Insurance Coverage for the East Troublesome and Marshall Fires

Wildfires are a consistent risk in Colorado. More and more, those fires are creeping into residential areas. In mid-October, 2020, 366 homes in Grand County were scorched by the East Troublesome Fire -- a fire so big and powerful it jumped the Colorado divide and killed two residents. On December 30, 2021, Colorado citizens next watched in horror as the Marshall Fire raged through residential areas in Boulder County, damaging over a thousand homes.

If you are one of the thousands of Colorado residents impacted by the Marshall Fire or East Troublesome Fire, then you may be facing hurdles getting your insurance company to pay the full value of your claim. Remember, when reviewing your insurance claim with your insurance agent, the most important source of information is your insurance policy. Some terms that might impact your recovery from your insurance company for these devastating losses are:

Contents coverage: In the event of a total loss, you are entitled to at least 30% of the value of your contents without having to supply a written inventory to your insurance company. This may be more depending on the text of your insurance policy or by agreement with your insurance company.

Additional living expense or loss of use coverage: Covers increased living expenses during the time required to repair or replace damage to the policyholder’s home following an insured loss or, if the policyholder permanently relocates, the time required to move the policyholder’s household to a new location. All homeowners’ insurance policies for replacement cost must include 12 months of additional living expense coverage, and some may cover you for a longer period of time.

Extended replacement cost coverage: Pays a designated amount above your policy limit when necessary under current building conditions (ex., supply chain issues, increased costs). Your insurance company must at least offer you this type of coverage when issuing your policy.

Ordinance or law Coverage: Increased coverage to comply with building codes and ordinances. Your insurance company must also at least offer this type of coverage when issuing your policy.

How to request a copy of your policy

Under Colorado law, your insurance company must give you an electronic copy of your policy within three business days of a written request.

For example, send an email to your adjuster stating:

“Please send me a copy of my insurance policy, including the declaration page and any endorsements, within three business days.”

Your insurance company owes you what is said in the insurance policy. They also should adjust your claim with your best interests in mind. If you are struggling to get the benefits you are owed, or if you’d like more information about your rights and how to protect them, contact MoGo LLC.