USAA Helping Members Impacted by the Los Angeles Fires

To our members affected by the California fires: We understand the challenges you're facing. As a valued member, we have updated resources and support to help you and your family recover and rebuild.

Q: What’s the first thing I should consider before deciding to rebuild?

A: Safety and stability should be considered. Make sure your land is safe for rebuilding and that you have received clearance from local authorities. You'll also want to assess whether the area is likely to experience future wildfires and what new building codes or restrictions may apply.

The 2026 CA Building Codes are expected to introduce significant changes, including stricter fire safety measures.


Q: Can I build a more resilient home next time?

A: Yes. Watch our webinar with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) which outlines options that can make your home more resilient utilizing the IBHS CA Wildfire Prepared Plus designation.

California’s fire-safe building codes give you the opportunity to rebuild your home with resiliency. You can utilize fire-resistant materials such as concrete, specialized siding, and tempered glass. Modern safety features include sprinkler systems, defensible landscaping, and ember resistant vents. This California Building Code Chapter 7A and the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Plus program document (download on right) outlines the subtle, yet important distinctions between their wildfire safety provisions. These differences can add additional costs that should be considered and discussed with your contractor.


If you rebuild on your own property:

• Proposition 13: Generally, you can keep your original tax base if you rebuild on the same site within 5 years. Consult a tax advisor.
• Rebuilding Larger: A significantly larger home may be partially reassessed.
• Temporary Tax Relief: Apply for property tax relief through your county assessor which may be available for a temporary reduction until rebuilding is complete.
• Contact Your County Assessor: File "Calamity Relief" and/or "Base Year Value Transfer" forms.
• Consult Professionals: Get advice from tax advisors, real estate attorneys, and financial advisors.

If Rebuilding: Hire a contractor, architect, builder, or design-build firm (expect delays). Understand fire-resistant measures to consider for your new home.

Tax considerations if you sell and buy elsewhere:

• Proposition 19: You may be able to transfer your property tax base to a new home in California depending on a number of factors, such as: 
  • Were you impacted by a declared natural disaster?
  • Will you buy or build within 2 years of the sale?
  • Have you transferred your tax base no more than 3 times?
  • Caution:  If the new home is more expensive, the difference will be added to your tax base.
• Capital Gains: You may owe capital gains tax when selling, but exceptions may apply.
• Mello-Roos: Be aware of Mello-Roos tax in some areas, as they increase property taxes.
• Contact Your County Assessor: File "Calamity Relief" and/or "Base Year Value Transfer" forms.
• Consult Professionals: Get advice from tax advisors, real estate attorneys, and financial advisors.
• If Buying:
  • Find a good team of real estate agent, loan officer, home inspector, appraiser and title company.
  • Understand the perils and risks associated with the home you are buying

Get an idea of how strong is your home?

Understanding that everyone’s circumstances are unique, we’ve provided a few steps to consider when deciding whether to rebuild, buy or relocate Carefully consider these points:

• Seek Expert Advice: Consult with a tax advisor, real estate attorney, and financial advisor to create the best plan for you and your personal financial and tax situation.
• Consult with professionals: Consult with professionals such as verified contractors and real-estate agents.
• Be wary of scams: Be wary of unsolicited offers, verify credentials, don’t pay large sums upfront for services, and protect your information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers and personal information.
• Work with your tax advisor to understand property taxes: Proposition 13 and Proposition 19 have significantly changed property taxation in California. These can impact your decision to rebuild or buy a new home and relocate.

Q: How long does rebuilding usually take compared to buying a new home?

A: Buying is generally faster. Rebuilding can take 1-3 years (or longer based on demand on contractors and materials). For your area in California, this timeline could be extended. If time is a major concern, purchasing a home may be more appealing. 


Q: Is it more affordable to rebuild or buy a new home elsewhere?

A: Comparing rebuilding and buying costs depends on insurance, construction expenses, and local housing prices. Shortages can raise rebuilding costs, and fire-resistant retrofitting can add unexpected expenses to a new home. Here are some things to consider:

• Compare the California Building Code Chapter 7A and the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Plus program document to understand the subtle, yet important distinctions between their wildfire safety provisions.

• Building to the IBHS CA Wildfire Prepared Plus standard can add approximately less than 10% to the cost when compared to standard building code. 

• Understand the options if you choose to buy but want to retrofit a home for wildfire resistance.


Q: What are the emotional factors I should consider?

A: Many families choose to rebuild because their land and community hold emotional value. Others may feel too traumatized to return and prefer a fresh start. Both paths are valid—consider your family's emotional readiness and the support systems available.


Q: What if I can’t decide now? 

A: That's okay. Take your time. We understand. This is an important decision, and it's understandable if you need some time to consider your options. To help us understand how to best support you as you move forward with your claim, and to determine any applicable Additional Living Expenses (ALE), please keep us updated on your progress as you consult with contractors, financial advisors, or other relevant professionals.

Remember, you're not alone. Many resources and organizations are here to help you and your communities recover and rebuild.

Military Relief Societies

• Army Emergency Relief
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
• Air Force Aid Society
• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
• National Guard Relief Foundation

Resources

• USAA Wildfire Help Page: Steps to take if you've been impacted by wildfire
• CA.gov/LAfires: The primary website for accessing California state resources related to wildfires, including information on FEMA assistance, housing options, and local support services.
• usa.gov/california-wildfires:USA.gov helps you locate and understand government benefits, programs, and information.
• Prepare and Protect Your Home from Wildfire to understand critical prep when it comes to protecting your home from wildfire.
• FEMA Disaster Assistance:Register for federal disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
• Red Cross:Contact the American Red Cross for emergency shelters, food, and emotional support. 
• California Department of Social Services:Provides disaster assistance through the State Supplemental Grant Program (SSGP) and Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP).
• California Employment Development Department:Offers unemployment assistance to those impacted by wildfire job losses.
• 211 LA:Local resource hotline to find immediate support like temporary housing and shelter options.
• Crisis Text Line:Text "HOME" to 741741 for free, confidential mental health support.

NC 082025
Last updated Aug 14, 2025