Your homeowner’s insurance is something you think you may never need to use for a claim for fire damage. Fires are sometimes viewed as freak accidents that are rarely likely to occur.
However, when you are a victim of a fire, you realize how serious the situation is and how important it is to have good insurance coverage. A fire can quickly destroy your home and all of its contents, leaving you homeless, stranded and without your necessary and valued possessions.
A fire damage claim can help you recover compensation for your losses. However, if this is your first time filing a claim for fire damage, there are some important things you should know.
File your claim promptly and document everything
Fire your claim as soon as possible after the fire. The insurance claim process can take a while, so by filing your claim right away, you can take care of next steps knowing your claim is already pending.
Having good documentation of all of your damages is crucial. The insurance company is going to want to see detailed evidence of all of your claimed damages.
Documentation by photos and videos is the best type of evidence to have. Take photos and videos of both your home itself and any items that were damaged.
Details are important, as well. Create a thorough and detailed list of damaged items and obtain receipts if you can.
Make any necessary repairs and secure your home
Make any repairs to your home that are necessary to prevent any further damage from occurring.
If your home is destroyed to the point that you cannot stay in it, take security measures, such as putting in video cameras or securing the property through other means. The sad reality is that homes abandoned because of a fire attract thieves or even squatters.
Become familiar with your homeowner’s insurance policy
Examine your homeowner’s insurance policy thoroughly. Some policies allow for an advance on your claim. This is especially helpful if you are forced out of your home and need money to stay somewhere temporarily.
The insurance claim process can be complex and you may face obstacles along the way. An attorney can take care of the details for you, while you focus on rebuilding your life.