Fire continues to be a continuing threat to properties, and insurance companies are trying to cut corners on fire insurance claims in order to save money. Since the threat continues to increase, homeowners need to be familiar with how to file a fire insurance claim. There are few experiences more devastating than losing all your belongings and home, so the last thing you need to deal with is your insurance company giving you a hard time about the claim. Here are tips to follow when dealing with fire insurance claims:
- Ask for an advance against your ultimate claim
If dangerous conditions forced you to evacuate, meaning you were unable to grab essentials, don’t panic: call your insurance company and ask that someone bring a check to you, so you’re able to buy necessities. Take care of your needs, but don’t buy frivolous or the most expensive items. The amount you get in advance will be deducted from your final claim. - Make a list of losses; don’t throw anything away
Begin putting together your list of losses immediately so you can remember what was lost to fire. Don’t throw anything away, as the insurance adjuster will want to see these things to include them in the coverage. - File your claim right away and ask the company for immediate action
Most policies require homeowners to file their claims ASAP. Call your agent immediately to get the process started. If you don’t, you could find yourself on the bottom of the list and it could be quite some time before an adjuster reaches you. Since you are acting as quickly as possible, your insurance company will need to do the same. If you find they are taking too long to get in touch with you, let them know you will get in touch with the appropriate state officials, and this should prompt them to act. - Secure your property
Your insurance company will require you to take reasonable care of your property, so you need to do everything you can to secure it from further damage. If there is a total loss, then this is unnecessary, but it only one are of the home was damaged, you’ll need to be proactive in taking actions to prevent against further damage. - Monitor living expenses
Your policy includes a “loss of use” clause, meaning you will be reimbursed for living expenses while you’re displaced. However, be aware you’re only entitled to the difference between what you spent when you were displaced and what you spent while you lived at home. If you’re staying with loved ones during this time, then your hosts might be reimbursed for these costs, so ask them to itemize additional costs.
If you find you’re having issues with getting your claim, then it’s time to get in touch with a qualified public adjuster like Norcia Insurance Consultants. Call us now at (866) 512-5677.
