After the Fire: Insurance Update & Wildfire Recovery with Robert Feldman

Published: January 31, 2025

The Malibu Podcast

The Malibu Podcast returned for its seventh season with a critical episode focused on wildfire recovery and insurance challenges, featuring insurance expert Robert Feldman of WOWS Insurance. Amid devastating wildfires like the Palisades and Eaton fires, this episode combines practical recovery strategies with urgent insights for California homeowners.

Key Topics Covered:

  1. Five-Step Wildfire Recovery Framework
    Robert Feldman outlined a structured approach for fire victims:
  • Immediate claim filing with insurance providers, emphasizing the importance of documenting damage and understanding policy nuances like Additional Living Expenses (ALE).
  • Total loss certification using satellite imaging for inaccessible properties5.
  • Temporary housing solutions, including FEMA assistance and community-driven rental programs.
  • Architectural consultations to assess structural damage and streamline insurance claims.
  • Builder collaboration to create reconstruction estimates and navigate post-fire construction challenges.
  1. Home Hardening Strategies
    Feldman stressed proactive measures to improve fire resistance, such as:
  • Upgrading roofing materials to Class A fire-rated options.
  • Installing ember-resistant vents and maintaining defensible space.
  1. Combatting Misinformation
    The episode highlighted common myths, including:
  • False assumptions about the California Fair Plan’s coverage limits.
  • Risks of underinsuring properties in high-risk zones.
  1. Analysis of Recent Wildfires
    The Palisades and Eaton fires’ catastrophic impact was attributed to:
  • Extreme Santa Ana winds accelerating fire spread.
  • Dense vegetation from recent rains creating abundant fuel.
  • Challenges in evacuation logistics due to rapid progression.

Critical Takeaways

  • Insurance readiness: Feldman urged homeowners to annually review policies for adequate coverage, noting that 60% of California homes are underinsured.
  • Recovery resources: Partnerships with organizations like FEMA and Red Cross were emphasized for housing and financial aid.

This episode serves as both a survival guide and a wake-up call, blending Feldman’s 25 years of fire zone expertise with actionable steps for rebuilding lives and communities. Listen to the full episode out now on The Malibu Podcast!