Wildfires wreak havoc across much of the California landscape forcing residents to flee from their homes on a yearly basis.

IINC has compiled information to help homeowners prepare, survive and recover from these devastating fires.  Insurance company claim phone numbers can be found here.

After a wildfire, people may have questions about their insurance coverage. The Insurance Information Network of California offers answers to some of these basic questions.

Q. If my house burns down, will my insurance company pay to have it rebuilt?
A. The typical homeowners policy covers damage due to wind, fire and lightning. It will also pay if flames and smoke have damaged any other part of your home.

As Californians rush to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, they are reminded of their own threat of wildfires, earthquakes, floods and other hazards. For many families, survival and recovery may depend on a carefully-crafted household disaster plan. 

With the Lockheed Fire threatening as many as 250 homes near Santa Cruz, homeowners in hillside and brush areas are reminded of the importance of a family disaster plan.

Homeowners often only have minutes to evacuate, and in a panic may forget critical items such as financial documents, medications and other items.

The Insurance Information Network of California collects and updates contact and claims information from insurance carriers on its Web site at www.iinc.org.