Beginning the Fire Insurance Claims Process

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

Your fire insurance policy should cover alternative housing, such as a hotel or a rental home, until such time as repairs can be completed

The First Steps In Filing A Fire Insurance Claim

After the initial response to a fire, fire restoration cannot begin until the homeowner makes an accurate assessment of the expected costs. Contact your insurer to begin the claims process immediately, but keep the following tips in mind to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible in North Bend, WA.

1. Safety and Salvage

Comply with local building and zoning laws to ascertain whether your home is still in livable condition and compliant with relevant fire codes. Your fire insurance policy should cover alternative housing, such as a hotel or a rental home, until such time as repairs can be completed. If there is no immediate risk, then the homeowner should make sure that no further damage is in progress, as this may not be covered by the policy. For example, any water used to suppress the fire should be drained and adjacent surfaces dried. Be especially careful of any exposed wiring or other electrical systems that may have incurred damage.

2. Documentation

The insurance agency will prepare to send and adjuster to validate your claims. You can expedite this process by taking photographs of affected areas and making a detailed list of damaged items. Depending on your coverage, you will likely also need to keep a list of your immediate expenses related to the fire. Do not begin any fire restoration or repairs at this stage.

3. Claims and Repairs

Once the claim has been confirmed and the insurance agency has determined the amount and type of repairs needed, the steps toward restoring your property to its normal condition can begin. For example, a qualified fire cleanup service may begin a smoke cleaning method during which soot and residue are removed from the ceiling and walls.

A prudent fire plan includes not only an adequate insurance policy, but also the required knowledge to get the required fire restoration started. Prevent unnecessary delays by familiarizing yourself with your insurer’s claims process.