Experiencing a house fire can be a devastating and overwhelming event. Once the flames are extinguished, the process of rebuilding and recovering begins, starting with the removal of fire debris.
Proper debris removal is crucial to ensure safety, prevent further damage, and pave the way for the restoration of your home. In this blog, we will walk you through the steps of handling house fire debris removal and the claims process.
What To Do After a Fire
Prioritize Safety
Before embarking on any fire debris removal activities, prioritize safety. Make sure you and your family are safe and that there isn’t a risk of another fire taking place. Make sure the property is structurally stable and that there are no immediate hazards present.
Soot, debris, and ash are all hazardous materials that should be taken seriously. Exposure to these materials can lead to long-term health and safety issues. Therefore, if these materials are heavily present, please wait until the fire department tells you it is safe to enter. It is advisable to wear protective gear, such as gloves, masks, and sturdy footwear, to safeguard yourself from potential risks.
Report & Document Damage Before Removal
Before any debris is cleared, contact your insurance company asap! The sooner you report the fire, the sooner you can hire contractors to remove debris. But wait! Prior to moving or touching any debris, it is crucial that you thoroughly document the damage.
Take extensive photographs and videos of each affected area, ensuring to capture the extent of the fire damage and any valuable items that may have been lost or damaged. This documentation will be valuable when filing your insurance claim.
Documenting Debris Removal Expenses
Under the terms of your insurance, you are most likely responsible for removing debris. Therefore, you should hire a contractor or a restoration business to clear the debris. In such cases, insurance companies will, to a certain extent, pay the costs of the debris clean-up.
Keep detailed records of all expenses incurred during the debris removal process. This includes costs related to professional services, equipment rental, waste disposal, and any additional expenses associated with the removal and cleanup efforts. These documented expenses will be essential for your insurance claim.
Don’t Do it Alone
Consider enlisting the help of professionals experienced in fire debris removal. They have the expertise, equipment, and knowledge to handle the process efficiently and safely. Seek recommendations from your insurance company, local fire department, or reputable restoration companies.
How Much Will Insurance Cover for Fire Debris Removal?
In most cases, after a house fire, the expense of clearing the debris is covered by homeowners insurance. However, most policies have limits on debris removal costs.
For instance, a policy may restrict the amount of a claim’s payment to a certain percentage. The insurer will therefore cover up to $5,000 in debris cleanup charges if a policy had a 10% limit and the claim was for $50,000 in damages.
Another example of policy limits might include additional coverage for debris removal. That would be the $10,000 in additional coverage however, this specific coverage comes in the form of a rider to your policy. The homeowner would consequently be required to pay a higher premium for that coverage. Make sure you clearly understand what you are required to pay for before contacting any contractors.
Consult with Professionals for Claims Assistance
Dealing with any insurance claims can be a hassle. Insurance companies don’t always make the process easy to understand. In this case, you are entitled to consult with a public adjuster to help you with your claims process!
Utilizing the services of a public adjuster can greatly benefit you during the debris removal and claims process. Here at Fortitude Public Adjusters, we are here to help streamline the claims process and ensure your rights as a policyholder are protected. Our licensed professionals work on behalf of policyholders to navigate the complexities of insurance claims. They possess expertise in assessing damages, estimating costs, and negotiating with insurance companies, ultimately maximizing your claim settlement.
Maintain open and consistent communication with your public adjuster throughout the debris removal and claims process. Provide them with all necessary documentation, including photographs, videos, receipts, and any relevant reports from the debris removal professionals.
If you need help with your claims process or are worried that you aren’t receiving fair treatment during this process, contact us today to ease your mind.
