Evacuation Costs

Forced to Leave Home

California wildfires strike quickly, often forcing entire communities to evacuate at a moment’s notice. If you have been ordered to evacuate, you may be left with unexpected expenses and uncertainty about your legal rights. Evacuation costs can include hotel stays, meals, lost wages, temporary pet boarding, and even transportation. Many families are surprised to learn that, under certain circumstances, these costs may be recoverable—sometimes through insurance, and sometimes by holding responsible parties accountable.

Resources on property damage from wildfires and utility negligence can help you understand how different types of wildfire claims connect, but evacuation costs deserve their own attention.

What Counts as Evacuation Costs?

Evacuation costs are expenses you incur because you had to leave your home or business due to a wildfire evacuation order. This can include:

• Temporary lodging (hotels, motels, rentals)
• Meals and groceries while displaced
• Extra transportation (fuel, car rentals, flights)
• Boarding pets or livestock
• Replacing basic clothing or toiletries left behind
• Lost income from missing work due to evacuation

Some insurance policies cover these costs under “Additional Living Expenses” or “ALE.” If you’re not sure what your policy includes, review your documents and consider speaking with an attorney. The property damage page explains more about insurance coverage for wildfire-related losses.

State Laws That Apply

California’s homeowner and renter insurance policies often include provisions for evacuation expenses. California Insurance Code Section 2060 requires insurers to provide coverage for “reasonable and necessary increases in living expenses” if a policyholder cannot access their home due to a covered peril like wildfire. Additionally, when a government agency issues a mandatory evacuation order, insurance coverage for ALE generally applies.

If you were evacuated due to negligence by a utility company, such as poorly maintained power lines, you may also have a claim for costs against that company. Learn more about utility negligence lawsuits and how these cases are handled in California.

Who Pays for Evacuation?

The answer depends on your insurance policy and the cause of the wildfire. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, your policy may reimburse you for certain expenses. If the fire resulted from another party’s negligence (for example, a utility company), you may have a claim against them for damages not covered by insurance.

It’s important to keep detailed records and receipts for every expense related to your evacuation. This documentation is essential for both insurance claims and potential legal actions. For more tips, see How to Document Property Damage for Claims.

Action Steps After an Evacuation

Taking quick, organized steps after a wildfire evacuation can help protect your rights:

• Save all receipts for hotels, meals, transportation, and other expenses
• Document missed days at work and lost pay
• Take photos of damaged property when it’s safe to return
• Review your insurance policy’s ALE coverage limits
• Notify your insurer promptly about your evacuation and expenses
• If the fire was caused by utility negligence, gather any notices or evidence related to the incident

Steps to Hold Utilities Accountable for Fires offers practical guidance for those pursuing claims beyond insurance.

Damages You May Recover

Compensation for wildfire evacuation costs can include:

• Temporary housing and meal expenses
• Extra transportation costs
• Boarding fees for pets
• Lost wages or business income
• Replacement of emergency items (clothing, toiletries)

If your insurance company delays, denies, or underpays your claim, you may have additional legal remedies. Visit How to Dispute Low Insurance Payouts for more on challenging unfair insurance decisions.

California’s Approach to Evacuation Claims

California law gives policyholders important rights. Insurers must handle claims promptly and fairly, and ALE benefits are available even if your home is undamaged but located in the evacuation zone. If your insurer is unresponsive, you may have grounds for a bad faith claim.

Additionally, California courts have recognized that utility companies can be liable for evacuation costs if their negligence sparked the fire. This compensation can be sought alongside other damages, including property loss and health impacts from smoke damage.

Frequently Asked Questions about California Wildfire Evacuation Costs

What evacuation costs does my insurance cover in California? Many California homeowner and renter insurance policies cover additional living expenses (ALE), such as temporary housing, meals, and transportation, if you are ordered to evacuate due to a wildfire. Check your policy for specific limits and requirements.

Can I claim lost wages due to wildfire evacuation? You may be able to claim lost wages as part of your damages if you missed work because of a mandatory evacuation. Documentation from your employer and records of missed pay are important for this type of claim.

What if my insurer denies my evacuation expense claim? If your insurance claim is denied, you can challenge the decision through an appeal or legal process. California law protects policyholders from unfair claim denials, and you may have grounds for a bad faith claim.

Are utility companies responsible for paying my evacuation costs? If a utility company’s negligence caused the wildfire that forced the evacuation, you may have a claim against them for evacuation-related expenses not covered by insurance. Legal advice is recommended in these cases.

Do I need receipts to get reimbursed for evacuation costs? Yes. Detailed receipts and records of every expense are essential for both insurance and legal claims. This includes lodging, meals, transportation, and any emergency purchases made during the evacuation.

Need Help? Contact Us

If wildfire evacuation has turned your life upside down, you do not have to face the process alone. Attain Law’s attorneys can help you understand your rights, document your expenses, and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today for a free consultation or call (888) 970-8627. We are here to support you.