • Abatement Contractor – Licensed to remove hazardous materials.
  • Mitigation Team – Inventories, removes, cleans, and stores your contents.
  • Textile Cleaning – Cleans and inventories clothing and fabric items.
  • Coast Construction – Prepares estimate, gets approval, and rebuilds.

STEP 6: Stay Involved

Stay informed. You must sign off on total loss inventories before disposal. You approve all contracts before work begins.

STEP 7: Contents Inventory & Claim Submission

You review inventory lists and assign replacement values. Submit these to your insurance company for reimbursement.

STEP 8: Reconstruction

Coast Construction obtains permits and rebuilds the home using pre-loss materials. You may upgrade finishes if you pay the difference.

 STEP 9: Mortgage Company Involvement

For large claims, checks may be co-issued to your mortgage company. Coast Construction assists with the required paperwork.

FINAL STEP: Return Home

Once reconstruction is complete, you inspect the work. Mitigation team returns contents. You move back in.

⚠️ Note on Public Adjusters

Public Adjusters may offer to handle everything for a fee (7%–15% of your total claim).

Please give your insurance company a chance before signing contracts with third parties. Understand what you’re agreeing to.

Questions?

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