03/17/2026
With the devastating wildfires currently burning at an alarming rate, brings questions, concerns and alarms, as so it should! The Morrill fire that started in the Northeast part of Nebraska as already been reported as the largest wildfire in COLORADO AND NEBRASKA, and possibly the largest recorded in the United States history. Our thoughts and prayers are with every family, rancher, farmer and business owner affected by this and huge THANKS and appreciation for all the firefighters, emergency personnel and volunteers for putting their lives at risk and for the work they do, and continue to do!
For you impacted by this, (and for those who are not), here is some good information to keep handy and utilize now and for the future. After all, you never know when this type of tragedy could happen to you or your friends and family:
* First and foremost- Safety First! Nothing matters more than life and personal safety. If you are under an evacuation order or feel unsafe, leave immediately. Insurance claims and property documentation can wait, people first!
* Contact your Insurance Agent or Company immediately, or as soon as possible, even if you are unsure of damage. Give them heads up, that way they can contact claims to get claims adjusters on standby. This allows adjusters to begin coordinating inspections and can aide in the speed of potential advance payments.
* Your agent can also coordinate the claim process for multiple policies such as home, farm, equipment, vehicles and more.
* Document, Document, Document!! Document everything.
* Once you return safely, begin documenting damage as thoroughly as possible. You can take photos, videos, drone footage if that is possible, wide shots and close-ups. Document buildings, homes, outbuildings, equipment, vehicles, fencing, livestock losses, feed, hay, supplies, and don't forget your personal property. Items that appear partially damaged should also be documented.
* Do NOT dispose of damaged property until your adjuster gives you the okay. Your adjuster MUST have the opportunity to inspect items before discarding them.
* IF cleanup is necessary for safety reasons, take photos of the items first!
* It may be necessary to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. It is the policyholder's responsibility to do take measures to prevent additional damage, as written in your insurance agreement. Boarding broken windows, moving undamaged property out of harm's way, covering damaged roofs are just some examples of taking reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. It is VERY important that you keep receipts for materials or emergency repairs. These items are often reimbursable.
* Make a list of lost or damaged property. An inventory list helps with the claims process. In this list, include description of the items, estimated age, estimated value, and if known, what the replacement cost of the items would be. For your farming operations, this inventory list may include machinery, irrigation equipment, grain bins, hay inventory, livestock, fencing and corrals.
* Remember, most policies cover loss of use or additional Living expense. This can cover temporary housing, a hotel stay, food or travel expenses. Save receipts!!!
* BE AWARE: after major disasters it is VERY COMMON for the STORM CHASES to come out of the woodwork! These out-of-state and storm chasers arrive quickly. It is best to stay with who you know!!! Before signing anything, verify licenses, check references, coordinate with your insurance adjuster. A reputable contractor will understand this claims process and won't talk you into something before talking to your insurance adjuster.
* Keep a claim journal. This can be simple-a log of who you talked to, dates and times and what was discussed. This will help if questions ever arise.
* It is also vital to keep in regular contact with your adjuster. Communication is key to speedy claims process. Work with your agent throughout the process. Your agent can review coverage, clarify policy limits, coordinate with your adjuster and ensure you didn't overlook something.
* This advice can be used for any claim process. Wildfires are devastating. If you have any questions about coverage, claims process or documentation, please reach out of us. Our service is here for guidance as your insurance professionals.
BE SAFE!!!
Mike, Rhonda and Tyson! 719-775-2848
