Experiencing a fire in your home or business can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. Dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the insurance claim process. In this blog, we will address some frequently asked questions about fire damage insurance claims to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and how to get your claim agreed fairly and completely.
What should I do immediately after a fire?
The first priority after a fire is to ensure everyone’s safety and contact the necessary emergency services. Once the fire is extinguished, you should contact your insurance company to report the incident and initiate the claim process. It is important to document the damage by taking photographs and making a detailed inventory of the affected items. Here’s a more in-depth guide to the steps you should take:
Ensure safety
The safety of you and your loved ones is the top priority after a fire. If you haven’t already done so, evacuate the premises and call emergency services to report the fire. Do not re-enter your home until it has been deemed safe by the fire department or relevant authorities. They will assess the structural integrity and safety hazards before allowing you to return. If you move into alternative accommodation, keep a record of the date moved in and all bills not only for the accommodation itself but also for travel and other expenses.
Contact your insurance company
Once you have ensured everyone’s safety, the next step is to contact your insurance company. Notify them about the fire and initiate the claim process. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the date, time, and location of the fire. Be prepared to answer questions regarding the extent of the damage and any injuries sustained.
Document the damage
It is crucial to document the damage caused by the fire thoroughly. Take photographs or videos of each room and all affected areas before any cleanup or repairs begin. These visual records will serve as evidence for your insurance claim and help ensure you receive a fair settlement of your insurance claim. Additionally, make a detailed inventory of damaged items, including their approximate value, to facilitate the claims process.
Secure the property
After a fire, your home may be vulnerable to further damage or theft. Secure the property by boarding up broken windows, reinforcing damaged doors, and taking steps to prevent unauthorised entry. If necessary, contact a professional restoration company to provide temporary measures to protect your property until repairs can be made. Arrange for electrics to be made safe.
Contact a restoration company
Engage the services of a reputable restoration company as soon as possible. They will have the expertise and equipment to assess the damage, mitigate further losses, and begin the restoration process. Restoration professionals can also help with cleaning up soot, removing smoke odour, and salvaging any salvageable belongings.
Notify utility providers
Contact your utility providers, such as gas, electricity, and water, to inform them about the fire and request temporary disconnection if necessary. This will prevent any further damage or accidents due to compromised utility lines. Once the property is deemed safe for re-entry, arrange for the reconnection of utilities. Contact the council and explain that you have had a fire and that, if the property is uninhabitable, to make the appropriate adjustments to your council tax bills.
Secure important documents
If your important documents, such as identification cards, passports, or legal papers, were damaged in the fire, take steps to secure replacements. Contact the relevant authorities or institutions to obtain new copies. It is also advisable to make digital copies of important documents and store them securely in the cloud or a safe location to prevent future loss.
Seek emotional support
Experiencing a fire can be emotionally distressing. Reach out to family, friends, or support groups to share your feelings and seek emotional support. Consider counselling or therapy if you find it difficult to cope with the aftermath of the fire. Remember, taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as the physical recovery process.
What does fire damage insurance cover?
Fire insurance typically covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your property, replacing damaged contents, and additional living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate. It may also cover damage caused by smoke, water used to extinguish the fire, and related costs such as debris removal. However, coverage varies depending on your policy, so it is essential to review your policy documents and consult with your insurance agent to understand the specifics. Check your policy for endorsements, which are things you need to have been doing to maintain the safety, good condition and integrity of your property as owner.
How long do I have to file a fire damage insurance claim?
Most insurance policies require you to report a fire and file a claim promptly. It is crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues with your claim. Delays in reporting the incident may result in the denial or reduction of your claim.
Can I hire a loss assessor to handle my fire damage insurance claim?
Yes, hiring a loss assessor can be beneficial, especially if you are unfamiliar with the insurance claim process or feel overwhelmed by the documentation, needed, the gathering of builders quotes and the negotiations with insurers. Loss assessors work on your behalf to assess the damage, estimate the value of your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company. They can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses, but it is essential to research and hire a reputable firm. One of the disadvantages of traditional loss assessors is that they will negotiate a settlement, but then leave you to arrange and carry out the building repairs directly with builders and assume all of the hassle and risk that entails. Companies like All Property Claims are different because we do all of your repairs for you without any cash outlay from your side as all the bills go directly to your insurance company.
How is the value of my fire damage claim determined?
The value of your fire damage claim is determined by assessing the extent of the damage to your property and belongings. Insurance loss adjusters or loss assessors will evaluate the structural damage, cost of repairs or rebuilding, replacement value of damaged contents, and additional living expenses which may be required. It is crucial to provide accurate documentation, including photographs, receipts, and estimates, to support your claim.
What if the insurance company denies my fire damage claim?
If your fire damage claim is denied, you have the right to complain – in the first instance to the complaints department of the insurance company, but then afterwards, if there is no agreement, to refer the matter to the financial ombudsman service. Review your policy, gather any additional evidence that supports your claim, and present a well-documented complaint to your insurance company if you are in the situation.
Can I start repairs before the insurance claim is settled?
It is generally recommended to wait for your insurance company’s approval before starting any repairs. However, in some cases, emergency repairs may be necessary to prevent further damage or ensure the safety of your property and/ or mitigate further damage. Consult with your insurance company and document all repairs and associated costs to be included in your claim.
How long does the fire damage insurance claim process take?
The duration of the fire damage insurance claim process varies depending on the complexity of the claim, the extent of the damage, and the cooperation of all parties involved. Simple claims may be resolved within a few weeks, while more complex cases can take several months. Maintaining open communication with your insurance company and promptly providing any requested documentation can help expedite the process.
How can I get my fire damage insurance claim settled at the correct monetary level?
To correctly settle your fire damage insurance claim, it is crucial to thoroughly document all damages and losses. Take photographs, keep receipts of repairs and replacements, and maintain a detailed inventory of damaged items. Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage, and consult with professionals, such as surveyors and loss assessors to ensure accurate assessments and estimates. Additionally, keep records of any additional expenses incurred due to the fire, such as temporary accommodation or storage costs.
Turn to an insurance claims management company you can trust
At All Property Claims, we hold your hand from professionally assessing the damage (not just what you can see) right through to negotiating all of the required works with your insurer and doing all of the restoration and building work ourselves.
People come to us because they need all these three things. We provide a very detailed assessment which includes absolutely everything from specifying cleaning and restoration work, electrical work, electrical re-cabling, plumbing and central heating checks and repairs, assessment of structural damage such as floor and ceiling joists, full specifications for the replacement of floors, joinery and woodwork, specification and building out of kitchens, bathrooms, replacement of plasterboard ceilings, renders and plasters work, decorative cornices, wallpaper finishes, and decoration. In short, we can specify how to put a home back to its pre-loss condition starting from scratch.
Not all fire incidents need all of this but if it’s needed we can do it. We don’t just do large fire claims, we will consider every type of fire claim – so get in touch today to see what we can do for you. And remember, unlike traditional loss assessors not only will we negotiate a settlement of your claim, but we will carry out all of the repairs and project manage them to your complete satisfaction without any fee for the service.