What you should know before filing a fire damage claim

Having a house fire is a devastating event. In addition to all of the damage that the fire caused, the smoke and water used to put out the fire caused even more damage to your home and personal belongings. Sadly, making a fire damage insurance claim can add to the frustration.

Things To Know About Your Insurance Claim For Fire Damage

Once the chaos of the fire is over, the next thing you will have to do is make a fire insurance claim. Dealing with homeowners insurance after fire loss can be a long and frustrating process if not managed correctly. We suggest that you use some of these tips to help with the fire claim.

1. Notify The Insurance Company immediately

It may not be the first thing on your mind after a fire to call the insurance company, but it is crucial to call them as soon as possible. The sooner that you get the process started, the faster you can start putting your life back together. The company will then schedule an adjuster to come to your home.

2. Get A Camera and Notepad

The first thing that you want to do is be prepared to record all of the personal items that you lost in the fire. It helps to have a notepad handy and a camera so that you can document everything as you sort through the mess.

If you are bagging the stuff up to be thrown away, you are advised to stack these items up so the insurance adjuster can physically see the items if there is a question. You can throw them away at a later time. Of course, if it is perishable items, just take the photos and throw out the items.

3. Secure Your Property

Your house fire insurance can be affected if you do not secure the property from further damage. The company can state that a lot of the damage happened after the fire because it was not protected. This way, they can reduce the value of your claim.

4. Document Everything

When you are making a total loss fire claim, you want to make sure that you document everything and save all of your receipts. Even if the house is not a total loss, you need to document everything, including the costs associated with you living somewhere else while your home is being repaired or replaced.

5. Don’t Settle Quickly With The Insurance Company

Insurance companies will try to push for a fast settlement. This is not in your best interest. Make sure that you know the true extent of the damages and your losses before you agree to a settlement.

How To Deal With Insurance Adjuster After A House Fire

The most important thing to remember when you are making a fire claim or a smoke damage insurance claim is to document everything.

In addition to documenting your losses and expenses, you will also want to document who you spoke to about your claim, when you spoke with them, and what was talked about. Document when you provide information or any other items to the insurance company. Document dates you receive any letters from them. For the best possible outcome, you want to have a detailed paper trail of the entire claim.

Work With An Insurance Claims Attorney For The Best Results

It may be in your best interest to work with an insurance claims attorney when you are making a fire damage claim. We can provide you with many fire insurance claims examples that we have been able to achieve for our clients. Sometimes it is just better to let an attorney manage an insurance claim situation.

You have already experienced a major loss. Your life has been turned inside out. It is easy to understand how the insurance company can convince you to take a settlement that is valued much less than what you have actually lost.

Let someone who is experienced with homeowners insurance fire claims represent your case. This will allow you to focus on the more important things right now, like rebuilding your life.

If you suffered fire damage and need help with an insurance claim, contact the property damage attorneys at Landau Law today for a free case consultation. Contact us today!