After the Fire: What Homeowners Should Do in the First 24 Hours
PR Newswire•15/10/2026•09:06 ET
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Key Highlights
- ➤Mercury Insurance (MCY) outlines six first-24-hour steps for homeowners after fires
- ➤Homeowners should contact insurers promptly without completing damage inventories or repair estimates
- ➤Policyholders should document damage after clearance and avoid discarding belongings or extensive cleanup
- ➤Additional living expenses coverage may help with reasonable increased costs when homes become uninhabitable
- ➤Mercury policyholders can report property claims 24/7 by phone or through its claims website
Expert Statements
Bonnie Lee, Vice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“A house fire can turn someone's life upside down in a matter of minutes, and most homeowners have never had to navigate anything like it”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“The good news is that you don't need to have every answer immediately. Focusing on a few important steps can help protect your family, preserve important information and get the recovery process moving.”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“One misconception is that homeowners need to know exactly what was lost before they can file a claim”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“That information can be developed as the process moves forward. The important thing is to make contact early so your claims representative can explain what happens next.”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“Recovery from a fire takes time, and homeowners shouldn't feel pressured to solve everything in the first day.”
Bonnie Lee, Vice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance
“Our goal is to help customers understand the process, know what information matters and feel supported as they begin putting their lives back together.”
After the Fire: What Homeowners Should Do in the First 24 Hours PR Newswire
Mercury Insurance outlines six important steps to protect your family, document damage and begin the recovery process
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