Experiencing a house fire can leave homeowners feeling overwhelmed and devastated—and rightfully so. Amidst the clean-up and insurance claims process, it can be a challenging and emotional time. However, knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in the ease of recovery.
Read on to learn what you should and shouldn’t do after a house fire, so that you can piece your life together more quickly and be well prepared to make a successful insurance claim.
House Fire Dos & Don’ts
DO:
Prioritize Safety
In the event of a house, first and foremost, you want to keep you and your family safe. Double and triple-check that the property is stable enough to enter and that there are no immediate hazards—there will likely be weakened floors and precarious structural damage. If possible, wait until the authorities tell you it’s safe to re-enter.
If you do go inside, wear masks, gloves, safety goggles, and sturdy footwear to protect yourself against soot, ash, and other debris. After a fire, there are lots of harmful particles that are dangerous to breathe in or come in contact with.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Although it may not be the first thing you want to do after a house fire, you should tell your insurance company right away. The sooner you report it, the sooner you can get on with debris removal and repairs. Be prepared to provide them with a detailed account of the events leading up to the fire, such as the day, time, and weather conditions, as well as details about what happened during the fire.
Document Everything
You’re going to want to document EVERYTHING. Take extensive photographs and videos of each affected area, making sure to thoroughly and accurately capture the extent of the fire damage. Document any valuable items that may have been lost or destroyed, locating the original costs of said items if possible. (This will help further the validity of your insurance claim.)
Additionally, any time you speak with an adjuster, agent, or anyone else about your policy, your coverage, or the meaning of any wording in your policy, make sure to get everything in writing. This will allow you to hold your insurance company accountable for the things they are saying.
Secure the Property
Take necessary measures to secure your property and prevent further damage. Your insurance policy may require you to mitigate additional losses, so consider boarding up broken windows, covering damaged roofs, and protecting the property from weather elements. You may need to hire a qualified board-up/mitigation contractor to help. Keep records of these temporary repairs and receipts for expenses, as they can be reimbursed as part of your claim.
Get Contractor Recommendations
Get recommendations from friends and family for contractors they’ve worked with and trust, or read reviews online. Once you’ve selected a pool of contractors, interview them and ask for free estimates on damages or restorations before picking one. This is one thing you don’t want to be casual about, because you want these damages to be taken care of in a professional, long-lasting, and timely manner.
Work with a Public Adjuster
Consider hiring a reputable public adjuster to advocate on your behalf during the insurance claim process. A skilled public adjuster can help ensure you receive a fair settlement from your insurance company and navigate the complexities of the claims process. They can also handle the paperwork, negotiate with the insurance company, and provide expert guidance, which can be invaluable during this stressful time.
DON’T:
Don’t Delay Contacting Insurance
Do not put off reporting the loss to your insurance company or carrying out any obligations required by your homeowner’s insurance policy. In fact, you should contact your insurance as soon as possible—even before touching any debris.
The longer you wait to report, the harder it may be to get a claim processed and accepted. There may also be a legal obligation within your insurance policy that requires you to report within a certain timeline. Most insurance companies allow you to file a claim up to a year after, but make sure to double-check your policy. If you miss the deadline, you will be held financially liable for everything.
Don’t Discard Damaged Items
Resist the urge to throw away damaged items immediately after the fire. Your insurance company may want to inspect the items or assess the extent of the damage before processing your claim. Take photos and videos of the damaged belongings as evidence for your insurance claim.
Once everything has been approved by your insurance company, then you can start removing debris. While the debris may not seem severe enough to require enlisting outside help, don’t do it alone. Regardless of the amount, you should still consider getting a professional who has experience in fire debris removal.
Don’t Let Contractors Start Right Away
Don’t just accept the contractors your insurance adjuster suggests! You are not required to use their recommendations and can pick your own. Insurance companies frequently have a working connection with pre-approved contractors, who will carry out repairs in accordance with the adjuster’s estimate. This means they’re working on behalf of the insurance company, not you, and that can make it more difficult for you to get your house fixed up the way you want.
Don’t Rush into Settlements
Avoid rushing into accepting the first settlement offer from your insurance company, especially if you think it might not adequately cover all your losses. Take your time to assess the full extent of the damage, including hidden damage that may not be immediately apparent. If you’re uncertain about the settlement, consult with a public adjuster or legal counsel.
Don’t Overlook Additional Living Expenses
If your home is uninhabitable after the fire, your insurance policy may cover additional living expenses (ALE). ALE helps you with the costs of temporary accommodation, meals, and other necessary expenses while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. Remember to keep all receipts and records of these expenses to include in your claim.
Don’t Attempt to Clean Everything Yourself
While it’s natural to want to clean up and salvage what you can after a fire, avoid trying to clean heavily damaged items yourself. Soot, smoke, and other residues can be toxic, and improper cleaning techniques could worsen the damage or threaten your health. Leave the cleaning and restoration of valuable items to professionals who have the expertise and equipment to handle the job safely and effectively.
Contact Fortitude For Help After a House Fire
At Fortitude Public Adjusters, we’re here to get you the coverage and settlement you deserve. Don’t let insurance companies walk away with money in their pockets while you struggle to recover after a house fire. Contact Fortitude Public Adjusters today for a free consultation to understand how we can help you out with a fire claim.
