Los Angeles – October 15, 2026 -- Homeowners hit by a house fire do not need a full inventory of losses or a repair estimate before calling their insurer, according to Mercury Insurance, which has published a six-step guide for the first 24 hours after a fire.
Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance, says the goal is to protect the family, preserve information and get recovery moving, and that homeowners do not need every answer right away.
Stay out until officials say the home is safe
Homeowners should not enter a fire-damaged structure until emergency officials confirm it is safe. Fire can weaken floors, walls, ceilings and electrical systems even when damage is not visible, and smoke, soot and contaminated water can remain hazards after the flames are out. If the home is unsafe, families should find a secure place for people and pets to stay and should not try to retrieve belongings from an unstable building.
Call your insurer early, even without a full list of losses
Mercury advises reporting the fire promptly. Policyholders should have the property address, the approximate time of the fire, a description of the damage and a reliable contact number ready. Early contact also opens a conversation about temporary housing and ways to prevent further damage.
Photograph the damage before you clean up
Once authorities clear the property, homeowners should photograph or record video of the structure and belongings, using wide shots of each room plus close-ups of furniture, appliances and electronics. A written inventory of damaged or destroyed items should begin as well. Mercury cautions against throwing items away or starting extensive cleanup before talking to a claims representative, because items that look beyond repair may still help evaluate the loss.
Limit further damage and save every receipt
Reasonable temporary measures can include boarding up broken windows, securing openings or having a qualified professional cover a damaged roof. Mercury recommends coordinating significant emergency work with the insurer, avoiding permanent repairs until the damage is evaluated and keeping receipts.
A home does not have to be destroyed to become uninhabitable; smoke contamination or damaged utilities can force residents out. Many homeowners policies include additional living expenses coverage, which may help with reasonable increases in living costs, depending on the policy's terms, conditions and limits. Mercury suggests keeping itemized receipts for hotel stays, meals and other necessary expenses.
Keep a single record of the claim
The first day marks the start of the claims process. A claims representative can explain next steps, which may include inspecting the damage, reviewing coverage, documenting personal property losses and discussing repairs or rebuilding. Homeowners should keep conversations, claim details, appointments, receipts and key documents in one place.
Mercury policyholders can report property claims 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling (800) 503-3724.