As the Hawk Fire continues to threaten homes and families in Washoe County, the Nevada Division of Insurance (Division) is offering on‑site insurance assistance to help residents navigate the recovery process. Division representatives will be available to answer questions about filing insurance claims, documenting home inventories, understanding additional living expenses, and the steps involved in recovering from wildfire damage.

The Division will be stationed at Lowe’s (1355 Scheels Dr., Sparks, NV 89434) from Noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26. Farmers Insurance will also have agents on site to help policyholders file claims, review policies, and access support.

“The Division is keeping residents affected by the fires in our thoughts. It’s important for consumers to have in‑person interactions during such a stressful time,” said Commissioner Ned Gaines. “As we continue to monitor the situation, the Division reminds Nevadans that we are a resource to answer questions and provide guidance on the next steps in the recovery process. I want to thank the insurers who have taken the initiative to have staff on the ground, locally, to support their policyholders.”

Several insurance companies in the area are also providing support to policyholders affected by the Hawk Fire, as well as the recent Bug, Fred Mountain, and Stallion fires. American Family Insurance will be assisting residents at the Home Depot (5125 Summit Ridge Ct., Reno, NV 89523) beginning Thursday, August 27, at noon. Division representatives will also be onsite from noon to 5 p.m. to guide consumers through insurance questions and recovery steps.

CSAA is helping affected residents at two AAA locations: Reno (6795 S. Virginia Street, Suite D) and Sparks (1360 Scheels Drive, Suite 120). Allstate and State Farm are asking their impacted policyholders to contact their agents directly to begin the claims process.

Insureds impacted by a fire evacuation may be entitled to cost reimbursement from their insurance company for loss of use and additional living expenses. Some insurance companies place customers in temporary housing/hotel with food allowance. Policies have specific terms and conditions, and coverage is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may have a specific coverage sublimit. Insureds are encouraged to save receipts or records of transactions for evacuation-related expenses if they plan to file a claim.

As evacuation orders decrease, insureds should review their policy and contact their insurance agent or insurance company before filing a claim. You should also check with your policy for smoke damage or damage to your vehicle If they experience issues filing a claim or need help navigating the process, consumers are encouraged to attempt to resolve any issues with their insurance agent and/or insurance company by working with them directly or contacting the Division to file a formal complaint.  

If you have been affected by wildfire, visit this link for guidance during the recovery phase. https://doi.nv.gov/

Understanding Home Insurance:

For more information about Home Insurance, read the Nevada Consumer's Guide to Home Insurance at https://doi.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/doinvgov/_public-documents/News-Notes/CG%20to%20Home%20Insurance%202026.pdf

 To better understand your insurance policy, read How to Read Your Policy at https://doi.nv.gov/Consumers/Homeowners-Insurance/Read-Your-Policy/.

 Prepare a Home Inventory. The Division of Insurance recommends that you create a home inventory to help you decide on the type and amount of home insurance you need and to expedite the claims process in the event of a loss. Learn more about preparing a home inventory at https://doi.nv.gov/Consumers/Homeowners-Insurance/Home-Inventory/.   

 The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers free resources to help homeowners and renters create their inventory. You can download the free NAIC Home Inventory app for iPhone at the App Store and Android on Google Play.

Contact Us:

Carson City office: 
Phone: (775) 687-0700 |     Fax: (775) 687-0787
Consumer Compliance & Licensing Fax: (775) 687-0797
1818 E. College Pkwy., Suite 103
Carson City, NV 89706 

Las Vegas office: 
Phone: (702) 486-4009 |     Fax: (702) 486-4007
3300 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 275
Las Vegas, NV 89102  

Call Toll-free: (888) 872-3234 
Email: insinfo@doi.nv.gov

About the Nevada Division of Insurance:

The Nevada Division of Insurance regulates Nevada’s $30 billion insurance industry and protects the rights of Nevada consumers. The Division provides oversight of insurance companies, producers, and related entities; enforces insurance laws and regulations; and offers consumer assistance, education, and outreach programs to help Nevadans make informed insurance decisions.

The mission of the Nevada Division of Insurance is to protect Nevadans by ensuring a fair, stable insurance market and empowering consumers through education and support. For more information about the Division of Insurance, visit DOI.NV.GOV or follow the Division on X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube.