Most people's homes serve as both their largest financial investment and a refuge from the outside world. Unfortunately, house fires are extremely common due to cooking, heating/electrical systems, open flames from candles, and appliances.
Our public adjusters at Liberty Adjusters discuss how to properly file a residential fire claim so you can get the settlement that you deserve.
After a House Fire
Whether a house fire is small or large, we know they feel devastating. Your family can suffer injury, property damage, and temporary displacement. To make it worse, the property insurance claims process can be complicated since policyholders have to provide the insurance company with “proof of loss.”
Follow the following tips after a house fire:
Take Photographs of Property Damage
Photos are crucial since they allow you to demonstrate the severity of the fire's destruction. Take pictures of your damaged home (inside and out) and all damaged personal belongings as soon as it's safe to do so.
Mitigate Further Damage
To help mitigate further property damage:
Board up or put a trap over all openings to the exterior.
Turn off the main water pipes.
Turn off the electrical power.
Extract any standing water left from putting the fire out.
Remove all wet carpeting, furniture, and possessions to prevent mold growth and further damage.
Every insurance policy will require the policyholder to act to mitigate or minimize the damage suffered because of a house fire. Keep in mind that mitigating further damage to your property may require the services of a licensed restoration or mitigation company to properly dry out and clean your home.
Check for Hidden Damage
In addition to obvious damage like destroyed furniture or shattered windows, fires can also leave concealed damage above the ceiling, underneath the flooring, and behind the walls.
A fire-damaged house might also have underlying water damage due to the water used by the firefighters to stop the fire. It is this hidden damage that is the most troublesome to find, document, and fix.
Having a professional loss adjuster come to inspect both visible and hidden areas in your home can help make sure that all fire-related damage is accounted for and fixed.
What’s Covered by Insurance?
Insurance policies differ concerning the valuation of the fire-damaged property. Some might cover the Replacement Value, while others may only cover the Depreciated Value. There might also be limitations on specific types of property, so it is wise to read your insurance policy carefully to ensure that you understand what is covered.
Many policies will apply the deductible for the policy before any settlement is received by the policyholder. You may have to pay for temporary living expenses until your insurance company makes a claim payment.
Not sure what damages are covered by your insurance company? Call our public adjusters at Liberty Adjusters, and we will help you determine what is covered and place a claim with your insurance company. Call today—813-922-5129!
Hire Your Own Experts
You have the right to hire experts including restoration contractors, architects, engineers, and public adjusters throughout the claims process.
These licensed professionals will handle all the tedious details when submitting a property insurance claim so you can focus on caring for your family.
Avoid Fraud After a Fire
Be prepared for a flurry of sales calls from contractors, roofers, and other restoration professionals. Before hiring somebody, confirm the necessary licenses and get references.
Also, restoration workers such as roofers, contractors, or fire restoration specialists are not licensed to handle insurance claims on your behalf. Only a licensed public adjuster can do that.
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Fire Damage? Call Liberty Adjusters
As public adjusters, we represent you, the policyholder, not the insurance company.
Having a reputable public adjuster on your side will ensure that your fire damage claim is prepared and filed correctly. We’ll also work diligently to ensure the settlement offered to you is consistent with the terms of your insurance coverage.
We are your advocate and will interact directly with the insurance company and their adjusters at any point of your fire damage claim. Get justice for your Tampa Bay area property and file a claim with Liberty Adjusters. Call today—813-922-5129 or submit a claim online!