House fires can be devastating and scary, but it’s important to ensure you do everything right for your insurance policy to get the settlement you want. This includes documenting your loss to prove damages when making a claim. Although it can be difficult to face your home after a house fire, you need to make sure you get enough evidence that can prove what losses you are dealing with.
Here’s how to document your house fire damages.
Gather pictures
A picture says a thousand words, so take advantage of this and document as much as possible. Take photos immediately after the fire or ask your neighbours if they took any. You can also reach out to the local media if they were present and ask for their copies.
You’ll need to go through and take as many photos as you possibly can of everything that has been damaged. Start at the front door and make sure you include your garden and anything else that may have been damaged.
Here’s what you should do in each room:
- Stand in the doorway and take a picture of the whole room.
- Stand in the centre of the room and go around taking a photo of every part of the room.
- Take individual photos of any light fittings, blinds, ceiling fans etc.
- Finally, take a shot from where you started, pointed out of the room.
Recover your valuables
If you have items in the house that could be retrieved, you should take steps in order to save as many of your valuable items as possible. Reach out to your insurer to let them know this is what you are doing, however, you may need to wait until it is safe and debris has been removed.
Keep documenting
Even after repair and recovery have started, you will still need to document everything that is happening so you have proof of the process. Take photos during construction too so you have evidence and also be aware if your contractors find additional damage.
Do you need help negotiating your insurance settlement after a house fire? All Property Claims are here to assist you with your claim. We will survey and assess your damage and negotiate with your insurer to negotiate a settlement of your claim. For more information, get in touch with our friendly team – we are more than happy to answer any questions.