Losing your home or having your treasured belongings destroyed in a fire is devastating. Fires have become a more prevalent threat, particularly in regions like California. The property damage caused by these fires has grown at an alarming rate. In fact, between the years of 2009 and 2018, there was a 90.6 percent increase in dollars lost as the direct result of fires. As a result of fire damage, homeowners who face the harsh reality of damaged or destroyed property are looking to their fire insurance policies for relief. These homeowners have been with varying levels of success. As a result of this unprecedented fire-related property damage increase, some insurance companies have attempted to “cut corners” on fire insurance claims. If filed correctly, a fire insurance claim will reimburse a policyholder for the losses they suffered because of the fire, helping them get back on their feet. To learn more about how a fire insurance claim works and how to ensure your claim is successful, continue reading.
Request An Advance Against Your Ultimate Fire Insurance Claim
If you were forced to evacuate your home because of a fire, chances are, you did not have the opportunity to grab your daily essentials, such as toiletries or clothes. Your insurance policy will generally cover these expenses. You do not have to file and have a claim approved before you can head to your local pharmacy to purchase your necessary toiletries or the mall to pick up clothing to wear to work or school. Rather, you should ask your insurance company for an advance against your eventual claim. From there, ask a representative of your insurance company to provide you with a check. Remember to save the receipts for everything you buy and to keep your purchases to a “reasonable” price.
Keep A List Of Everything That Has Been Damaged, Lost, Or Destroyed
You should create a list of everything that has been damaged, lost, or destroyed in the fire as soon as possible. By starting the list as quickly as possible, the items will still be fresh in your mind, and you are less likely to forget something; waiting until you file your proof of loss claim is almost a guarantee to forget at least a handful of beloved items. If you are running into a roadblock, ask friends and family to look over your list to see if you missed anything. If you have damaged belongings, as tempting as it might be, do NOT throw them out. It will be easier for you down the line if you can just hold out your scorched cherished cashmere sweater as proof. If you throw an item away, your insurance company could refuse to compensate you.
Document Your Living Expenses
Insurance policies usually include a “loss of use” clause. A “loss of use” clause provides that the insurance company will reimburse you for the living expenses you incur while you are displaced from your fire-damaged home. However, this is NOT the time to rent out your dream mansion, as the clause generally provides that you are entitled to the difference between your costs incurred while displaced and the cost of living in your home.
Be Sure To File Your Fire Claim In A Timely Manner
Many insurance policies require policyholders to report their loss “as soon as possible.” You can file your claim by reaching out to your agent or your insurance company’s claims department. From there, your insurance company will likely require you to submit a proof of loss claim. A proof of loss claim includes a list of all the items you lost and their value. Failure to file your claim promptly may jeopardize your claim, potentially leading to claim denial. Separately, if multiple homeowners were impacted by the fire, filing your fire in an untimely manner could lead to your claim sitting in the last place. It is always best to file your fire claim promptly.
The claims process is arduous and complicated, with innumerable phone calls, emails, letters, faxes, and documents. It can be overwhelming for even the most organized individuals. Hope Public Adjusters can help you keep track of and manage all of the documents and communications.
