The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) issued a consumer advisory July 6, 2026, reminding Coloradans affected by wildfires of legal protections governing their homeowners insurance policies.

Governor Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera have declared the Snyder, Gold Mountain, Aspen Acres, Willow, and Sheep Head fires as disasters as of the date of the advisory.

Under Colorado law, homeowners insurance companies must provide policyholders a copy of their policy within 3 business days of request. For owner-occupied homes lost in a governor-declared wildfire disaster, insurers must offer to pay at least 65 percent of total contents coverage without requiring an inventory; homeowners seeking the remaining 35 percent must complete an inventory.

In the event of a total loss in a designated wildfire disaster, insurers must provide at least 24 months of additional living expense (ALE) coverage, with an option to twice extend that coverage by six months. ALE may cover temporary housing, meals, hotel, and laundry costs while evacuated.

After a homeowner or renter submits a contents inventory, insurance companies must request any additional information within 30 days and pay claims for undisputed, insured items within 30 days of receiving the inventory. Insurers must reimburse privately contracted debris removal services within 60 days of receiving a receipt.

Insurance companies are also required to offer extended replacement cost and law and ordinance coverage before issuing or renewing certain replacement cost homeowners policies. Law and ordinance coverage must be offered at a minimum of 20 percent of the dwelling's insurance limit; extended replacement cost coverage must be offered at a minimum of 50 percent of the dwelling's insurance limit. This coverage is not universal but may be included in a homeowners policy or offered as an endorsement for additional premium.

"After the Marshall fire, we knew there was more we could do to help Coloradans navigate their insurance policies after the unimaginable trauma of losing their homes due to wildfires. The consumer protections put in place by the legislature since the Marshall Fire are commonsense improvements that will make recovery more straightforward. Our thoughts continue to be with the Coloradans affected by wildfires. If you have any questions at all about your insurance, we encourage you to reach out to us so we can help," said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway.

Residents who have been evacuated should contact their insurance agent to report their location. Policyholders should document damage by photograph only when it is safe to do so, begin the claims process as soon as possible, and save all receipts for expenses that may be reimbursed.

Smoke damage, water damage, electrical infrastructure damage, and other interior damage caused by extreme heat may be covered under homeowners policies.

Everyone should make safety their first priority. Do not return to your home until authorities allow you to do so. Do not endanger yourself or others to assess damage.

The DOI Consumer Services Team can assist Coloradans with insurance questions, help obtain contact information for insurance companies and agents, and explain how to file a claim. The team can be reached at 303-894-7490 or toll free at 800-930-3745 (outside the Denver metro area). A Post-Disaster Claims Guide and additional information are available at doi.colorado.gov.