Fire accidents can happen at any time. A fire on your private or commercial property can lead to immeasurable losses. The losses are even worse if you do not have fire insurance.
Making fire damage claims can be an exhausting process. For this reason, you need an insurance company that will make the process swift. No matter the company you have filed insurance with, knowledge of how to file claims is essential. Below are five things to know about fire disaster claims.
1. Notify Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible
Calling your insurance provider immediately after your house has gone up in flames won’t be your first reaction. However, you need to notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. The insurance company will require you to file a Proof of Loss. The list on the Proof of Loss page includes:
Description of lost items
The date of the fire
The type of fire
Any need for temporary repairs
All injuries caused by the fire
Details of co-owner of the property
2. Save All Your Receipts
If the fire has totally damaged your possessions, you will require a temporary place to stay. The receipts of all the items you have spent on repairs or temporary housing will come in handy during reimbursement.
If possible, take pictures and videos of all losses caused by the fire. They will serve as evidence when you are claiming reimbursement.
3. Make a List of All Lost Items
Your insurance provider may not reimburse you immediately after a fire. However, you need to note down all items that the fire has destroyed.
Gather your family members or business associates, depending on the property destroyed by the fire, and go over the list.
The longer you take before writing down the list, the more likely you will forget some things. Do not discard anything destroyed by the fire. Every item in your home after a fire serves as evidence.
4. Get Estimates of the Repairs
While making a list of all items lost in the fire, you will need an estimate of the losses. The estimate does not have to be exact, just something close to all you’ve lost.
Ensure you include the estimate of what you will pay builders and contractors. The estimate will help you figure out what you will get from the insurance company, how much you might need to top up, and how you plan to replace your property.
5. Seek Help from an Expert With Fire Damage Claims Experience
After losing your property, you will have a lot to deal with: the shock, emotions, and potential injuries. You will require all the help to get back on your feet.
A professional will help you track all the records required, represent you at the insurance company, and offer advice on handling the process.
In the event of a fire, you will need a professional public adjuster to help you file fire damage claims. Call Capital Adjusting Services at (800) 845-3952 and talk to our licensed public adjusters. We have skills in filing claims for fire, water, roof leaks, mold, hurricane, vandalism, storm, and flood damages. Our primary goal is to help our clients get the highest insurance settlement there is.
Reference:
https://andrewknox.com/5-essential-tips-filing-fire-insurance-claims/