3 Steps for Making a Fire Insurance Claim

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Making a Fire Insurance Claim in 3 Easy Steps

After a fire damages your Dunns Rock, NC, home and the fire trucks leave, you are likely left-facing smoke damage, charred building materials and lost possessions. While this can seem overwhelming, gathering details to make a fire insurance claim can put you on the path to rebuilding your home, from calling in a fire restoration company to replacing lost items.

1. Contact Your Representative
Once the fire is out, the first step to take is to contact your local insurance representative and let him or her know what happened. Note when the fire broke out, how many stories of your home suffered damage and the overall severity of the fire. If your home is safe to enter, you may also want to take photos to send to your representative before any fire restoration efforts take place.

2. Compile a List of Damages
You may be able to streamline your claim by making a comprehensive list of damages and whether they can be restored. For example, if some of your damaged furniture can undergo smoke cleaning, the cost of the restoration may be less than the cost of replacing that item. Try to photograph as many objects as possible and provide your representative with copies of purchase receipts for expensive items, such as electronics.

3. Meet With an Insurance Adjuster
Your insurance company will likely send out an adjuster who will survey your home’s damage, collect documentation and let you know whether the cost of a fire restoration service is covered under your insurance policy. You can prepare for this meeting by having a catalog of losses and photos ready to submit and by making a list of services you might need to begin the restoration and rebuilding process.
Facing the aftermath of a fire at your Dunns Rock, NC, home can make you feel helpless. Knowing how to proceed with an insurance claim may help you feel more confident about facing the future and repairing your property.