Top Five Tips on Filing a Fire Damage Claim

A house fire is one of the most terrifying situations a homeowner can face. It can cause physical, psychological, and financial issues that can last a lifetime. Between 2017-2019, the U.S. Fire Administration reports that there were 368,500 residential building fires each year, causing 2,770 deaths, 11,650 injuries, and $8.1 billion in property damage[1]. The top causes of home fires were cooking, heating, electrical, smoking, and candles[2]. If you have been the victim of a home fire, following are five tips for filing a fire damage claim with your homeowners insurance company:

1. Know your coverage.

Carefully read your policy to understand your coverage limits. This should include coverage for your dwelling, possessions, as well as living expenses if you need to find temporary housing.

2. Keep the damage as intact as possible until the insurance company adjuster arrives.

The adjuster needs to understand the full scope of the damage to ensure that you receive the maximum offer possible from the insurance company. As such, take any necessary steps to prevent future damage, such as boarding up broken windows or doors, but do not make any permanent fixes until the insurance company gives you permission. Similarly, do not begin any cleanup efforts until after the adjuster arrives.

3. Inspect the entire house for damage.

Even if the fire was confined to one area of the home, you could still have smoke damage, water damage from the firefighters, or chemical damage from fire extinguishers in other areas of the home. These areas and items in these areas that are damaged should be included in your claim.

4. Keep all receipts.

Depending on the extent of the fire, you may need to move to a temporary dwelling, such as a hotel or apartment, while your home is being restored or rebuilt. Keep all receipts for hotels, food, clothing, and personal items. Your insurance company should reimburse you for these temporary living expenses.

5. Contact a public adjuster to provide professional assistance.

The insurance company has a professional adjuster who works for them to evaluate your damage and make a recommendation on the value of your claim. With so much at stake, you deserve to have a professional adjuster who is working for you. At UCS, we will develop a detailed inspection report with line-item repair / replacement costs, file your claim for you, and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to make sure you receive the maximum possible offer for your damages. A house fire can damage your life. Let UCS help to repair and rebuild it.

When you have damage to your home or business, it can be daunting.  Dealing with your insurance company can be incredibly stressful.  Do not let your inexperience dealing with the insurance company cost you time and money!  Our team at United Claims Specialists is here to provide you with the best service so you get the highest settlement for your claim.

United Claims Specialists has a team of experienced, dedicated, and professional public adjusters who work for you to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve when your property or business has property damage.  We work on both residential and commercial claims and will make sure that your loss is handled quickly and properly and that you get the highest settlement possible.

With offices throughout Florida, New York and New Jersey, United Claims Specialists have helped thousands of home and business owners around the country.  Contact us today so we can help you.

UNITED CLAIMS SPECIALISTS

855-321.LOSS (5677)

claims@ucspa.com

[1] U.S. Fire Administration. Residential Building Fires (2017-2019) (fema.gov) Accessed June 25, 2021.

[2] National Fire Protection Association. Top fire causes (nfpa.org). Accessed June 25, 2021.